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MEET OUR PROVIDERS
Jeffrey H. Lautman, MD

Jeffrey H. Lautman, MD

Meet Dr. Lautman – Nephrologist, Medical Director CKHC and CDC Euclid. 

Dr. Lautman has been a dedicated physician in the field of nephrology since 1989. He is Board Certified in Nephrology and a graduate of The Ohio State University’s prestigious Independent Study Medical School. He completed his Nephrology Fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland / Case Medical School.

A pioneer in his field, Dr. Lautman has consistently embraced innovation to improve patient care. He was among the first private practice nephrologists in Cleveland to introduce Home Hemodialysis and the use of ambulatory 24-hour wearable blood pressure monitors. He also founded the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinics for the Cleveland Clinic Health System’s Eastern Region.

Recognized for his clinical excellence and leadership, Dr. Lautman has held numerous leadership roles, including:

  • Chief of Staff at Hillcrest Hospital

  • Chief of Nephrology at Hillcrest Hospital

  • Medical Director at CDC Euclid Hemodialysis

  • Medical Director at CDC Euclid Home/Peritoneal Dialysis

  • Past Chief of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital

Despite his many titles and achievements, what matters most to Dr. Lautman is the deep, personal connection he shares with his patients. Known for his compassionate care and ability to truly listen, he brings both skill and heart to every interaction.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Lautman enjoys history, Jewish Bible study and Torah cantillation, ballroom dancing, and cheering on the Cleveland Browns.

Umesh Yalavarthy, MD

Umesh Yalavarthy, MD

Meet Dr. Y – Nephrologist & Medical Director, CDC Beachwood

Affectionately known as “Dr. Y,” he is one of the most highly regarded nephrologists in the country. Ranked in the top three nephrology fellows in the United States during his training year, Dr. Y is Board Certified in both Nephrology and Hypertension.

He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he also served as Chief Resident—a role that speaks to both his leadership and clinical excellence.

Dr. Y is known for going above and beyond for his patients, bringing both enthusiasm and deep compassion to his practice. His patient-centered approach and tireless dedication have earned him recognition and respect from both patients and colleagues alike.

Currently, Dr. Y serves as Medical Director of CDC Beachwood and is a past president of the Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO). His numerous honors include being named:

  • Distinguished Physician of the Year by AIPNO in 2018

  • Honored Physician by University Hospitals in 2019

 

Beyond his clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Y enjoys volunteering with his family and reading in his spare time.

Beloved by his patients and admired by his peers, Dr. Y continues to make a lasting impact in the field of nephrology—and in the lives of those he cares for.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sheru Kansal, MD

Meet Dr. Sheru Kansal – Nephrologist & Medical Director CDC HeatherHill. 

Dr. Sheru Kansal is a highly accomplished nephrologist serving patients in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He earned his medical degree from the University of Buffalo, where he also met his wife—now a practicing radiologist in Cleveland.

Dr. Kansal is known not only for his clinical expertise but also for his exceptional communication skills, ensuring that patients are fully engaged in their care and treatment decisions. His compassionate, collaborative approach builds trust and leads to better outcomes.

He is committed to providing the most current and effective treatments for:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  • Hypertension

  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD/dialysis)

 

Dr. Kansal has a strong clinical interest in managing the complex intersection of diabetes, congestive heart failure, and hypertension—all of which impact kidney health. He places a strong emphasis on preventive care, aiming to slow kidney decline and promote long-term wellness.

Patients trust Dr. Kansal for his deep knowledge, thoughtful care, and unwavering dedication to their well-being.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Kansal enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their three daughters—whether it’s skiing, hiking in the mountains, or simply enjoying family time. He also loves cooking gourmet meals for his family and tinkering around the house (and occasionally fixing things, too!).

Lautman, Kansal, Yalavarthy, Cleveland, Kidney, Nephrologist

Lisa M., MSN, CNP

Lisa is a focused, energetic, and compassionate Nurse Practitioner whose background in the Cleveland Clinic’s Intensive Care Unit provides a strong foundation for her work in nephrology. Her combination of clinical expertise, a sharp mind, and a bright smile makes her an invaluable part of the CKHC team.

You can expect to see Lisa collaborating closely with your CKHC physician and other members of your medical team—whether in the hospital or at the dialysis center—bringing a holistic, patient-centered approach to your care.

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Nika L., MSN, SRNP, AGACNP-BC

Nika has lived in South Korea, New York City, and North Carolina before settling down in Ohio. She loves the beautiful summers here and is still getting used to all the snow!

She started her nursing career in North Carolina, working in cardiac step-down, cardiac cath recovery, and the ICU. Her journey then took her to Philadelphia, where she earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on adult-gerontology acute care.

During her time at The Cleveland Clinic, Nika discovered her passion for nephrology. She loves that this specialty challenges her to keep learning while giving her the chance to build meaningful connections with her patients.

Nika joined the practice in the fall of 2024 and has quickly become an important part of the team. Patients may see her rounding at the hospitals or caring for people at the CDC Euclid office.

Tim Ray

Tim R., DNP, CNP, CNN-NP

We are proud and fortunate to have had Tim as part of our practice since 1999. In June 2019, we were honored to celebrate his 20th anniversary with CKHC—a milestone that reflects his deep commitment to our patients and the field of nephrology.

