Confirming your kidney disease - talking to your GP
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- Confirming Your Kidney Disease – Talking to Your GP
Understanding Your Results
If you’ve had a kidney health check, your doctor will explain what the results mean for your kidney health. If any signs of issues are found, early steps can be taken to manage or slow the progression of kidney disease.
Knowing your results helps you make informed decisions about your health. It also allows you to work with your healthcare team to develop a personalised plan to protect your kidneys and overall well-being.
If you haven’t taken the risk test, click the button below.
Speaking with your GP
If you have taken the risk test or completed your kidney health check but haven’t spoken to your doctor (GP), don’t worry.
Here’s something to help you start the conversation with your GP.
This handy letter from Kidney Health Australia’s clinical director, Professor Karen Dwyer will help explain to your GP:
- Why you would like your kidneys checked
- What tests need to be done
- How they can access additional support if required.
What is a Kidney Health Check
Your doctor will check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can hurt your kidneys and is often a sign your kidneys aren't working as well as they should. We’ll learn more about this in an upcoming lesson!
A blood test measures our kidneys filtration rate which is called the ‘estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate’ or ‘eGFR’. This rate shows how well kidneys are filtering our blood by measuring the amount of waste left in it. The waste product measured is called ‘creatinine’.
Lastly, a urine test looks for blood or a protein called ‘Albumin’ in your urine, which can be a sign of kidney damage.
If you haven’t had a kidney health check, this 2-minute test can help see if you’re at risk of kidney disease: Click on the “Take the risk test” button.
Tips for Talking with your GP
