Expert Kidney Care Close to Home
Kidney conditions can range from painful kidney stones and recurrent infections to urinary tract blockages and even tumors. Our experienced urology team can help identify what's causing your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment plan, which may include:
- Advanced diagnostic testing
- Minimally invasive treatments
- Robot-assisted surgical care
Meet the Team
At Munson, every patient has an entire surgical team dedicated to their care, before, during, and after surgery. Our surgeons work alongside board-certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, surgical technologists, and other specially trained clinical staff.
Matthew Ayres, MD ▲
Gaylord
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Jared Davis, DO ▲
Charlevoix, Harbor Springs
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Emily Stevens, MD
Petoskey
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Brian Stirling, DO
Grayling
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▲ Performs robot-assisted surgical procedures
*A referral may be needed. Check with your health insurance provider.
Kidney Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Not all kidney conditions cause immediate symptoms. However, you may have a kidney condition if you notice the following:
- Blood in your urine
- Pain in your lower back or side
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Urinary blockage or reduced urine flow
- Kidney cysts found during imaging
- A kidney mass or tumor diagnosis
- Persistent kidney-related symptoms that interfere with daily life
If you're experiencing chronic urinary or kidney-related concerns, a urologist can help determine the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Conditions We Treat
Our urology specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of kidney and upper urinary tract conditions, including:
- Kidney Stones
- Recurrent Kidney Infections
- Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Tumors and Cysts
- Kidney swelling due to blockage (Hydronephrosis)
- Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
- Ureteral Strictures and Other Urinary Obstruction
Your Healing Journey: What to Expect
- Initial consultation with a specialist
- Review of your treatment options
- Treatment (often outpatient and minimally invasive)
- Return home (usually same day) and recovery
- Follow-up care
Advanced Kidney Treatment Options
Treatment is customized to your diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health. Your care plan may include:
- Active surveillance and monitoring
- Medication management
- Kidney stone procedures
- Ureteral stenting
- Minimally invasive surgery*
- Robotic-assisted surgery*
- Partial nephrectomy (kidney-sparing surgery)
- Radical nephrectomy when medically necessary
Our specialists work to preserve kidney function whenever possible while providing effective treatment tailored to your condition.
*Both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures can mean smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. In many cases where more complex surgery is needed, advanced tools like the da Vinci® Surgical System use precision instruments and a high-definition 3D camera to give surgeons a full-color, magnified view of the surgical site.
Care That Fits Your Life
Traveling for specialized care can add time, stress, and uncertainty to an already challenging situation. At Munson, your treatment stays close to home—so you can focus on healing, recovery, and the people who matter most.
With Munson, you benefit from:
- Experienced kidney specialists
- Access to advanced treatments for both common and complex kidney conditions
- Safe, compassionate, personalized care
- Advanced robotic and minimally invasive treatments
- Seamless coordination from consult through recovery
FAQs (Click or Tap to Open):
Is a urologist the right specialist for my kidney condition?
Urologists diagnose and treat many conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary tract, including kidney stones, kidney tumors, kidney cancer, kidney cysts, urinary obstruction, hydronephrosis, and recurrent kidney infections. They also perform advanced procedures and surgeries when needed.
If you're experiencing kidney-related symptoms or have been diagnosed with a kidney condition, a urologist can help determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Could my symptoms be caused by something other than kidney stones?
Yes. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, side or back pain, recurrent infections, or urinary changes can be caused by a variety of kidney and urinary tract conditions. Our team will identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
I'm afraid of losing my kidney. Will I need it removed?
Many kidney conditions can be treated without removing the kidney. When surgery is needed, our specialists work to preserve as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. We'll discuss all available treatment options and help you understand what's recommended and why.
Do all kidney conditions require surgery?
No. Many kidney conditions can be treated with monitoring, medication, or minimally invasive procedures. Surgery is recommended only when appropriate.
Find Kidney Treatment Near You
We serve thousands of patients across Northern Michigan, stretching from East Jordan and Charlevoix to the Thunder Bay region, including Alpena and Alcona.
Munson Healthcare Petoskey Community Health Center - Urology
1619 Anderson Road
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-417-6000 (option 3, then option 4)
