01Who it's for
Our nephrology program is open to:
- Have CKD at any stage (1–5)
- Have resistant or unexplained hypertension
- Have recurrent kidney stones
- Have proteinuria / haematuria flagged on labs
- Need pre-dialysis planning or transplant work-up referral
- Are an Ontario resident with a valid health card
02How the program works
Initial Intake & Records Review
Send recent labs (creatinine, eGFR, urine ACR), imaging if available, and a list of current medications. Our team reviews within one business day.
Lab Work if Needed
Your nephrologist may order updated kidney function, electrolytes, urine studies, or imaging (ultrasound) — at no cost via OHIP.
Specialist Consultation
A virtual consult with your DOS nephrologist to review labs, examine your case, and design a kidney-protective plan.
Treatment & Coordination
Prescriptions, BP target adjustments, medication reviews, and (if needed) referrals for vascular access planning or transplant evaluation.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Regular virtual reviews — typically every 3–6 months for stable CKD, more often if labs are evolving or therapy is being adjusted.
03What's included
04Coverage & what's billed
What's covered: physician consultations, requisitioned lab work, in-store vitals review, prescription refills written by your DOS physician, and follow-up visits during the program.
What may be patient-pay: certain weight-loss or specialty medications (depending on private insurance), supplements, and any out-of-program services you elect. Your DOS physician will discuss any patient-pay item with you before prescribing — nothing is added to your file without consent.
05Your Metro pharmacist
Each Metro location partnered with DOS has at least one pharmacist briefed on the program. They have access to your DOS chart (with your consent) and can answer questions about side effects, interactions, and adjustments without you needing to wait for a physician appointment.
06Eligibility & safety
Our nephrology program is open to:
This program may not be right for you if you:
- Are currently on dialysis (in-centre care required)
- Have an acute kidney injury requiring hospitalization
- Are post-kidney-transplant (transplant clinic care)