Nephrologist in Baldivis
Extended hours
Open 7 days a week
21+ clinicians
GPs & Specialists
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Being told your kidney function is low is frightening, and most people’s minds go straight to dialysis. For the majority, it never comes to that. Early kidney disease is common; it usually moves slowly, and the point of seeing a nephrologist is to keep it that way.
A nephrologist is a specialist physician for the kidneys and blood pressure. Dr Kavita Pannu consults on site here at Baldivis Family Medical Centre.
If you are passing little or no urine, severely swollen, breathless or confused, that is urgent. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Clinic Hours
Mon – Fri
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
We’ve moved! Find us at: 19 Settlers Avenue, Baldivis WA 6171
Why people are referred
Most referrals follow a routine blood or urine test, because kidneys rarely hurt until late. Common reasons:
- An eGFR result that has dropped, or keeps dropping
- Protein or blood found in the urine
- Kidney disease alongside diabetes
- Blood pressure that will not settle on treatment
- Recurrent kidney stones, infections, or a family history
How does a nephrologist check your kidneys?
Mostly with tests you have had before, but read more carefully and tracked over time.
- Blood tests. eGFR and creatinine show how well the kidneys filter.
- Urine tests. An albumin-to-creatinine ratio picks up protein leaking into the urine, often the earliest sign.
- Blood pressure. Both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease, hypertension is managed alongside.
- Ultrasound. Shows kidney size and structure, by referral to an imaging provider.
- Kidney biopsy. Occasionally, in hospital, where the cause is unclear.
Blood and urine collection happens on-site, Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. For anyone monitored every few months, that is one trip instead of two.
Our Team
Our nephrologist
We invite you to experience a healthcare service that truly puts you and your family first. Book your appointment today and discover why we’re the preferred medical centre in Baldivis for so many local families.
Dr Kavita Pannu, Consultant Nephrologist and General Physician
Dr Pannu graduated with honours in Medicine from the National University of Ireland, Galway, with advanced training in nephrology and general medicine and a Clinical Diploma in Palliative Care. Her interests include diabetic kidney disease, glomerular disorders, hypertension and renal conservative care. She is the Director of Physician Training and Medical Education at Peel Health Campus in Mandurah.
How to find a nephrologist
Nephrologists are specialist physicians, so you need a GP referral, not a direct booking. A referral from any GP is accepted, so you need not change practices.
Book a GP appointment and bring any recent results.
The referral is written first. Referrals cannot be back-dated, so one written afterwards means no rebate.
Call (08) 9591 8423 to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a nephrologist?
Dr Pannu consults at 19 Settlers Avenue, Baldivis WA 6171, serving Baldivis, Rockingham, Kwinana, Secret Harbour and Port Kennedy. The usual alternative is a public outpatient clinic or a drive into Perth.
How long does it take to see a nephrologist?
It depends on urgency and on whether you go public or private. Your GP marks the referral urgent where results call for it. Call (08) 9591 8423 for current availability.
How much does it cost?
A new patient appointment with Dr Pannu is currently listed at $380, with a $259 rebate, leaving about $121 out of pocket. Follow-ups are $200 with a $130 rebate, leaving about $70. A referral written before the appointment is required to claim any rebate.
Will I need dialysis?
Most people with chronic kidney disease never do. Treatment is usually about slowing things down: blood pressure, managing diabetes, reviewing medications that strain the kidneys, and monitoring. Your nephrologist will tell you honestly where you sit.
The sooner it is looked at, the more can be done
Kidney function is easier to protect than to recover, which is the one good reason not to sit on an abnormal result.
Contact Info
Baldivis Family Medical Centre
Address : 19 Settlers Avenue, Baldivis WA 6171
(next to Mary Davies and the Library & Community Centre)