Internal Medicine at Chinook Medical Centre — by physician referral
What This Covers
The kidneys filter waste and balance fluids, minerals, and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) in the blood. This page covers chronic kidney disease (CKD) — a gradual decline in kidney function — and electrolyte disorders, where these mineral levels fall outside a healthy range.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Reduced kidney function identified on blood work
- Protein or blood found in urine on routine testing
- Abnormal sodium, potassium, or other electrolyte levels
- Kidney disease complicated by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions
- Unexplained changes in kidney function over time
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms. As function declines, symptoms can include fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, changes in urination, poor appetite, or difficulty concentrating. Electrolyte imbalances can cause muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or confusion.
Risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, age, and certain medications.
When Urgent Medical Attention May Be Needed
Severe swelling, little or no urine output, confusion, chest pain, or an irregular or very rapid heartbeat are emergencies — seek immediate care.
What Dr. Srini May Assess
Kidney function trends over time, contributing conditions (diabetes, blood pressure), electrolyte balance, and how these interact with your medications and overall health.
Tests That May Be Considered
Blood tests for kidney function and electrolytes, urine testing, and imaging (such as ultrasound) where structural assessment is needed.
General Treatment and Monitoring Approach
May include dietary adjustments, blood pressure and blood sugar management, medication review and adjustment, and regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes — individualized to slow progression and manage symptoms.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bring a current medication list (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) and any recent blood or urine test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chronic kidney disease be reversed?
It’s usually managed to slow progression rather than reversed, though the underlying cause and stage make a significant difference.
What causes electrolyte imbalances?
Many causes, including kidney function, medications, dehydration, and other medical conditions — assessment aims to identify the underlying reason.
Will I need dialysis?
Most people with chronic kidney disease do not progress to needing dialysis, especially with early management. This is assessed individually based on your kidney function and trajectory.
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner is required.
How to Obtain a Referral
Already a Chinook Medical Centre patient? Ask your doctor whether a referral to Dr. Srini is right for you.
Don’t have a family doctor? Become a patient at Chinook Medical Centre — once established with one of our family physicians, they can assess whether a specialist referral is needed.
For referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Download the referral form below, complete it, and fax it to us at 403-384-9798. For questions, call 403-384-9799.
Download the Dr. Srini Internal Medicine Referral Form (PDF)
Manage Your Prescriptions
If your treatment plan includes medication, Chinook Guardian Pharmacy is located on-site, right in the same building — making it easy to fill prescriptions, ask questions, and stay on track with refills.
Sources
Kidney Foundation of Canada patient resources.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivasan Narasimhalu, MD, FRCPC. This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider or, for urgent symptoms, seek immediate care.
