A nephrologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions related to kidneys in adults and children. A nephrologist also treats different complications arising due to abnormal functioning of kidneys.

Though your family doctor can treat urinary tract infection, in case of a serious underlying condition which can cause recurrent urinary tract infections, your doctor may advise you to see a nephrologist. A nephrologist will examine the exact reason and recommend an appropriate treatment. If the infection is damaging your kidneys, then a nephrologist is better qualified to give treatment.

A surgeon who is specialized in treating conditions of kidney performs a kidney transplant surgery. A nephrologist is responsible for the medical treatment and care of the person before and after the kidney transplant surgery. However, a nephrologist does not perform a transplant surgery.

In case of following symptoms, you may visit a nephrologist:
less amount of urine is passed
swelling on the legs, feet and ankle
tiredness
shortness of breath
nausea
burning or pain while passing urine
blood in urine
fever with pus in urine
history of kidney or bladder stones

Yes, a nephrologist can treat kidney stones. The nephrologist may order investigations of blood and urine and some radiological examinations like X-ray and ultraosnography and recommend appropriate treatment for kidney stones.