About
Dr. Swapnil Satayya Hiremath is a dedicated Nephrologist, committed to providing exceptional medical care for adult patients with kidney conditions. Practicing at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized kidney care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). As a Nephrologist, he specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders. The clinic offers comprehensive care for a wide range of kidney conditions, from early detection and prevention to advanced disease management, including support for patients on dialysis.
Dr. Hiremath graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Bombay in 1997 (India). Following medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine, followed by specialized fellowship training in Nephrology. He has been practicing as a Nephrologist with over 17 years of specialized experience since 2007. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification ensure that patients receive care aligned with the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices.
With a professional philosophy centered on preserving kidney function and enhancing the quality of life for his patients, Dr. Hiremath is dedicated to educating patients and their families about kidney health. He emphasizes shared decision-making, utilizing advanced therapies and evidence-based medicine to achieve optimal outcomes. His approach includes early detection, prevention of disease progression, and comprehensive management of kidney-related complications. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. Fluent in Hindi and Marathi, he ensures clear communication and personalized attention for all patients in Ottawa.
Dr. Swapnil Hiremath provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of kidney conditions, including:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Dr. Hiremath addresses a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
- Post-renal AKI: Treatment involves relieving the obstruction to allow normal urine flow.
- Pre-renal AKI: Caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, or sepsis.
- Intrinsic AKI (Renal AKI): Direct damage to the kidney tissues, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN) from toxins or ischemia, glomerulonephritis, or interstitial nephritis.
Hypertension and Electrolyte Disorders
Dr. Hiremath addresses kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Acid-Base Disorders (Acidosis, Alkalosis): Treatment targets the underlying cause and correction of the pH imbalance.
- Secondary Hypertension: Important to consider in young patients or those with abrupt onset of severe hypertension.
- Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure that remains above goal despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic.
Glomerular Diseases (Glomerulonephritis)
Dr. Hiremath addresses can be primary (originating in the kidneys) or secondary to systemic diseases like lupus or vasculitis.
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease): Often presents with visible blood in urine during or after an infection.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Characterized by heavy proteinuria (protein in urine), low blood albumin, edema (swelling), and high cholesterol.
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): One of the common causes of kidney failure.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, a consultation with Dr. Swapnil Hiremath is necessary.
- Anemia and Mineral & Bone Disorder Management in CKD: Management of CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) through dietary advice, phosphate binders, and vitamin D analogues.
- Dialysis Access Planning and Coordination: Coordination with vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists for access creation and maintenance.
- Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorder Management: Diagnosis and treatment of complex imbalances in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base status.
- Comprehensive Nephrology Consultation: Second opinion consultations for complex kidney conditions.
- Hemodialysis Program Management (In-Centre and Home): Comprehensive management for patients undergoing in-centre hemodialysis.
- Peritoneal Dialysis Program Management (CAPD/APD): Home-based therapy allowing for greater lifestyle flexibility.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Hiremath.
All nephrology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. A referral from a physician or another specialist is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Hiremath's primary nephrology clinic is located at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, situated in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment, designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients. It is conveniently close to Carlingwood Shopping Centre and easily accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring easy access for those seeking comprehensive kidney care. Inpatient services, including dialysis, are often provided at Ottawa Hospital, ensuring seamless coordination of care for hospitalized patients.
- What are the main types of dialysis Dr. Hiremath might discuss?
- Dr. Hiremath can explain various dialysis options if needed. The two main types are hemodialysis, where blood is cleaned outside the body by a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, where a solution is put into your abdomen to clean the blood internally. Both have different schedules and requirements, and Dr. Hiremath would help determine suitability based on individual patient needs.
- What does a Nephrologist like Dr. Hiremath specialize in?
- A Nephrologist, such as Dr. Hiremath, is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This includes managing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and providing care for patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. a Nephrologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypertension, and electrolyte disorders.
- What is the difference between a Nephrologist like Dr. Hiremath and a Urologist?
- A Nephrologist like Dr. Hiremath is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, and medical aspects of kidney transplantation. Urologists are surgical specialists who treat anatomical or structural problems of the kidneys and urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones requiring surgery, bladder issues, prostate problems, cancers of the kidney/bladder/prostate). While both deal with kidneys, Nephrologists manage kidney function and disease medically, whereas Urologists manage surgically and address urinary tract structures.
- Are services from Dr. Hiremath covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for kidney diseases provided by Dr. Hiremath is covered under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes appointments, prescribed kidney function tests, management of dialysis, and care before and after a kidney transplant. Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests for kidney disease, management of chronic kidney disease, dialysis treatments (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and medical care related to kidney transplantation are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Preventive counseling for high-risk individuals referred by a physician is also typically covered. It's always best to confirm coverage specifics with Dr. Hiremath's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) directly, as some specific tests or newer adjunctive therapies might have varying coverage.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Hiremath?
- For most consultations with Dr. Hiremath that are medically necessary and covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist (like an internist or endocrinologist) is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively. In urgent situations, your referring doctor will facilitate an expedited consultation. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (613) 738-8337.
- When should I see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hiremath?
- You should see a Nephrologist like Dr. Hiremath if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have significant risk factors (like diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension with signs of kidney impact), or experience symptoms such as persistent swelling, changes in urination, blood or protein in urine, or unexplained fatigue that your family doctor suspects is kidney-related. A referral from your primary care physician or another specialist is typically required.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Rm 5207C, 1967 Riverside Drive, Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology
Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9
Office Phone: (613) 738-8400 | Office Fax: (613) 738-8337
Dr. Hiremath is a licensed Nephrologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Hiremath, particularly for services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Verify Dr. Hiremath's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hiremath-Swapnil-Satayya/0211372-80903