Nephrology (Renal)

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

For the diagnosis, assessment and management of renal disease and ongoing care of advanced renal disease

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

Who does not usually need to be referred to a nephrologist?

CKD Stage 2 and 3:

  • Stable eGFR 30–89 mL/min/1.73m2
  • Minor proteinuria (< 0.5 g/24hrs with no haematuria)
  • Controlled blood pressure

The following people should be considered for referral to the renal clinic:

  • eGFR < 30mL/min/1.73m2 (including  all people with a kidney transplant or dependent on dialysis)
  • New onset Nephrotic Syndrome (Oedema, Hypoalbuminemia, Proteinuria>3.5g/24hr)
  • Unexplained decline in kidney function (> 25% drop in eGFR over three months)
  • Proteinuria > 1g/24hrs - particularly in non-diabetics
  • Glomerular haematuria (particularly if proteinuria present)
  • Potential kidney donors

The following people may be considered for referral to the renal clinic:

  • Recurrent urine infection
  • Resistant Hypertension (on 3 or more agents)
  • Recurrent renal calculi

Referral process

A referral is required for all new appointments and must conform to the Referral Standards as outlined on For Clinicians. eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in all THS regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see Quick Guide: Creating an eReferral.

Specific requirements are detailed in the individual clinic and condition referral guidelines.

Referrals are registered by the clinic to who they are referred and are triaged according to the specific clinic guidelines.

Clinic Appointments - Appointments are based on clinical priority:

Emergency

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489 OR contact Renal Advanced Trainee or Nephrologist on Service via RHH Switchboard (03) 6222 8303 to facilitate urgent review/advice.

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent / category 1

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Semi-urgent / category 2

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks

Routine / category 3

Next available appointment

Referral template

For use by health professionals only