Specialist Services
Specialist diagnosis and management of kidney disease, difficult to treat hypertension, electrolyte and autoimmune kidney conditions, with care designed to slow progression and protect long-term health.
Our Network
Our nephrologists diagnose and manage a wide range of kidney and related conditions, often working with other specialists where systemic disease is involved. Common conditions we manage include:
Progressive loss of kidney function requiring monitoring and management to slow progression.
Protein in the urine, often the earliest sign of kidney damage. Often detected on a routine urine test.
Sudden decline in kidney function requiring prompt assessment and treatment.
High blood pressure that is hard to manage or is causing kidney damage.
Autoimmune inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units.
Abnormalities of potassium, sodium, calcium or other electrolytes.
Meet Integrated Specialist Medical Care
Kidney conditions often develop without obvious symptoms. You should consider a specialist consultation if you experience:
Reduced eGFR – a reduction in kidney function measured on blood tests
Protein or Blood in Urine – detected on a routine urinalysis
Difficult-to-Control Blood pressure
Increasing shortness of breath on exertion
Swelling of the feet or Persistent Fatigue
More
Why patients choose ISMC
Treatment only works when the diagnosis is right. Many complex conditions look alike in their early stages, so we take time to investigate properly, drawing on our clinicians’ training in imaging, ultrasound and diagnostic assessment. Once we understand what is actually driving your symptoms, we can build a plan around it.
Your specialists talk to each other, not only to you. When your condition crosses more than one area of medicine, our rheumatologists, nephrologists and physicians review your case together and stay in contact with your GP, so decisions are made with the full picture in front of them rather than one specialty at a time.
You leave with one plan, not several competing ones. We diagnose the problem, then work with your GP and any other treating doctors to agree on a single management plan, so your medications, tests and appointments fit together instead of being managed in isolation.
Care continues between appointments. Our nursing team supports you on site with infusions, monitoring and care plan reviews, and is there to answer questions as your treatment progresses, so you are not waiting until your next consultation to raise a concern.
Kidney disease can progress silently and often shows few symptoms until significant function is lost. Early specialist involvement allows us to slow progression, prevent complications, and preserve kidney function for the long term.
Our nephrologists diagnose and manage a wide range of kidney and related conditions, often working with other specialists where systemic disease is involved.
ISMC Experts
BMed (Hons),FRACP, PhD, Grad Dip MRI
Paul Bird is an experienced rheumatologist and researcher, dedicated to the expert management of patients with all form
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BMed (Hons),FRACP, PhD, Grad Dip MRI
Paul Bird is an experienced rheumatologist and researcher, dedicated to the expert management of patients with all form
View profile
BMed (Hons),FRACP, PhD, Grad Dip MRI
Paul Bird is an experienced rheumatologist and researcher, dedicated to the expert management of patients with all form
View profile
BMed (Hons),FRACP, PhD, Grad Dip MRI
Paul Bird is an experienced rheumatologist and researcher, dedicated to the expert management of patients with all form
View profile
Dr Cathie Lane provides nephrology services within Integrated Specialist Medical Care as well as holding a position of staff specialist...
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Dr Khor has expertise in all areas of renal medicine with areas of interest management of chronic kidney disease, hypertension,...
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Dr Nishanta Tangirala is an Australian dual-trained nephrologist and obstetric medicine specialistwith a broad interest in kidney disease and maternal...
View ProfileFrequently asked questions
Yes, a GP referral is required to see our nephrologists. This ensures Medicare rebates apply and gives us a full picture of your medical history before your appointment.
The main blood tests are serum creatinine and eGFR (which estimate kidney function), plus urine tests for protein and blood, and a panel of electrolytes. Your nephrologist may order additional tests depending on your individual situation.
Follow-up frequency depends on your condition and stability. Some patients are seen every few months, while others with stable disease may only need annual reviews. Your nephrologist will discuss a tailored plan with you.
Bring your GP referral, recent blood and urine test results, any imaging reports, a list of current medications, and your Medicare card. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, bring those readings too.
