Responsibilities of Dialysis Centers

Dialysis patients have End-Stage Renal Disease. This means their kidneys--vital body parts that filter harmful waste out of the blood stream--are function at about 10 percent (or less) of normal, explains munsonhealthcare.org. Dialysis is a medical procedure that performs the job failing kidneys can't. Patients can either do dialysis themselves at home, or receive it at a dialysis center within a hospital or separate entity.

Administer Treatment

• Dialysis centers give regular treatment to patients with kidney failure. Qualified nephrologists at these centers discuss the available options with patients. The two types of dialysis include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, a patient is hooked up to a machine that removes blood, filters out extra fluid and toxins, and returns it to the body. Peritoneal dialysis is more involved and can be performed at home, work or school once a patient (or family member) is properly trained by staff.

Offer Safety and Comfort

• Because dialysis involves blood and the internal body, needles, tubes and other equipment must be properly working and clean to avoid infection and other issues. Hemodialysis takes about three to four hours to complete. Centers provide patients with soft chairs, pillows, blankets, televisions and other comforts to ease the process. Buildings must be handicap accessible, since many patients use wheelchairs or walkers.

Provide Support

• Persons with End-Stage Renal Disease can be placed on the national list to receive a kidney donor transplant. It is difficult for patients to constantly watch their diet, fluid intake and medication while receiving regular dialysis. Morale can suffer upon hearing that several months, or even years, can pass before receiving a transplant. Dieticians, social workers and other personnel are available to give encouragement and emotional support. They counsel patients and their families, and educate them about their condition to help increase their quality of life. Referrals are made to support groups to talk with others experiencing the same thing.

Employ Professional Staff

• Dialysis centers must have trained and professional medical staff dedicated to taking care of patients and making them as comfortable as possible. Besides the expertise of nephrologists, centers also employ qualified nurses and dialysis technicians to administer dialysis, monitor blood pressure, give medication, perform lab tests and provide other assistance.

Heed Requirements

• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has established federal requirements that centers must meet to receive Medicare coverage. These standards serve to provide patients with ongoing quality care and encourage them to be actively involved. Centers must provide certain procedures and equipment in case of medical or nonmedical emergency. Onsite defibrillators can save lives, and plans must be implemented for power outages or natural disasters.

Accommodate Visitors

• Because hemodialysis must take place three days a week and peritoneal dialysis must take place daily, it is necessary to make appointments with a dialysis center when traveling. Without regular dialysis, death can occur. This service allows patients to receive critical care and live nonrestrictive lives. Make arrangements early to allow ample time to send medical records and fill out paperwork.