FAQs

 

What do you mean by Patients come first at Patient First Dialysis?   

Patient First Dialysis is family-owned and operated. It is an independent facility not affiliated with any national health care chain. Patient First Dialysis founded by a local resident and former dialysis patient to provide patients and families a new dialysis unit where patients truly come first and have meaningful input. Patient First Dialysis is more than a name, it reflects this special facility's purpose.

 

How is the patient experience different at Patient First Dialysis than it might be somewhere else?

Patient First Dialysis is first and foremost a center where patients and their families feel welcome. Patients spend an average of 12 hours a week in dialysis, which means going to the same place three times a week to see the same people for approximately four hours at a time. Our staff is highly trained, not just in medical skills but in people skills too. Treatment takes place in comfortable recliners, personally selected and approved by a former dialysis patient. Snacks and beverages are made available. A high speed wireless network affords the opportunity to access the internet and use personal communications devices. After treatment, patients can relax and await the return of their family and friends in a comfortable VIP (Very Important Patient) Waiting Area. We know that sometimes the little things can make a big difference, so no detail is overlooked when making plans for patient and family care and comfort. If there is something we haven't thought of that would improve the experience, please let us know.

 

What is Kidney Dialysis? 

Kidney dialysis is a mechanical way to do the work your kidneys normally do. It cleans your blood by removing wastes, removes extra water and helps control blood pressure, and helps your body keep the proper balance of chemicals such as potassium and sodium.

 

Dialysis is used when a person has kidney (renal) failure. It is usually initiated when the kidneys are working at less that 10% of their normal function. This is considered kidney failure and can be a short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) health condition. Hemodialysis is the most common method of dialysis, and it is the type we offer at Patient First Dialysis. The patient's blood is filtered through a machine which does the work the kidneys would normally do to clean away wastes and extra water, keeping blood clean and healthy.

 

What is a Non-Reuse Facility?

As a former dialysis patient, Patient First Dialysis co-owner and Patient Representative Al King made it a top priority to ensure that this center be a designated “non-reuse facility.” In hemodialysis, your blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. The dialyzer contains the filtering material and is sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney. At Patient First Dialysis, each patient uses a brand new dialyzer for each and every dialysis treatment session. It is this commitment to a single use dialyzer that defines Patient First Dialysis as a Non-Reuse Facility.   

        

What are some of the other special services available?

We are pleased to offer Nutritional counseling, Social Work support, Anemia management, and Patient and Family Advisory Council to help meet the needs of patients and their loved ones. Patient First Dialysis also offers the services of an On-Site Kidney Transplant Coordinator.

 

What do I need to know if I am considering Patient First Dialysis for dialysis services?

We are accountable to you, the patient, and work closely with your caregivers to provide you individualized and attentive treatment focused on you care and comfort. For additional Patient Information you can review the Patient Information page or send us an e-mail inquiry to info@patientfirstdialysis.com.