Dialysis is an artificial means of cleansing waste and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys no longer perform that job effectively. While dialysis can be performed from home, this isn’t the best option for everyone, and it still requires going to a dialysis center regularly. This means spending three to four hours, three times a week in a dialysis center. And since dialysis may have to be performed for a very long time, it’s important to find the right place to receive your treatment in. Here are some tips for finding a center that is right for you.
Inspect the clinic.
While many medical buildings' accreditations and amenities can be viewed online or discussed over the phone, a visit in person is generally a better decision if you’re seriously considering using a place. Since you’ll be traveling there frequently, you’ll want to consider things like the length of your drive and if you’ll need assistance getting there. But more importantly, how comfortable do you feel in this facility? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Is the building well kept, clean, and hygienic? Medical facilities can be a breeding ground for pathogens, which is especially dangerous for someone who is already in a tenuous state of health.
Check out the staff.
There’s a lot more to dialysis than just being friendly. If you already have a nephrologist you like and want to keep that particular doctor, find out if there is a center they are involved with. Additionally, since much of your time will be spent with a dialysis nurse or technician, make sure their training is consistent with your wishes. It is important to be active in your own care, which means finding a staff that is prepared to help you understand what is going on in your body during this time.
Make sure they have what you want.
Not every place is made to meet your schedule, which means finding somewhere that offers the kind of availability you’re looking for—and not necessarily just for scheduled visits, but in case of an emergency as well. If you’ve decided you want to proceed with in clinic care but would like to be able to consider in-home dialysis in the future, make sure they have the amenities to help provide you with that as well. Consider the financial aspects too. Make sure the place is covered by your insurance or that you can afford it. Just because you like a place and the staff are great, that still does not make it the best option for your treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make a decision that works for you.
