An unblinded, randomised, controlled trial to assess patient care and outcomes of standard outpatient care and telephone consultation.

INTERVENTION: Upon referral to a nephrologist at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS), an appointment will be made with the GP and the consultation with nephrologist will occur over the telephone. The appointment will be arranged between the nephrologist and the GP at a mutually convenient time. The telephone consultation will take approximatley 15 mins. The intervention and follow up period will be two years. CONDITION: kidney disease People who have been referred to a Nephrologist and ongoing care PRIMARY OUTCOME: Feasibility of Recruitment. This will be assessed on the number of patients recruited (up to 60) before 36 months time frame. Study Coordinator will keep a diary of recruitment barriers and or issues for discussion at 3 monthly trial progress meetings. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Consultation time for standard and telemedicine clinics, time will be recorded at commencement and completion of each visit ; Patient and GP satisfaction for standard and telemedicine clinics. Questionnaires will be issued to patients and GP's after each visit ; Patient travel time for standard and telemedicine clinics. Recording where and how (ie: car, bus, taxi) patient travelled from and to at each visit timepoint. ; Patient's clinical progress. Assessed by blood and urine test results and examination of blood pressure. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patient referred to the SCHHS renal service and triaged (as per triage guidelines) as category 2 or 3 2. Age >18 3. Patient able to give informed consent 4. GP gives informed consent