This leaflet answers common questions about patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU). If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor.

In all cases, a doctor will explain the PIFU process to you and answer any questions you may have.

What is a ‘patient-initiated follow-up’ (PIFU)?

A patient-initiated follow-up, also known as PIFU, means that you are in control of making your own follow-up appointments at a time when you need them, or when your circumstances change.

How does PIFU work?

  • You will have agreed with your consultant that a PIFU follow-up is suitable for you. Your GP will be informed of this by letter.
  • You will have access to the PIFU service for two years. If you require a follow-up appointment during this period, you can contact the hospital to book an appointment without the need to be referred by your GP. 
  • Making an appointment is easy; you just need to call the telephone number provided or send an email to our dedicated PIFU email address. You will be asked for your name and date of birth or hospital number which can be found at the top of any hospital letter you have received.  We will also need a contact number to call you back if you have left a message.
  • If you have no symptoms and feel well then you do not have to contact our team for an appointment.
  • After two years, if you have remained well, and have not contacted us for an appointment you will be discharged back to your GP for follow up.

To have a PIFU appointment you must:

  • Have been told by your healthcare professional that this is appropriate for you.
  • Contact us within two years.

The nephrology nephrotics PIFU service:

  • You will have two years of access to the Nephrology service via PIFU.
  • When your PIFU expires after two years without needing our support, you will be discharged to the care of your GP.
  • If you have a new concern, your GP remains your first point of contact so that you receive an appointment into the correct clinic.

Under what circumstances should I arrange a PIFU appointment?

If you have a flare up of the symptoms from the original condition you were seen for. The symptoms are:

  • Ankle swelling.
  • Frothy urine.
  • Urine dipstick result 3+ protein for more than two days

Please contact a member of the administration team who will arrange a follow-up appointment for you within two weeks.

When should I not use PIFU?

For all symptoms and issues not related to your original condition. Your GP remains your first point of contact. For all emergency issues please call 999, NHS 111 or visit your nearest A+E or urgent care centre.

Booking a PIFU in four easy steps

  • Telephone the administrative team on 020 7472 6687 (opening hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm – excluding bank holidays) or via email
    rf-tr.renalpatientnavigators@nhs.net  
  • Explain that you require a PIFU appointment with nephrotics team and describe your symptoms. Please also include your name, date of birth, hospital number and telephone number.
  • Wait for a call from our team who will book an appointment for you. If you do not confirm your attendance, we cannot book an urgent appointment. A routine appointment may be sent to you.
  • Attend a face-to-face appointment in the Nephrology PIFU service.