About Us

Our Mission: 

"To provide the highest level of care to patients with kidney-related diseases. We realize this care is a matter of life and commit to exceed the expectations of our patients. It is our goal to be the preferred provider for all renal-related care in East Texas and surrounding areas.

Our History:

The Centers for Kidney Care began in 1974 when Dr. Thomas Lowery formed Tyler Nephrology Associates, PA (TNA) and began providing specialty care of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure for people in the East Texas area. The growing need to provide dialysis services led to Dr. James R. Cotton joining the practice in 1978. During that same year, TNA opened the first outpatient chronic dialysis unit now known as Watson Wise Dialysis in Tyler, Texas. Further expansion and the arrival of additional physicians have led to the establishment of the Dialysis Access Center of Tyler and 16 outpatient dialysis centers in East Texas, Northeast Texas, and Southeast Oklahoma providing dialysis therapy for over 1,250 patients with kidney failure.

In 1987 TNA teamed with East Texas Medical Center to open the only kidney transplant program in East Texas. Over 800 patients received lifesaving kidney transplants before ETMC terminated the program in 2017. The practice continues to provide post-transplant care through our offices in Tyler and Paris, as well as maintaining referral relationships with multiple transplant programs to facilitate kidney transplants for our patients.

In 1999, the Dialysis Access Center of Tyler was opened by TNA. At this facility, dialysis and pre-dialysis patients can receive specialized interventional procedures when they experience problems with their vascular access.

The practice has multiple satellite clinics throughout East Texas. In 2012, Kidney & Hypertension Specialists of Paris opened in Paris, Texas as the first full-time TNA satellite practice.  We also have satellite clinics in Jacksonville, Texas, Palestine, Texas, Sulphur Springs, Texas and Idabel, Oklahoma where we see patients. As a reflection of our growing practice and expanding geographic service area, the practice changed its name to The Centers for Kidney Care in 2017.

With the continual increase of patients requiring specialty care for kidney disease, The Centers for Kidney Care has grown to over 20 providers, caring for patients across much of East Texas, Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. We are excited to welcome you to our practice and look forward to building a long-term medical relationship with you.