National Kidney Month | March 2024

At IRC, we believe in Kidney Equity for All. Join us in a month-long effort to raise awareness of a significant challenge facing many people with kidney disease: access to care.
Read our latest blog post on the topic now.

Dialysis And Kidney Care

Your trusted expert and partner in kidney health

The Innovative Renal Care family of companies comprises more than 200 dialysis centers, 5 health system partners and is affiliated with more than 400 nephrologists. Together, we are improving the lives of the patients we serve and advancing efficient and effective performance by leveraging data, analytics, technology and infrastructure.

For Providers

IRC offers a comprehensive kidney care solution, encompassing home dialysis care, in-center hemodialysis and acute care services.

Provider Info

For Patients

IRC offers every type of kidney care patients may need — home dialysis care, in-center hemodialysis and acute care services — and an expert, compassionate team to deliver it.

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We’re hiring mission-driven healthcare professionals who are ready to define the future of kidney care.

Join Our Team

IRC is a comprehensive kidney care company paving the way for new thinking in how to treat and manage patients with or at high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

We collaborate with health systems and other providers to establish tailored solutions. Our approach allows for a better understanding of patient and the identification of and connection with local communities in need of kidney care innovation.

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IRC is a family of companies that bring innovative solutions to an industry that demands disruption.

IRC and ARA partner with health systems to raise the level of chronic kidney care with seamless, comprehensive services. Benefits of our approach include:

  • Exceptional patient experience
  • Consistent, high-quality care that leads to positive outcomes
  • Coordinated care throughout the patient journey
  • Effective payor contract negotiations

The IRC family of companies is rooted in more than 20 years of successful dialysis company leadership, and we are building on that past success. We continue to innovate, partnering with health systems to provide tailored solutions to the local market.

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What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical procedure that helps remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly due to conditions such as chronic kidney disease.

Kidney Disease Diagnosis and Testing

Screening for kidney disease usually involves blood and urine tests to assess kidney function. Additional tests may include ultrasound, CT scans, or biopsies to determine underlying causes. A kidney biopsy may also be performed in some cases to determine the underlying cause of the disease.

Importance of Dialysis in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

  • Dialysis can offer patients a significantly improved quality of life through multiple avenues.
  • Dialysis can alleviate symptoms associated with kidney failure, such as fatigue, swelling, and nausea, providing much-needed relief and enhancing daily comfort.
  • Dialysis extends life expectancy, allowing patients more time with their loved ones and the opportunity to achieve personal goals.
  • Most importantly, dialysis serves as a “bridge to transplant,” increasing the chances of receiving a kidney transplant. This can provide a long-term solution and a return to a more normal and vibrant life.

Screening for kidney disease usually involves blood and urine tests to assess kidney function. Additional tests may include ultrasound, CT scans, or biopsies to determine underlying causes. A kidney biopsy may also be performed in some cases to determine the underlying cause of the disease.

Types of Dialysis

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dialysis. Instead, your kidney dialysis treatment will be meticulously tailored to meet your unique medical requirements. With various types of dialysis available, each designed to address specific needs and circumstances, you can expect a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your health and well-being.

Two of the most common types of dialysis include:

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is typically recommended for individuals with advanced kidney disease, particularly end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who can no longer efficiently filter waste products and excess fluids from their blood. Candidates for hemodialysis often exhibit symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and high levels of waste products in their blood.

During hemodialysis, blood is pumped from the patient’s body through a dialysis machine, which acts as an external artificial kidney. Within the machine, the blood flows through a filter, also known as a dialyzer, where it is cleansed of waste products and excess fluids. The purified blood is then returned to the patient’s body. A vascular access, usually a fistula or graft, is created to connect the blood vessels to the dialyzer.

Hemodialysis is typically performed at a dialysis center. Treatments are conducted several times a week, lasting a few hours each session. Hemodialysis can also be completed at home for qualified patients who are properly trained.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment option that allows a person to use the lining of the abdomen as a filter for dialysis. This treatment is suitable for most individuals with kidney failure.  It provides a more flexible treatment.

During this procedure, dialysis solution flows through a catheter into the abdominal cavity and remains for a specified amount of dwell time. During this dwell time, waste and excess fluid is absorbed into the dialysis solution. After the prescribed amount of dwell time, it is drained out of the body and discarded.

Peritoneal dialysis can be performed manually or with a cycler machine, allowing patients to do their treatment at home.

Two primary types of peritoneal dialysis include:

  1. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), where manual exchanges occur throughout the day using gravity.
  2. Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD), which uses a machine to provide exchanges, which usually occurs overnight while sleeping,

Dialysis Management and Outcomes

Dialysis management plays a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes in kidney disease.

Careful monitoring, adherence to treatment protocols, and consistent follow-up are essential in maintaining treatment efficacy and patient well-being.

With proper management, patients on dialysis can experience an enhanced quality of life and prolonged survival despite the challenges of their kidney-related condition.

Dialysis Monitoring and Evaluation

Dialysis monitoring and evaluation are critical to renal care, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment.

Regular dialysis sessions are paramount; they help maintain a balanced internal environment by removing waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream.

Key metrics measured during these sessions include monitoring blood pressure, assessing fluid removal, and analyzing laboratory data, such as urea and creatinine levels.

Dialysis Outcomes and Quality of Life

Dialysis outcomes directly impact the quality of life for individuals with kidney disease.

Improved patient conditions, such as reduced symptoms and stabilized health, are often used to measure success rates.

Strategies to enhance dialysis outcomes include personalized treatment plans, rigorous patient education, and continuous monitoring to identify and address issues promptly.

By focusing on these factors, healthcare providers can significantly improve the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing dialysis, fostering better well-being and a more positive patient experience.

Navigating the Finances of Dialysis

The financial aspect of dialysis can be a complex journey for individuals facing kidney disease.

At Innovative Renal Care, we want to ensure that financial limitations do not affect your healthcare.

Understanding the financial implications of dialysis, including treatment costs and potential disruptions to employment, is essential for informed decision-making.

Patients often rely on various insurance options, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, to cover the expenses associated with dialysis.

It’s crucial to explore insurance coverage thoroughly, consider potential out-of-pocket costs, and seek financial assistance resources to ensure that the financial burden of dialysis is manageable and doesn’t compromise the quality of care.

Finding a Dialysis Center Near Me

Choosing a reputable dialysis center is paramount for individuals with kidney disease. Such centers offer high expertise, experienced healthcare professionals, and adherence to rigorous safety and quality standards.

Reputable centers, like Innovative Renal Care, ensure the best possible care and accurate treatment with minimal complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life. Moreover, the right center often provides access to the latest advancements in renal care, personalized treatment plans, and invaluable support and resources, making managing kidney disease more manageable and effective.

At Innovative Renal Care, a top priority is creating a comfortable and safe patient environment.

All of our dialysis centers are designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing anxiety associated with dialysis treatments. We invest in state-of-the-art technology and stringent safety protocols to ensure the highest standards of patient care.

Our compassionate and highly skilled team is committed to patient comfort and safety, offering individualized care plans and continuous monitoring.

We aim to make the dialysis experience as pleasant and worry-free as possible, contributing to better patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.

Find a Dialysis Center Near You!

List of Dialysis Centers