TL;DR
- This list highlights ten well-established Italian nephrology centres experienced in caring for renal insufficiency and chronic kidney disease.
- Each centre is known for multidisciplinary care, including nephrology, dialysis, and transplantation.
- Not a ranking: suitability depends on individual medical needs and treating-doctor recommendations. Ordered from North to South.
How these clinics were selected
Centres were chosen based on publicly available information about their nephrology, dialysis, and kidney transplantation programmes, including their activity level, research involvement, and regional referral role.
1. Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia – Udine
Why it stands out:
- Regional reference centre performing kidney biopsies and managing CKD and renal insufficiency.
- Well-established nephrology and dialysis unit.
Patient tip: Primary option for Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Professional note: Strong regional service for north-eastern Italy.
2. ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia – Brescia
Why it stands out:
- Large nephrology, dialysis and transplant unit managing complex kidney diseases.
- High biopsy volume and recognised expertise in rare and immune-mediated kidney disorders.
- Offers full adult pathways for CKD, renal insufficiency, and dialysis.
Patient tip: Ask about their monitoring programme for kidney-function decline.
Professional note: Strong centre for complex and rare kidney cases.
3. ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo – Milan
Why it stands out:
- Active centre for immune-mediated kidney disease and chronic renal insufficiency.
- Provides integrated nephrology and dialysis services.
Patient tip: May be suitable for patients with glomerular disease–related renal insufficiency.
Professional note: Good regional option for Lombardy.
4. Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico – Milan
Why it stands out:
- Major academic hospital with comprehensive nephrology, dialysis and transplantation services.
- Includes one of the most established paediatric nephrology units in Italy.
Patient tip: Particularly useful for families or patients who may need paediatric evaluation.
Professional note: Extensive multidisciplinary kidney-care infrastructure.
5. Policlinico di Padova – Padua
Why it stands out:
- Active in glomerular disease diagnostics and adult nephrology.
- Has a long research tradition in kidney medicine.
Patient tip: Good choice for monitoring programmes and chronic kidney disease evaluation.
Professional note: Suitable for research-driven collaboration.
6. Policlinico San Matteo – Pavia
Why it stands out:
- Historical teaching hospital with active nephrology and transplant programmes.
- Long tradition of research in kidney disease.
Patient tip: Ask how nephrology and transplant teams coordinate care.
Professional note: Strong academic base with established research collaborations.
7. Policlinico di Sant’Orsola-Malpighi – Bologna
Why it stands out:
- University hospital providing advanced care for chronic kidney disease and renal insufficiency.
- Known for strong collaboration between nephrology, dialysis and transplant medicine.
Patient tip: If considering a transplant evaluation, ask about waiting times and work-up procedures.
Professional note: Relevant hub for central-north Italy.
8. Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi – Florence
Why it stands out:
- University-affiliated hospital providing comprehensive nephrology services.
- Handles a wide range of chronic kidney conditions.
Patient tip: Useful hub for residents in Tuscany.
Professional note: Solid partner centre for nephrology collaboration in Central Italy.
9. Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS – Rome
Why it stands out:
- One of Italy’s largest hospitals, offering advanced kidney-disease care and transplant services.
- Recognised nationally for multidisciplinary complexity.
Patient tip: Useful option for residents in central and southern Italy.
Professional note: Large-scale infrastructure suitable for complex-case referral.
10. Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II – Naples
Why it stands out:
- One of Southern Italy’s main academic hospitals with a long-standing nephrology and dialysis service.
- Known for managing complex chronic kidney disease, renal insufficiency, and glomerular conditions.
- Offers multidisciplinary support including endocrinology, cardiology, and nutrition, which is often relevant for CKD comorbidities.
Patient tip: Ask about available dialysis modalities (haemodialysis vs peritoneal dialysis).
Professional note: Suitable for referrals requiring academic-level nephrology input in Campania.
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