The basics
How to choose a dialysis center
You’ll be spending a lot of time at your dialysis center, and will depend on the care team there to help keep you feeling your best. Naturally, you’ll want to do a little homework before you decide on a center. Start by looking at the Dialysis Center Checklist below. The Checklist provides a list of questions, along with the reason for asking. Bring the checklist to each center you visit so you can make comparisons.
Find dialysis centers close to your home by using our “Find a center” tool. To arrange your tour at a DaVita dialysis center, please call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0680 (operating hours: Pacific time: 5am to 6:30pm / Eastern time: 8am - 9:30pm).
You may decide to change dialysis centers, if you are not happy with your current center. Keep in mind, however, you may also need to change doctors. To find out the quality ratings of centers near you, look them up on Medicare’s Dialysis Facility Compare website.
Dialysis Center Checklist
| Question | Reason for Asking |
|---|---|
|
Is the staff friendly, welcoming, and trained in service excellence? |
A kind, encouraging, friendly staff can help you do better. |
| Are there photos or decorations at the center suggesting the people there care about each other? | A good center is a pleasant, caring place. |
| Is the center clean? | Infection control—and pride in the center—show in a center’s appearance. |
| Is the center above the national average in terms of dialysis adequacy? | Adequate dialysis is enough to keep you feeling your best. Two tests measure adequacy. URR should be greater than 65%. Kt/V should be greater than 1.2. |
| Is the center above the national average in terms of anemia management? | Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells, which makes you tired and can damage your heart. Two lab tests measure anemia. Hemoglobin (Hgb) should be greater than 11 g/dL. Hematocrit (Hct) should be greater than 33%. |
| Is the center above the national average in terms of nutrition management? | Adequate nutrition is a measure of health. Albumin levels measure nutrition. The albumin level should be at least 3.5 g/dl. |
| Will the center give me a Welcome Booklet or show me an orientation video when I start treatment? | You have a lot to learn to live well with kidney disease. How will the staff help you to help yourself? |
| Does the center have a patient newsletter? | A good center will keep its patients informed about dialysis issues. |
| Will the staff help me learn about exercise and staying active on dialysis? | Exercise (with a doctor’s OK) is even more important for dialysis patients than for healthy people—and a great way to pass time on hemodialysis. |
| How often/when will I see my nephrologist? | Your doctor should see you at least once a month in the center or his/her office. |
| How does the center protect patient safety? | The center should take steps to protect patients and visitors from infections, injuries and crime. |
| Question | Reason for Asking |
|---|---|
| If I choose hemodialysis, will the center schedule my treatments around my work schedule? | Keeping your job means having a more normal life—and, often, better insurance. Your treatments should allow you to work. |
| Is there flexibility in scheduling? | If you have a key meeting or special event, you may want to reschedule a dialysis treatment. Will the center help you? |
| Can I use a laptop computer or cell phone in the center? | A computer or telephone can allow you to work or learn during dialysis time. |
| Are peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis offered? | PD and home hemodialysis let you schedule treatments around your life and your work. |
| Is there a Guest Services hotline to help me find other dialysis centers when I go on vacation? | How easy will the center make it for you to plan your travel? |
| Question | Reason for Asking |
|---|---|
| Can I talk to some patients at the center about their experiences? | Talking to several different patients can give you a good picture of what it’s really like to get treatment at the center. |
| Can I eat or drink when I am on hemodialysis? | A center may have a good reason why food is not allowed. If a center says no, ask why. |
| Are visitors allowed during hemodialysis treatments? |
If there is enough space, many centers allow quiet, well-behaved guests to support you and help you pass the time. |
| Is there a way to get to know other patients in the center? Is there family support? | Talking with others who understand can help you and your loved ones cope and adapt. Ask if the center has patient mentors, meetings, parties, picnics or special events. |
| If I choose hemodialysis, are there planned activities I can do during treatment? | Bingo, arts and crafts, games, movies, and other activities can help the time pass enjoyably. |
| Does the center have on-site staff to help with insurance questions? | Not having to go through a billing office will save you time and effort. |
Give us a call: 1-800-244-0680Tip: Double-click on a word to look up its definition or click once on a hyperlinked word or phrase to read more about the topic.
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