Dialysis Centers Information

Dialysis centers are facilities where patients go to receive or be trained on how to perform kidney dialysis. These clinics also provide routine care for renal patients in the areas of therapy selection, dietary needs, social work services, and physician services.

Fact

• According to the United States Renal Data System, there are more than 5,000 dialysis centers currently serving patients in the United States.

Ownership

• The majority of these clinics are owned by chains, such as Fresenius Medical Care, Davita, and DCI. There are still some hospital-based independent dialysis facilities, however the number continues to decrease as the large chains buy them out.

Treatments

• Dialysis clinic offer in-center hemodialysis treatments, and they also train patients to perform peritoneal dialysis at home. Training and in-center care are provided by registered nurses and dialysis technicians.

Physicians

• Rather than patients going to the nephrologist's office for check-ups, the kidney doctors make rounds and see the patients at the dialysis center on a monthly basis.

Dieticians/Social Workers

• Dieticians train the patients on healthy eating, and monitor their progress according to monthly bloodwork. Social workers help patients handle issues such as managing employment and adjusting to life on dialysis.