Getting started with kidney dialysis treatment can be overwhelming, but our dedicated Central Florida Kidney Centers healthcare team is ready to help. Our goal is to help you feel your best. Most importantly, your participation is key. Before any dialysis treatment begins, you and your physician will need to provide Central Florida Kidney Centers with your complete medical history, recent lab results, diagnostic reports (x-rays and EKG), medications, diet and other medical restrictions information. Our intake team will verify your insurance and determine if pre-authorization is needed. With all this information in hand, we will confirm your approved start date, location and schedule to begin the life-changing treatment program prescribed by your doctor.
You will be asked to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire & have your temperature taken at each visit.
At your first visit, we will ask for your insurance cards and government issued ID so we can make a copy for our records. Please let your Medical Secretary know if anything changes with your insurance or contact information so we can keep our records up to date. We will also ask your permission to take a photo for your medical chart.
You will be asked about your transportation to and from dialysis to be sure you will be able to make it to all of your treatment appointments and, if needed, begin paperwork to arrange transportation. We will also ask you to complete consent forms for treatment.
Most patients have treatment either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday each week.
You’ll be admitted into the unit by a Registered Nurse and cared for during your treatment by both a Registered Nurse and a Certified Dialysis Technician.
Each treatment you will be weighed prior to be taken to your treatment station. We will take a standing and sitting blood pressure. During each treatment your vitals (blood pressure, respirations, and pulse) will be taken every 30 minutes and monitored by the nursing staff. After each treatment, we will take a standing and sitting blood pressure and you will be weighed again before leaving the treatment floor.
At the center of your healthcare team is YOU. Working with you is your dedicated healthcare team. Their priority is to help you feel your best.
Your doctor takes care of your general health and may have been the one that diagnosed you with kidney disease. It is important that you maintain your regular visits with them and advise them of any changes in your health.
Your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will work with your entire care team. He or she will manage your health and will order your dialysis treatment and prescribe medications that you may need. The nephrologist visits the dialysis center on a regular basis to review your progress, test results and provides ongoing care for your kidney treatments.
Your Nurse Manager is a registered nurse (RN) in charge of the dialysis center. He or she supervises your entire care team to make sure that you are getting the care you need.
Your dialysis nurse oversees your dialysis treatment prescribed by your nephrologist and works closely with the patient care technician (PCT) to administer your treatment. He/she will visit with you and will review your lab results, monitor your vital signs and will complete an assessment after each visit to the dialysis center. He or she is an excellent person to answer any questions you may have about your daily care and your kidney treatments.
From the moment you walk into the center to the time you leave, your PCT will be with you nearly every step of the way. Working under the direction of your nurse, he or she will help run your dialysis treatment and make sure you have everything you need to make your stay safe and comfortable. The PCT is there to listen to any concerns you may have and will refer you to the appropriate team member to help answer your concerns.
Learning how to manage your life with dialysis can be overwhelming at first, but it is still possible to thrive. Your social worker can help you with insurance, work, travel arrangements, and financial concerns. He or she will develop a plan to address any needs you may have now or in the future. You must be honest and willing to answer all their questions so they can best assist you and your family members. You may want to bring a list of questions with you to your visits to discuss with your social worker. Your social worker can help with your coordination of resources and referrals.
Your renal (kidney) dietitian specializes in the dietary requirements for people with kidney disease. He or she will develop a customized meal plan that is gentle on your kidneys and provides the key nutrients your body needs. They will tell you how much of specific nutrients, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals to consume. Following your dietitian’s instructions is one of the best things that you can do for your overall health and care for your kidneys.
