Renal Services

How to refer your patient

Please send via eReferral using SeNT software or via fax to 03 5454 8047.

Essential information enables Bendigo Health to accurately triage patients into the appropriate category and deliver prompt treatment, thereby increasing capacity the Specialist Clinics. If any information is missing, you may be asked to resubmit the referral with the necessary details.

• This clinic at Bendigo Health is registered as an MBS clinic. If you are referring to these clinics, please click here for more information.

Indications for Referral to the Renal Unit Outpatient Clinic

• Stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) of any cause (eGFR <30mL/min/1.73m2)
• Persistent significant albuminuria (albumin creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/mmol, or urinary protein excretion ≥500 mg/24 hours) – on at least 2 separate measurements and in the absence of urinary tract infection
• A consistent decline in eGFR from a baseline of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (a decline >5 ml/min/1.73 m2 over a six month period which is confirmed on at least three separate readings)
• Persistent glomerular haematuria on at least 2 urinary specimens
• CKD and hypertension that is hard to get to target despite at least 3 anti-hypertensive agents. (Ambulatory BP monitoring [ABPM] is useful to exclude a ‘white coat effect’)

Renal Referral Guidelines

All referrals should be accompanied by basic investigations, including a full, up to date medication list and;

Essential;

      - FBE, U & E & Cr, CMP, LFT, ESR

      - HbA1c (if not performed in last 3 months)

      -  Urine M/C/S + Pr:Cr + Alb:Cr

- Renal tract ultrasound – If evidence of renal tract obstruction please consider Urology referral + PSA if appropriate

Information for GPs/health professionals

The Renal Unit provides a 24 hour a day consultative service through the switchboard at the Bendigo Hospital on 03 5454 6000.

Business hours - please speak to the Renal Registrar.

Out of hours ask – please ask to speak with the Renal Physician on call.

If there is uncertainty about the appropriateness of a referral, or an acute renal issue for which the doctor requires advice, a phone call may well help sort the issue out promptly and avoid unnecessary delays in patient assessment.

Clinical service overview

The Bendigo Health renal service offers comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment care and management of kidney disease and kidney failure.

The Renal Service provides the community with haemodialysis (HD), home therapies (PD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, pre-transplant work-ups, post-transplant care, and supportive care management.

Renal Services provide haemodialysis in the community dialysis unit (CDU) and acute dialysis unit (ADU) and home therapies provide training and support for those patients receiving PD. Holiday dialysis enquiries are welcome at any time, via phone (03) 5454 8045, however places are limited due to service demand.