Frequency of Kidney Panel Screenings for Patients Who Show Rapid Decline in Renal Function

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether polyclinics have procedures in place to expeditiously refer diabetic patients to a nephrologist after their estimated glomerular filtration rate first falls below 60 ml/min/1.73m²; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider increasing the frequency of kidney panel screenings for patients who show a rapid decline in renal function within Stage 3.

A decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with diabetes can be due to multiple reasons. Doctors will first investigate the underlying cause before determining whether the patient should be referred to a specialist. Some causes are reversible and cause transient reduction in renal function. They do not need a referral for specialist review once these causes are corrected. Where clinically indicated, clinical practice guidelines and protocols guide doctors to make urgent referrals to a specialist.

The frequency of kidney panel screenings is dependent on an individual patient's medical profile and rate of decline in renal function. Patients at higher risk of deterioration or complications are monitored more closely.