8 Quick tips to choosing the right dialysis center

8 Quick tips to choosing the right dialysis center

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Greetings. These tips are for individuals who are new to discovering a dialysis center as well as those who desire a transfer from their current facility. Understand that not all facilities are the same. I have worked in many centers down throughout the years and have witnessed the similarities and the difference. Some facilities have the nephrologist onsite and some don't along with other characteristics. Other facilities may not have online clearance (OLC) traffic lights on top of the machine and some do. I am sharing these quick tips to give you better insight so you can make the best decision. 

1. Consider the location and or distance of the facility*

Is the clinic too far? What distance is a deal breaker for you?

2. Look online for reviews*

Does your chosen facility have a host of complaints from others that are currently going there? Look on Yelp and Google Maps for info. 

Check out what the state says about any dialysis clinic HERE

3. Does this facility have the time that I need?

This is important to find out if you are working after treatments or you have a business or school to attend. 

4. See if you can visit the center*

Call the clinical manager and ask how you can visit the center. If you are transferring, you can do the same. Consider what it is that really matters to you: Cleanliness? Safety?

5. Evaluate the staff* 

Go by your gut feeling when doing this. Who will be on your dialysis team?  Are the staff welcoming and professional? Do you see laziness (staff on the phone, on the computer browsing sites that are not dialysis-related, playing games)? What do you sense in the atmosphere? Are other patients being assisted when they call for help? Or when their machine beeps? 

6. Evaluate the condition of the facility* 

Is the clinic clean and in good condition? How is the ceiling? Does it have serious heavy spots?

The reason I mentioned the roof is that I remember hearing of the roof collapsing in a dialysis unit near me once the rainstorm came.  How are the restrooms? Did you spot any blood? Are the chairs ripped? Are they heated seats? Would a cloth sheet be used after each patient? How are blood spills cleaned? 

7. Is having the nephrologist onsite important to you or not?*

Some nephrologist/doctors/physician assistants don't have an office within the dialysis center and they are offsite (but come to the center to visit). There are others that are onsite. 

8. Does this facility offer other modes of dialysis?

Or encouragement to try another way?

This depends on if you want to try another type of dialysis like nocturnal dialysis, or transition to peritoneal or home dialysis. Does the facility encourage its patients to seek better modes of dialysis? 

For instance, with peritoneal dialysis, a person has a lot more freedom and their blood gets cleaner much more because it's every day. 

Other questions to ask

What is the policy for visitors? 

Can I eat on the machine?

What hospital will be called if something happens to me?

Are updated patient support resources given to the patients?

Does the temperature fluctuate a lot? Are patients constantly complaining about it?

How can I find out who to call in case the clinic is closed due to bad weather?

~Thanks for visiting this blog~

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