Tim holds both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). He is a recognized leader in his field, serving as a Board Member of the CNN-NP and on the Test Writing Committee for the NNCC. He also holds clinical faculty appointments at CWRU, Kent State University, and Ursuline College.

A published author in nephrology, Tim brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and academic insight to his work. He founded and continues to coordinate a professional network of nephrology nurse practitioners across the Greater Cleveland area—demonstrating his dedication to advancing nephrology practice and peer collaboration.

Beyond our practice, Tim is actively involved with numerous kidney-focused organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), and The Renal Network.

Tim brings profound expertise in nephrology and hypertension to every patient he cares for, always with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach.

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APRN

Coming Soon

Meet The Office Team

Lautman, Kansal, Yalavarthy, Cleveland, Kidney, Nephrologist

Lauren P., LPN
Clinical Manager

Meet Lauren – Clinical Manager

Lauren has always had a passion for helping others. After seven years working as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), she followed her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated at the top of her class from the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Practical Nursing and went on to spend four years in primary care at Lake Health.

Now at CKHC, Lauren has grown from serving as Dr. Lautman’s nurse to becoming our Clinical Manager. In her role, she works closely with our providers to ensure every patient receives excellent care and support. She brings efficiency, dedication, and her signature cheerful attitude to everything she does.

If you have any questions for Lauren, feel free to call her at 216-261-6263 ext. 712.

Lautman, Kansal, Yalavarthy, Cleveland, Kidney, Nephrologist

Jan D.
Business Manager

Meet Jan – Billing Manager & Practice Veteran

Jan has been an integral part of our practice for over 30 years—since the days when Dr. Lautman was a solo practitioner! With her wealth of experience, Jan oversees multiple office processes, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Known for her sensitivity and professionalism, she handles every issue with care, making her an invaluable member of our team.

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Christina​

Clinical Secretary

Christina brings more than 12 years of experience in the medical field to Cleveland Kidney & Hypertension Consultants. As a member of our front desk team, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for every patient, greeting them with a smile and ensuring a smooth and efficient check-in and check-out experience.

 

Christina enjoys assisting patients by answering their questions, addressing their concerns, and helping make each visit as seamless as possible.

Outside of the office, Christina enjoys cooking, working out, and spending quality time with her children.

Our Clinical Team
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Courtney
Medical Assistant

Dr. Yalavarthy & Dr. Lautman's Medical Assistant

Courtney is known for her big smile and even bigger personality! Her passion for caring for others began at a young age—becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) at just 17 years old. She later worked as a private caregiver, continuing to follow her calling to help those in need.

In 2017, Courtney earned her diploma in Medical Assisting with Limited Scope X-ray from Remington College. Shortly after, she joined the Visiting Physicians Association as a Lead Medical Assistant, specializing in home-based primary care.

Courtney became part of the CKHC family in August 2024, where she supports our nephrologists and nurse practitioners. She loves being able to care for patients while working alongside a dedicated and compassionate team.

When she's not at work, Courtney continues her caregiving role as a proud mother of two beautiful children. Watching them grow is one of her greatest joys.

To speak with Courtney, give her a call at 216-261-6263 ext. 706—you'll be greeted by her cheerful and bubbly voice!

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Kristel
Medical Assistant

Dr. Kansal & Dr. Lautman's Medical Assistant

Kristel is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. During her undergraduate years, she conducted research in the Traumatic Brain Injury Lab at Grant Medical Center and spent two years volunteering there before transitioning into a full-time role as a nursing assistant.

While medical school is in her future, Kristel is taking time to gain valuable hands-on experience in clinical settings. She recently moved back home from Columbus and joined the CKHC team in July 2025.

Kristel is passionate about medicine and has found her role as a medical assistant to be the perfect opportunity to work directly with patients while continuing to learn—especially in the specialized field of nephrology.

In her free time Kristel enjoys piano, reading, painting, and being outdoors!

You can reach Kristel at 216-261-6263 ext. 709.

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Michele
Medical Biller

Meet Michele – Billing & Insurance Specialist

Michele is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in insurance billing and adjudication. Her deep knowledge of back-office processes and exceptional organizational skills are essential to keeping our accounting and billing systems running smoothly.

Michele is known for being a dedicated problem solver, always going the extra mile to ensure our patients’ insurance plans are processed accurately and efficiently. Her attention to detail and persistence help take the stress out of billing and insurance for both the practice and our patients.

When she’s not working hard behind the scenes on your behalf, Michele enjoys unwinding at the slot machines—just for fun!

Lautman, Kansal, Yalavarthy, Cleveland, Kidney, Nephrologist

Sharon
Patient Account Representative

Meet Sharon – Scheduling & Billing Support

Sharon is here to help you schedule your appointments and answer any questions you may have about your statements. She is always a pleasure to talk to, offering patience and clear explanations to make billing and insurance easier to understand.

If you have questions about your bill or need help navigating primary and secondary insurance, Sharon is your go-to person. Don’t hesitate to give her a call at 216-261-6263 ext. 711—she’s happy to assist!

Our Billing Team
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