Services

 

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  Adult Hemodialysis – 10 state-of-the-art dialysis stations, all equipped with Al's specially selected genuine La-Z-Boy ® patient recliners and complete with individual video monitors

• Social Services – provides counseling for both patients and families

• Nutrition Services – an in-house dietitian provides expert guidance and education to help meet each patient’s unique nutritional needs

• Patient Education – printed materials, videos, classes and individual training encourages each patient to learn about kidney disease and fully participate in their treatment

• Kidney Transplant Services – An on-site Kidney Transplant Coordinator acts as a resource and liaison when transplantation is considered as an alternative form of therapy to dialysis

• Visiting Patient Services – Gulf Shores is a popular visitor and tourist destination and there’s no reason for dialysis patients to miss out on travel opportunities because appointments are available for those visiting the area or traveling for business or pleasure

• Anemia Management

   

NKF KDOQI ™

Patient First Dialysis is proud to utilize The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative, which provides evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To learn more about NKF KDOQI ™, you can visit http://www.kidney.org/Professionals/kdoqi/.

 

Adult Hemodialysis

The staff at Patient First Dialysis works closely with patients, caregivers and families to provide information and support. Working together, we can achieve the best possible outcome.

 

In-Center Adult Hemodialysis is provided utilizing the latest available technology, whenever possible patient’s specific needs are accommodated through individualized appointment times. Hi-flux, hi-efficiency and traditional dialysis modes are offered using a variety of dialyzers. Our non-reuse policy ensures that a new dialyzer is utilized for each patient during each treatment session. Bicarbonate dialysate is used.

 

Audio-visual entertainment is available during dialysis with an individual monitor located at each station. Patient comfort is maximized through the use of genuine La-Z-Boy ® Recliners at each station. Appropriate exercise is encouraged and patients can even exercise during their treatment session. Snacks and beverages are also available.

 

Kidney Transplant Services

Kidney transplant is an alternative form of therapy to dialysis. Patients who are interested in this form of therapy and who have received medical approval are considered as potential candidates for a living related or deceased donor transplant. To attain medical approval active coordination is maintained with the transplant facilities.

 

The on-site Kidney Transplant Coordinator meets with patients and interested family members to explain and educate potential recipients and donors about the transplant process. The option for the patient to access transplant programs in other regions is available. Information is offered about the transplant program at UAB Medical Center and can be obtained about transplant programs in other states as well. Records are kept updated to maintain the patient’s status on the transplant registry after being accepted as a transplant candidate.

 

Through written and audiovisual presentations, patient and family education is provided regarding the alternative of transplantation and the potential health benefits and risks. Patients and living related donors are assisted with scheduling the necessary appointments and tests required for the pre-transplant workup process.

 

Social Services

The Social Services department is staffed with licensed personnel having advanced degrees in social work and counseling. Comprehensive psychosocial evaluations and counseling services are provided for both patients and families. Ongoing counseling provides assistance in adjusting to life with renal disease. Referrals are arranged for patients and families with various community services. These include providers of health care coverage, transportation services, and vocational rehabilitation services.

Interaction with the multi-disciplinary team in planning patient care occurs
regularly. In addition to the Patient and Family Advisory Council to help meet the needs of patients and their loved ones, family support services are provided directly or by referral.

 

Nutrition Services

A full time Registered Dietitian is an active member of the interdisciplinary team. The dietitian provides nutrition counseling for individuals on dialysis and their family members, including a Nutrition Assessment upon initiation of dialysis and Monthly Evaluations with the patient to modify food intake based on lab values, weight loss/weight gain, fluid weight gains and food preferences.

 

Your individual meal plan will be based on your age, your weight, foods you like, your dialysis treatment and other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It will be tailored to your needs, and following the meal pattern suggested by your renal dietitian will help you feel your best.

 

Eating wisely and making sensible food choices are vital for kidney failure patients to stay healthy while undergoing dialysis treatment. At Patient First Dialysis each patient will receive the professional assistance needed in the areas of diet and nutrition thanks to our on staff dietitian. Together, you will decide on the individualized meal plan that includes some of your favorite foods and is best for you.

 

The Patient First on-staff registered dietitian will help you in planning an individualized diet and food plan. But more than simply telling you what foods you should eat, you will also learn ways to prepare the foods in ways that are delicious as well as nutritious.

 

Diet and nutrition are two very important areas to be considered when undergoing dialysis because a  proper eating plan will help reduce the amount of fluid and waste that builds up between hemodialysis treatments. Your dietitian is your partner as you address these critical components of your long-term health. We are pleased to offer the services of a registered dietitian to patients, families and caregivers. In addition to working with our patients to chart out personalized meal plans, the dietitian also offers eating tips, recipes and helpful advice designed to maximize the benefits of your diet.  

 

Menus, recipes and opportunities to practice preparing “kidney-healthy” foods will be provided to each  patient by the on-site renal dietitian. If you have any questions or would like additional information, give us a call or send a request for info@PatientFirstDialysis.com.

 

Visiting Patient Services

Visitors are welcome. Referrals for treatment can be initiated by the patient, family members or dialysis facility by calling toll free 800-794-3573 or submitting an Online Inquiry and Patient Pre-Registration form. A two-week advance notice for scheduling is recommended. A rapid work up can be accomplished for emergencies with patients and home unit cooperation.

 

To ensure maximum safety and the best medical care possible, complete medical information is required in advance of acceptance for treatment. Typical medical information requested includes:

 

• Dialysis treatment information
• Recent laboratory results
• Diagnostic reports, i.e. chest x-rays, EKG
• Medications
• Diet and fluid restrictions
• Most recent history and physical
• Other special medical needs

 

We encourage family, friends and caregivers to enjoy the many activities available in the area during, and they can be assured the patient is well cared for and comfortable. Our VIP (Very Important Patients) Lounge allows patients to relax while awaiting the return of their companions. Of course, family, friends and caregivers are also welcome to wait during treatments, and television and beverages are available.