“Can I Travel on Dialysis?” What to Tell Your Patients
The holidays are fast approaching, and just like so many others, dialysis patients will soon be on the move and connecting with family and friends across the country. For many patients, the idea of traveling while on dialysis can feel overwhelming.
At Innovative Renal Care, we prioritize patients living a full and meaningful life, and traveling is often a significant part of that. With guidance and support from your home clinic and destination clinic care teams, patients can feel confident about traveling and continuing to receive the quality kidney care they deserve. In this blog, we will talk about what to say when a patient asks, “Can I travel on dialysis?”
Preparing Patients for Travel while on Dialysis
The patient may expect an immediate answer after posing the question, “Can I travel on dialysis?” But as we know, several critical factors should be considered before traveling while on dialysis. First and foremost, is the patient clinically ready to travel? A stable patient is more likely to have a smooth travel experience. Clinical experts suggest that patients begin planning at least 4 to 6 weeks before their travel date.
This preparation window allows for paperwork coordination, treatment scheduling and insurance verification. While 4 to 6 weeks is recommended, we understand that last-minute travel arrangements may need to be made on some occasions.
Care Team Coordination
Whether traveling from an affiliated Innovative Renal Care clinic or from another clinic, care coordination is a main pillar in providing quality care for your patients. Traveling while on dialysis is a team effort. As the nephrologist, you lead the process, but the broader care team ensures all details are covered:
- Dialysis Nurse: Updates treatment notes and confirms prescription accuracy.
- Social Worker: Coordinates with the destination clinic, verifies insurance coverage and helps manage logistics.
- Dietitian: Provides guidance on diet and fluid adjustments while away.
Together, the home team works with the destination clinic team. The receiving clinic reviews the prescription, reserves a chair, and, if needed, consults with you or the home team to handle unexpected issues.
More Tips for Patients Traveling While on Dialysis
It’s important to help your patients plan for the unexpected. Delays happen. Flights may be missed. Weather affects plans. Helping patients think through “what ifs” can prevent emergencies from becoming crises. Encourage them to carry emergency contact numbers for both your clinic and the destination clinic. Set clear guidelines for when to seek emergency care if a treatment is missed or symptoms appear.
And don’t forget, your support matters to patients. For many, your recommendation is the deciding factor. When you reassure them that travel is possible with the right planning, it gives them confidence to move forward. Travel not only connects patients to their families, but it also supports mental health and overall well-being. Your support helps them live fully, even while on dialysis.
How Innovative Renal Care Helps
Travel is possible for dialysis patients, and your role as their nephrologist makes all the difference. By assessing readiness, providing accurate documentation and coordinating with the broader care team, you help patients move beyond fear and into new experiences.
This holiday season, find an Innovative Renal Care clinic in your patient’s destination area. Together, we can work to deliver more tomorrows to our patients and support them as they enjoy time with family and friends.
Have any other questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information.
