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Last minute plans that need to include dialysis
Many dialysis centers make every effort to accommodate patients in the event of an emergency such as illness or death of
a family member. Dialysis records can be faxed ahead, or you
can hand carry them with you.
Required information for a dialysis facility
Your demographics: Name, address, phone number, emergency contacts, insurance
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Medical history and recent physical exam reports
Recent lab results
Recent EKG
Recent chest x-ray
Your dialysis orders and 3 to 5 recent treatment records
to review trends of your treatments
Dialysis access type and location - i.e., right upper arm
fistula (RUAF), CVC or graft
Special needs or dialysis requirements
Information about your general health
Where you will be staying in the area with contact
names and phone numbers
A list of the medications you take during treatment and
at home
The medical director or clinical manager will review your records and communicate with your home facility with any questions to insure a smooth transition. In addition, you should
hand carry a copy of your records with you.
Questions you may want to ask before visiting the facility
you will be traveling to:
• Does the center reuse dialyzers?
• What are the hours and days of operation? Traveling patients often are placed on an evening shift, which could
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end as early as 7:30 p.m. or as late as 2:00 a.m.
• Can you use the same type of dialyzer you use at your
home center?
• Are there individual televisions for each patient?
• Are there visitor restrictions?
• Will you be seen by a Nurse Practitioner or Physician
during your visit?
• Are patients permitted to eat or drink while on dialysis?
• Is an ice machine available for patients?
• Is public transportation available to get to the center?
• How many patients are assigned to each nurse or patient
care technician?
• Can you get all the medications you get at your home center during dialysis?
• What is the referring hospital for emergencies?
How to prevent getting sick during your time away
Don’t overschedule activities beyond your normal level. Allow
enough time to enjoy sightseeing outings and activities without
becoming overtired. Also, be sure to watch your diet and fluid
intake. Before you begin your trip, you will most likely have a
doctor assigned to you by your transient dialysis center. Find
out how to contact the doctor when you first