Iowa has one comprehensive pediatric kidney program: University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City. It is Iowa's sole program offering the full continuum of care — nephrology, dialysis, and kidney transplant — and it serves families from across the entire state. For families in western Iowa, Children's Mercy Kansas City in Missouri is also a strong option. Hand-curated and independently verified.
~100K
Adults estimated to have CKD in Iowa
3.2M population · ~3.2% CKD prevalence
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Iowa's only comprehensive pediatric nephrology, dialysis & transplant program
University of Iowa
Iowa City
Location of Stead Family Children's Hospital — ~200 miles from western IA
University of Iowa Health Care
Medicaid Iowa
Iowa Medicaid — dhs.iowa.gov
Iowa Dept of Health & Human Services
Access Context
Iowa Has One Comprehensive Program — Here's What That Means
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital is Iowa's only comprehensive pediatric nephrology, dialysis, and transplant program. All Iowa families needing pediatric nephrology specialty care beyond what a local pediatrician can provide will ultimately be referred here. The program is strong — but families in western Iowa face drives of 180–220 miles to Iowa City.
Western Iowa families (Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Des Moines): Children's Mercy Kansas City in Missouri is a national top 5 program located ~200 miles from Council Bluffs. If geography makes University of Iowa difficult to reach, ask your pediatrician about a referral to Children's Mercy as an alternative or second opinion. See the Missouri resources page for Children's Mercy details.
For Children
Pediatric Nephrology Center
Geography
Getting to Care from Across Iowa
Iowa City is on the eastern edge of the state. Travel times vary significantly by region.
Eastern Iowa (Iowa City / Cedar Rapids / Davenport)
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's
15–90 minutes. The most convenient region. Routine nephrology visits and urgent access both manageable.
Central Iowa (Des Moines area)
Iowa City (~2.5 hrs) or Children's Mercy KC (~2.5 hrs)
Des Moines is roughly equidistant between Iowa City and Kansas City. Families may have a referral preference or insurance guidance that determines which to choose.
Western Iowa (Council Bluffs / Sioux City area)
Children's Mercy KC (~2 hrs) or Iowa City (~3.5 hrs)
Western Iowa families are closer to Children's Mercy in Kansas City. Ask about a cross-state referral.
Northern Iowa (Mason City / Waterloo)
Iowa City (~2–2.5 hrs) or University of Minnesota (~3 hrs)
Northern Iowa families could also explore Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN (southern MN), approximately 2–2.5 hours from Mason City.
For Adults
Adult Nephrology & Transplant
Community
Support Organizations
Financial Help
Financial Assistance
Education
Kidney Explorers in Iowa
Request Kidney Explorers for Your School
Our interactive kidney education module is designed for elementary and middle school students. Ask your school to bring it into the classroom.
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