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Program · Nephrology Program
Available across Ontario Physician-led OHIP-covered consultations

Expert kidney care, virtually

Royal-College-certified nephrologists managing CKD, hypertension, kidney stones, and renal complications — accessible from anywhere in Ontario.

Book this program → See how it works
FRCPC Nephrologists
Royal College certified
≈ 1–2 Weeks
Typical wait for first visit
CKD Slowing
Evidence-based progression delay
Pre-Dialysis Care
Plan ahead, avoid surprises
Royal College certified
FRCPC Nephrologists
Typical wait for first visit
≈ 1–2 Weeks
Evidence-based progression delay
CKD Slowing
Plan ahead, avoid surprises
Pre-Dialysis Care

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

Day 0 · Online intake

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.

Week 1 · Virtual visit

Lab Work if Needed

Your nephrologist may order updated kidney function, electrolytes, urine studies, or imaging (ultrasound) — at no cost via OHIP.

Week 2 · Follow-up

Specialist Consultation

A virtual consult with your DOS nephrologist to review labs, examine your case, and design a kidney-protective plan.

Weeks 3+ · Ongoing care

Treatment & Coordination

Prescriptions, BP target adjustments, medication reviews, and (if needed) referrals for vascular access planning or transplant evaluation.

Wrap-up

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

FRCPC Nephrologists
≈ 1–2 Weeks
CKD Slowing
Pre-Dialysis Care
100% Virtual
Initial Intake & Records Review

04Coverage & what's billed

OHIP-covered
Physician visits· for eligible Ontario residents
Many physician consultations are covered by OHIP for eligible Ontario residents under your provincial health card. We are always upfront about any cost before you proceed.
Valid health card required at intake

What's covered: physician consultations, requisitioned lab work, Registered Dietitian services, prescriptions written by your DOS physician, and follow-up visits during the program.

What may be patient-pay: certain medications (depending on private insurance), devices, 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 pharmacy

Your preferred Metro pharmacy can assist with prescription fulfillment, medication availability, general pharmacy-related questions and product inventory inquiries. Clinical assessments, diagnoses, prescribing decisions and treatment plan modifications remain the responsibility of your physician.

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)

07Common questions

Do I need a referral to see a nephrologist?
For OHIP coverage, yes — most specialist visits require a referral from a family physician or another specialist. Our team will guide you through getting one if you do not already have a referral in hand.
My eGFR just dropped — should I be worried?
A drop in eGFR can be due to many things — medications, dehydration, true CKD progression. The right answer depends on the trend, not a single value. Our nephrologists will review your full lab history and tell you whether you are dealing with a temporary blip or progressive disease.
Can virtual care really replace an in-person nephrology visit?
For most established CKD management, yes — labs, imaging, medication review, and counselling all work well virtually. Where hands-on examination matters (e.g. fluid status assessment in advanced CKD), we will arrange in-person follow-up.
Will you coordinate with my family doctor?
Always. Visit notes, recommendations, and prescription changes are sent to your family doctor (with your consent). Coordinated care is core to good kidney medicine.
Ready to begin

Physician care that meets you online, prescribes, and follows up.

From intake to maintenance — virtual physician care across Ontario, with any prescription sent to your preferred Metro pharmacy.

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