- Our services
- Medical and surgical
- Nephrology
Nephrology
Nephrology is the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases and related functions.
The kidneys play a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of your body. They are responsible for filtering waste out of the blood, removing fluids we drink and producing urine. The kidneys also regulate the hormones controlling blood pressure, red cell production and the absorption of calcium from the intestine.
We take a holistic approach to kidney care taking into account effects on your physical and emotional wellbeing. Your nephrologist works closely with you and in consultation with your general practitioner (GP) and a multidisciplinary team to coordinate your diagnosis and treatment.
Our nephrology services
Our nephrology services bring together an experienced team of caregivers to diagnose and treat kidney disease, as well as other conditions affecting the kidneys.
We offer evidence-based and patient-centred care. Our focus is always on your quality of life and independence, and we encourage you to be involved in the process of choosing the care that is right for you.
Our services include:
- renal consultation and kidney biopsy
- inpatient care for kidney disease
- outpatient clinics
- kidney transplants
- clinical and laboratory research
- patient education.
Our nephrologists are experienced in managing a range of conditions, including:
- kidney and urine infections
- acute kidney injury
- chronic kidney disease
- cancers of the kidney, bladder and urethra
- urine abnormalities
- renovascular diseases
- kidney and bladder stones
- autoimmune diseases
- polycystic kidney diseases
- hypertension
- acid-base abnormalities
- electrolyte abnormalities.
Referral
Your GP or specialist can refer you to our nephrology services.
Depending on your condition, you may be admitted to hospital or referred to one of our specialist outpatient clinics.
Benefits of our nephrology services
Our nephrology services can assist and benefit you in a number of ways:
- diagnosis and treatment of your kidney condition, including less common conditions
- a holistic approach to care including access to allied health professionals such as dietitians and psychologists
- dialysis services including home dialysis
- education about the management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis and transplants
- a focus on improving your quality of life.
Costs and fee payment options
If you have private health insurance, the costs for your hospital stay and specialist fees may be covered by your health fund, based on your level of cover.
If you don’t have private health insurance, you can access treatment at a St John of God Health Care hospital through our self-funded care option.
When you use your private health insurance, you get benefits that include access to St John of God Health Care private hospital facilities, your choice of specialist, minimal wait times, and with an eligible policy most of your hospital costs can be covered by your private health insurance fund.
You should contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses. Your health insurer will also be able to assist in understanding if you will have doctor, radiology and pathology out-of-pocket costs.
Patients who don’t have private health insurance can choose to access St John of God Health Care private hospital services and treatments by paying fees themselves.
By accessing our self-funded care option, you’ll be able to avoid wait times and have your surgery or treatment with your choice of specialist at a St John of God Health Care private hospital.
- Learn more and enquire about the self-funded care option.
- Call 1300 940 199 to get a quote for self-funded treatment.
If you have received an invoice for an expense associated with treatment from a St John of God Health Care service you can pay your bill online.
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