Kidney Disease Support in Point Cook

What your kidneys do

Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, keep the body’s salt and acid levels balanced, and make hormones that support red blood cells and healthy bones.

Chronic kidney disease means there has been damage, or reduced filtering, lasting three months or more. A large share of function can be lost without any change in how you feel, which is why testing matters more than waiting for symptoms.

Who should have a kidney health check

Kidney Health Australia recommends regular testing for adults who:

• Live with diabetes or high blood pressure
• Are known to have heart or blood vessel disease, including past stroke
• Smoke or are carrying extra weight
• Had a parent or sibling with kidney failure
• Experienced acute kidney injury in the past
• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 30 or over

Testing at the clinic

The clinic provides early detection and ongoing monitoring of kidney disease. Blood and urine for these tests can be given to Dorevitch Pathology, whose collection centre is part of the clinic. A full check has three parts:

• eGFR, a blood test estimating how well the kidneys filter
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), which picks up protein leaking into the urine
• Blood pressure measurement

Making sense of eGFR and uACR

A single abnormal result is not a diagnosis. Dehydration, a recent illness and some medicines can shift the numbers, so tests are generally repeated within three months to confirm a change.

The stage of kidney disease is worked out by combining eGFR with the amount of albumin in the urine. That combination guides how often monitoring is needed. If more detail is required, your GP can refer you for a kidney ultrasound or to a kidney specialist (nephrologist).

Signs of more advanced disease

Symptoms tend to appear late and can be vague. Mention any of these to a doctor:

• Swollen ankles, feet or puffiness around the eyes
• Urine that looks foamy or contains blood, or a change in how often you go
• Ongoing tiredness, poor concentration or trouble sleeping
• Itchy skin, nausea, a poor appetite or muscle cramps

Slowing further damage

Good control of high blood pressure and diabetes is among the most effective ways to protect the kidneys. Some blood pressure medicines also reduce protein loss, and a doctor can explain whether one suits you.

Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, some herbal products and supplements can be hard on the kidneys, so ask a pharmacist before buying them. Tell every doctor, dentist and hospital about your kidney disease, particularly before a scan using contrast dye.

Not smoking, staying active and eating less salt all help. If kidney function is reduced, a referral to a dietitian can guide food choices around protein, potassium and phosphate.

Looking further ahead

Kidney disease raises the chance of heart attack and stroke, so cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking deserve as much attention as the kidney results themselves. Many medicines are cleared by the kidneys, and doses sometimes need adjusting as function changes.

Most people with early kidney disease never need dialysis. For the few whose function keeps falling, options such as dialysis, transplant or supportive care are planned with a kidney specialist well before they are needed.

Fees and bulk billing

GP care plans are bulk billed with all our doctors. Other consultations may have an out-of-pocket fee, and each practitioner sets their own fees. See our fees page for details.

Related services

• Diabetes Care
• Hypertension Management
• Heart Disease Management
• Chronic Wound Care
• Osteoporosis Management
• All Chronic Disease Management