Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, and most people who have it don’t know, because the early stages usually cause no symptoms. The good news is that a simple check can pick it up early, and early care can help slow it down and protect your heart and overall health. At Samford Valley Medical Centre, our GPs and nurses look after kidney health as part of everyday care, with a particular interest in CKD.
Who should have a kidney health check?
It’s worth asking your GP about a kidney health check if you:
- are aged 60 or over
- have diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have heart disease or have had a stroke
- have a family history of kidney disease
- are carrying extra weight or smoke
- are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person aged 30 or over
- have had a kidney injury in the past, for example during a hospital stay
What a kidney health check involves
A kidney health check is quick and straightforward. It usually includes:
- a blood test to see how well your kidneys are filtering (eGFR)
- a urine test to check for protein leaking from the kidneys (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
- a blood pressure check
Your GP will explain your results and advise how often your kidneys should be checked, based on your health and risk factors.
If your kidney function is reduced
Finding kidney disease early gives you the best chance to protect your kidneys. Depending on your situation, your care may include:
- keeping blood pressure and blood sugar in a healthy range
- reviewing your medicines, as some need a dose change or are best avoided with reduced kidney function (including some over-the-counter pain relievers)
- discussing medicines that can help protect kidney and heart health
- practical support with lifestyle, nutrition, weight and stopping smoking
- regular monitoring, so changes are picked up early
- a chronic condition management plan, coordinating care with our practice nurses and allied health
- referral to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) when needed
Our GPs
All of our GPs provide kidney health checks and ongoing care. These doctors have a particular interest in chronic disease and kidney health:
Dr Michelle Ledbury
Dr Michelle has over 20 years’ experience across hospital, community and general practice, with special interests including chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Dr Oran Carroll
Dr Oran spent three years as a medical registrar before six years as a rural GP. His special interests include complex chronic disease management, cardiology, metabolic health and diabetes.
Dr Ammara Chaudhry
Dr Ammara has cared for multiple generations of local families at Samford Valley Medical Centre. Her interests include chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, with a strong focus on prevention.
Booking
Book online with any of our GPs, or call our reception team on (07) 3289 1712. If you’d like a kidney health check, mention it when booking so we can allow enough time.
We welcome patients from Samford Village, Samford Valley, Highvale, Wights Mountain, Camp Mountain, Dayboro, Ferny Grove and surrounding areas.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.