Kidney Disease - Retail Medical Scheme

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys function less than expected. The kidneys are important and are responsible for excreting waste products, for electrolyte balance and for the production of certain hormones. Due to several causes of chronic kidney disease, many of the above functions can be affected. Kidney disease can be present from birth (congenital) or acquired as a result of high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV or aging.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is often a silent disease because the patient might not experience many symptoms. This is why many people are only diagnosed when the condition is already established, and not in the early stages when further progression can be prevented. Signs and symptoms may include:

Nausea and vomiting

Decreased mental sharpness

Loss of appetite

Muscle twitches and cramps

Swelling of feet and ankles

Persistent itching

Changes in how much you urinate

Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart

High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control

Fatigue, weakness and sleep problems

The Kidney Care Programme

We understand that living with chronic kidney disease is a lifelong journey, often made difficult because of the need for regular care, complex medicine, restrictive diets, and many tests and investigations.

The Retail Medical Scheme Kidney Care Programme is designed to make it a bit easier for our members on chronic dialysis to manage their condition. The programme is based on international best practice guidelines, to make sure you get the best quality of care and quality of life.

What do you get?

A calendar-based blood test schedule that your treating doctor and dialysis provider will need to follow in order to manage your condition. To obtain benefits related to these blood tests, you need your doctor to complete a PMB application form stating what type and frequency of chronic dialysis you require.

Yearly reports based on these tests and other important clinical information. We send the reports to you, your dialysis provider and your doctor to help in the management of your condition.
An information booklet to help you better understand and manage your condition.

The following organisations serve to offer additional support in managing your kidney condition: