Patients with kidney failure require reliable Access Dialysis for effective treatment, whether through a fistula or a graft. This procedure cleans and filters the blood when your kidneys fail or are not in good health. Here are four places to access dialysis:
Hospitals
Patients with severe kidney injury and complex medical needs may receive dialysis in hospitals because it requires constant monitoring. Emergency care is available immediately if a patient experiences a drop in blood pressure or breathing trouble. Individuals undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or treatment for serious infections may need dialysis as part of their overall care. Some hospitals train and support patients to use peritoneal dialysis so they can perform it safely at home. Patients in the intensive care unit often require a slower, continuous form of dialysis to prevent strain on their bodies.
Dialysis Clinics
Some clinics focus entirely on dialysis, meaning the staff, including nephrologists, dialysis nurses, and technicians, provide kidney care. Depending on their health, patients can visit these centers several times a week to access dialysis. Older adults or those with mobility issues who find it difficult to do home dialysis may visit these clinics for treatment.
During dialysis access, a nurse connects the patient to the dialysis machine using a catheter or fistula. Once the session is complete, a healthcare provider monitors a patient’s recovery for possible complications, such as dizziness or fatigue. Individuals may receive advice on diet or prescriptions that help improve kidney health until the next treatment.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities have trained staff and dialysis machines to offer treatment to their residents. This is beneficial for those who have chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease and require consistent dialysis. Having dialysis on-site reduces the need for residents to travel long distances when they have mobility issues or severe illnesses. On-site dialysis minimizes the risk of infections that could occur during transport to an outside dialysis center. A medical professional can also check how patients are responding to treatment and address problems like fluid retention.
Mobile Dialysis Units
Mobile dialysis units are equipped vehicles that bring dialysis services directly to patients in remote, rural, or underserved areas. Professionals travel to multiple locations to reach people with kidney issues, allowing patients to continue treatment. Due to flexibility, individuals may receive dialysis in the comfort of their homes or the nearest community centers.
These units can also reach disabled patients who cannot visit dialysis centers for treatment due to limited mobility. Some mobile dialysis centers are equipped with advanced monitoring systems that share data with primary care teams to monitor treatment. Healthcare teams review a patient’s medical history and ongoing needs to adjust dialysis treatment when necessary.
Get Quality Dialysis Access
Depending on your kidney health issues, you can access dialysis multiple times a week in different health centers. Trained staff monitor your vitals during the procedure and address any issues to boost your comfort. If you need dialysis, call a trusted clinic today to learn more about your access options.
