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Easy traveling on dialysis

Whether you’re heading out of town to visit loved ones, attend a business meeting or criss-cross the globe, use the following travel tips for dialysis patients to guide you in planning your trip and dialysis in a visiting city. Each day people on dialysis travel to new and exciting places and still get the lifesaving treatment they need. Just because you’re on dialysis doesn’t mean you have to stay home. You can enjoy all the benefits of traveling to all the places you want to go.

Once you’ve chosen your destination, the DaVita® Guest Services Contact Center is here to assist you with your treatment placement needs. Call us at 1-800-244-0680 to arrange for dialysis treatments whenever you are traveling.

Travel tips for dialysis patients

Planning ahead is important when arranging for dialysis when traveling. Call the DaVita Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-244-0680 for assistance with arranging for your treatments. Skilled customer service specialists are available between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time to assist you with your placement needs.

With early planning, you are more likely to get your preferred shift at a facility that is closest to your destination. You also want to allow plenty of time for gathering the necessary medical documentation.

Once you know the center where you will treat while traveling, work with your social worker or administrative assistant to finalize your treatment arrangements.

Home hemodialysis patients

Home hemodialysis patients have more choices than ever before, with the availability of equipment that is portable, easy to set up and supported with supplies that can be delivered anywhere in the continental United States.

The first step in planning a trip is to call your doctor or dialysis provider and tell them about your travel plans. They can guide you on how to maintain your treatments while on the road, what to bring with you, how to schedule in-center appointments if needed, and much more. To schedule in-center appointments, call the DaVita Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-244-0680.

Click here to learn more about traveling for home hemodialysis patients.

Peritoneal dialysis patients

The most important thing to remember if you are traveling on peritoneal dialysis is to pack an adequate amount of supplies and any necessary medications in a safe and easily accessible way. Consider making a special first aid kit to carry with you that includes two days worth of essential supplies to help prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, such as a baggage delay. Make certain that your carry-on baggage meets security and airline regulations well in advance.

It’s recommended that you have a list of facilities offering PD at your destination as a back up should you experience problems. Call the DaVita Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-244-0680 to get this information. Click here to learn more about traveling for PD patients.

Special diet

Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) doesn’t mean that you have to forego vacations and day trips. But it is essential that you take some time to plan your meals before you leave. Learn which foods to bring, how to pack them and how to maintain a kidney-friendly diet and still enjoy your travels. Click here for diet tips for travelers with kidney disease.

Travel Checklist

With careful planning and preparation, many dialysis patients can experience the freedom of traveling for business or pleasure. Your individual travel needs will depend on your dialysis treatment requirements, and your dialysis team can help you through that process. The first step in planning a trip is to call your doctor or dialysis provider and tell them about your travel plans. It is very important to keep your care providers informed so they can ensure that it is safe for you to travel and assist with accommodations to make your travel as smooth and worry-free as possible. They can guide you on how to maintain your treatments while on the road, what to bring with you, how to schedule in-center appointments and much more.

  1. Talk to your doctor, nurse and social worker to let them know about your plans. They will be able to give you important information for your trip.
  2. Call your insurance carrier to find out what expenses are covered. Some private insurance groups don't allow travel or won't pay for travel outside their coverage area. Be sure to get this information before you leave on your trip.
  3. Call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0680 to arrange for dialysis treatments at your destination.
  4. Pack your medical information in your carry-on luggage and bring it with you to dialysis. You, your nurse or social worker should fax your dialysis records to the visiting DaVita center ahead of time. Most dialysis centers will need information about your health, including your medical records and recent lab reports, an EKG and chest X-ray, your dialysis prescription, recent treatment records, dialysis access type, insurance information, a list of the medications you take plus your local phone number and contact information in the city you are visiting.
  5. Bring along extra medication in case you get delayed while traveling.
This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. Please check with a physician if you need a diagnosis and/or for treatments as well as information regarding your specific condition. If you are experiencing urgent medical conditions, call 9-1-1.