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Dialysis patient
travel tips
By Joanne Smith
Education Manager, DPC Education Center
Patients who receive dialysis can travel without missing their
treatments while away from home. Of course, you should
always consult your doctor before planning to travel. Most
doctors encourage travel if the patient is assessed as being
relatively healthy. Traveling can give a big boost to a patient’s
morale and sense of well-being and prevent depression and
alienation from friends and family members.
Planning for hemodialysis treatments when away from home:
Dialysis centers have staff members who are experienced in arranging dialysis treatments when patients are traveling. Some
centers will assist patients in making their own arrangements.
Ask your social worker or another member of your health care
team with whom you should discuss your plans.
There are also dialysis cruise options available that provide
hemodialysis treatments or support your home dialysis treatments. Each cruise has a board certified nephrologist, dialysis
RNs, and a number of dialysis technicians depending on how
many patients need dialysis while cruising. The treatment cost
is usually a flat rate depending on the length of the cruise. Unfortunately, Medicare and Medicaid will not cover the dialysis
cost onboard any cruises, however there are many supplemental insurance companies that will reimburse a percentage.
You can receive an itemized statement of your treatments so
you can file a claim.
Start planning your trip as soon as you know the details, at least
six to eight weeks in advance. It may be difficult to reserve a dialysis chair in a popular vacation spot or during holidays. Be flexible about the dates for your trip as space in dialysis units may be
limited. If you would prefer to have your treatments on specific
days and at specific times, let the center know in advance. The
unit will usually make every attempt to honor your request.
You or your Patient Travel Coordinator may need to contact
more than one center in order to find a center that can provide dialysis for you. Larger dialysis companies usually will give
you several options if they are available. Check with the center
as soon as you arrive to confirm your appointment dates and
times. You may also want to visit the center and meet the staff
so you will feel more comfortable and to complete the admission paperwork.