Nephrology (Renal)
Outpatients
Information about outpatient clinics for the diagnosis, assessment and management of renal disease and ongoing care of advanced renal disease.
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.
Availability
North West
Parkside Building
North West Regional Satellite Service
Phone: 03 6477 7746
Fax: 03 6777 5214
Emergency care
If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.
Scope
The following people should be considered for referral to the renal clinic
- eGFR under 30mL/min/1.73m2 (including all people with a kidney transplant or dependent on dialysis)
- New onset Nephrotic Syndrome (Oedema, Hypoalbuminemia, Proteinuria over 3.5g in 24 hours)
- Unexplained decline in kidney function (over 25% drop in eGFR over three months)
- Proteinuria over 1g in 24 hours (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
Who does not usually need to be referred to a nephrologist?
CKd Stage 2 and 3:
- Stable eGFR 30 to 89 mL/min/1.73m2
- Minor proteinuria (under 0.5g in 24 hours with no haematuria)
- Controlled blood pressure
Referral process
A referral is required for all new appointments and must conform to the referral standards. eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in All regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see the creating an eReferral quick guide.
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.
Appointments are based on clinical priority.
Where available, eReferral via HealthLink smart forms is now the preferred and only secure method of referral to the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Clinic appointments
Urgent (Category 1)
Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.
We will try to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.
Semi-urgent (Category 2)
We will try to see these patients within 12 weeks.
Routine (Category 3)
Next available appointment.