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Practical Guides > Specialists Guide

The Expert Guide to Nephrologists in Hong Kong

Last Updated: 2023-02-03

4 min read

Nephrologist.png

Nephrologist are doctors who treat diseases and conditions of the kidneys. Learn more about nephrologists, their specialty, consultation costs and where to find them in Hong Kong in this guide!

 

What is a Nephrologist?

Nephrologists are kidney diseases specialists. The kidneys are important organs of the urinary system, which removes waste and extra fluid from the body in urine. Kidney diseases can be caused by other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The other way round, kidney diseases can lead to other health problems, such as gout, anemia and heart disease. Nephrologists would carefully assess the patient’s overall health condition when they come up with a treatment plan.

Nephrologist vs. Urologist: What is the difference?

A urologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys, and the male reproductive system. A nephrologist, meanwhile, focuses on kidney functions. Moreover, urology is a surgical specialty whereas nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine, meaning that a urologist can perform surgeries while a nephrologist mainly focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney functions. 
 

Therefore, kidney diseases that require surgical interventions, e.g., kidney cancer and kidney stones are normally treated by a urologist rather than a nephrologist.

Common diseases managed by a Nephrologist

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) / kidney failure
  • Nephritis
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
  • Proteinuria

When should you see a Nephrologist?

You may need to see a nephrologist if you have the following signs or conditions:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar due to diabetes can harm the kidneys. Diabetic patients have a higher risk of having kidney faiure.
  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure can stiffen the blood vessels, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys and causing a kidney failure.
  • Abnormal urination: Changes in urine (darker in color, forthy urine) or urination ( frequency, difficulty, urgency or pain) may suggest a kidney condition.
  • Edema: The inability to remove excessive fluid is a sign of kidney problems.

Tests and procedures done by a Nephrologist

  • Urine tests: To check for abnormal blood, glucose, protein or bacteria in the urine.
  • Blood tests: To monitor kidney health. A high level of waste products in the blood may be a sign of kidney dysfunction.
  • Dialysis: To remove waste and excess fluid with a dialysis machine when the kidneys fail to do so.
  • Kidney transplant: To replace a dysfunctional kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. 
  • Renal biopsy: To remove tissue samples from the kidney for diagnostic tests.
  • Imaging tests of the kidneys: To assess kidney health and check for renal conditions. Examples of imaging tests are ultrasounds, CT scans and X-rays.

List of Nephrologists in Hong Kong

1. Nephrologists in the public sector

Specialist outpatient clinics for Nephrology are under the Department of Medicine and are available in this list of public hospitals in Hong Kong.

2. Nephrologists in the private sector

 

Clinics

 

 

Details

 

 

Cheng Kum Po, Ignatius Clinic

 

 

 

Address: Room 701, Tak Shing House, 20 Des Voeux Road Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel: 2526 7338

 

 

Cheng Sai Cheong Clinic

 

 

 

Address: G/F, 20 Tam Kung Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon
Tel: 2713 0281

 

 

Cheung Wai Cheung Clinic

 

 

Address: Parkes Medical Centre, 2/F, Parkes Commercial Centre, 2-8 Parkes Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: 2377 1228

 

 

Dr MF Lam Medical Center

 

 

Address: Room 907, 9/F, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen's Road Hong Kong, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel: 2252 7833

 

 

Dr. Ho Chung Ping Clinic

 

 

Address: Room 804, 8/F, Champion Building, 301-9 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
Tel: 2771 1366

 

 

Ho Kai Leung, Kelvin Clinic

 

 

Address: Suite 1308, 13/F, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel: 2810 7177
3893 6300

 

 

Ho Kwun Wai Clinic

 

 

Address: Room 1112, 11/F Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: 6448 9500

 

 

Kwok Ping Fai Clinic

 

 

Address: Shop A9, G/F, Smiling Plaza, 162-188 Un Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
Tel: 2386 7789

 

 

Li Fu Keung Clinic

 

 

Address: Room 525, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel: 2526 7338

 

 

Mak Chun Kee Clinic

 

 

Address: Room 1618, Argyle Centre Phase I, 688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: 2308 1923

 

You can search for nephrologists according to their locations here.


 

How much does it cost to see a Nephrologist in Hong Kong?

Public sector fees: For eligible HKID-holders, the price of visiting specialist outpatient clinics is HK$135 for the first attendance, $80 per subsequent attendance and $15 per drug item.


Private sector fees: According to our research, the initial consultation fees of a nephrologist in the private sector range from HK$500 to over $1,500. The costs of drugs, medical supplies, lab or other special treatments may not be included.

Does insurance cover consultations & treatments with Nephrologists in Hong Kong?

According to Alea, nephrologist consultations and procedures are reimbursed under doctor specialist fees. Generally, high-end medical plans reimburse nephrologist treatment in full without any sub-limit whereas local plans have doctor specialist sub-limits for consultations, procedures and surgeries. If you have any health insurance questions or looking to maximize your coverage, contact an expert at Alea at [email protected].

FAQs

What does a nephrologist do?

A nephrologist is an internist who specializes in managing kidney function and treating diseases of the kidneys.

What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?

A nephrologist is an internist who focuses on the kidneys while a urologist is a surgeon who focuses on the whole urinary system.

When should you see a nephrologist?

You may need to see a nephrologist when you have unusual urination or edema. You may also be referred to a nephrologist when you have other health conditions (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure)  that affect your kidneys.

This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.

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