Your In-Center Support TeamÂ
As you dialyze in a ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ center, your dedicated clinical team will be there to monitor your care and ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly. Meet the members of your in-center dialysis care team:
Your nephrologist
A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in the kidneys. When it’s time for you to begin dialysis treatments, your nephrologist will prescribe and monitor your ongoing care.
Your nephrologist will visit you during your dialysis treatments. During these visits, your nephrologist will assess your medical condition to see how well you’re doing on dialysis and make any necessary changes to your treatment.
Your dialysis nurse
Along with your care technician, your nurse will administer your dialysis treatment. Your nurse can help you get the most benefit from your treatments and provide resources for you to learn more about your kidneys. Your nurse will also teach you how to stay healthy, including maintaining your access properly. And when you have questions, your nurse is the best place to start.
Your dietitian
Think of your renal dietitian as your own personal dietary consultant. Your overall health is greatly affected by what you eat and drink, especially when you have end stage renal disease (ESRD). Your dietitian can teach you, and your family, to make good nutritional choices to help you feel better.
When you meet with your dietitian, he or she will review your lab reports and provide support, education and diet tips that are tailored to your kidney diet prescription.
Your social worker
The role of your social worker is to help you adjust to the addition of in-center dialysis in your life. He or she will perform a professional assessment of your social and medical condition and address any concerns you have about the transition. Your social worker will provide emotional support as well as the names of other available resources and support groups in your area.
Your insurance specialist
Your insurance specialist can help answer any of your insurance concerns. The insurance specialist may even be able to locate programs or other resources that can help you afford your treatment and medications. Call 1-855-5-Dialysis for assistance or fill out the form.
Your care technician
Your care technician makes sure you are comfortable and safe before, during and after your dialysis treatment. The technician will always be present during your treatment, working under the supervision of your dialysis nurse. You will probably have the most one-on-one time with this member of your dialysis care team.
Your facility administrator
Your facility administrator (FA), the person in charge of the dialysis center, oversees operations during the day shift.
Getting the most from your in-center dialysis care team
Your ºìÌÒÊÓƵ¸ßÇåappÏÂÔØ in-center dialysis care team is made up of highly trained individuals who are devoted to improving your quality of life on dialysis. They will work together to deliver the care, education and support you need.