NephRef: Nephrology Guidance for Primary Care Providers

The WVU Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, is pleased to introduce the newly upgraded NephRef™, a free mobile application designed to support primary care and rural healthcare providers in the management of patients with kidney disease.

Developed by the Division of Nephrology, NephRef™ is an educational and clinical reference tool that provides clinicians with rapid, point-of-care access to evidence-based nephrology guidance. The app is particularly valuable for providers practicing in settings with limited access to nephrology specialists, facilitating referrals and bridging gaps in care.

NephRef™ features clear, evidence-based referral pathways that guide clinicians on when and how to refer patients to nephrology, along with concise educational modules tailored to the realities of primary care workflows. Optimized for mobile use, the app allows providers to access critical information from the clinic, hospital, or community-based practice settings.

"NephRef™ was created with the needs of primary care providers in mind,” said Sheikh Raza Shahzad, MD, of the WVU Division of Nephrology. “By placing practical, evidence-based nephrology guidance directly into clinicians’ hands, we aim to promote earlier recognition and improved management of kidney disease, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes across West Virginia.”

NephRef™ is available for free download on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Providers can search for “NephRef” or access it directly using the links below:

Apple App Store

Google Play

As the Division of Nephrology continues to refine and expand NephRef™, it remains committed to supporting primary care colleagues across West Virginia and beyond by providing accessible, high-quality kidney care resources.