What is In-Center Hemodialysis?

When you first arrive, you’ll be greeted at the front desk to check in. Then, a clinical staff member will escort you into the treatment room to get you ready for your treatment. In preparation for your dialysis treatment, they will accompany you to the scale to obtain your weight, and you’ll be instructed to wash your hands and your access site (if applicable).

Once you are all set with the patient preparation area, you will be shown to your treatment station where a clinical staff member will obtain your blood pressure and temperature in preparation for the nurse to assess you. Once the nurse assigned to you has completed your assessment, the nurse or clinical staff member will begin the process of starting your dialysis treatment.

During treatment, you’ll likely engage with Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) and nurses, and may also meet with your dietitian, social worker, and/or nephrologist, among others. This is a great time to ask questions, so come prepared, and don’t be afraid to ask!

Throughout your treatment time with us, you’ll get to know the PCTs and nurses you work with. We truly become your extended family.

Hemodialysis (HD), or in-center dialysis, is a lifeline for anyone struggling with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

In-center hemodialysis is performed by trained healthcare professionals at one of our many clinics.

Here, we’ll answer, “What is hemodialysis?” and cover how we perform dialysis at our state-of-the-art clinics.

What is In-Center Hemodialysis?

In-center hemodialysis is a safe and effective way to treat advanced kidney failure or ESRD in a medical dialysis center. It uses a dialysis machine and a dialyzer filter to clean your blood, control blood pressure, and balance essential minerals (e.g., potassium, sodium, and calcium.)

Hemodialysis removes excess salt, fluid, and waste products from your blood when your kidneys are no longer healthy enough to perform this essential function.

HD allows you to continue living an active lifestyle despite your medical condition.

How Long Does Dialysis Take?

The time it takes to complete a dialysis treatment depends on where and how you receive treatment. Let’s explore these standard options:

In-center dialysis
In-center dialysis is performed by a medical professional approximately three times per week. Each treatment session takes three or more hours.

For your comfort, a typical IRC dialysis center has:

  • The latest state-of-the-art dialysis machines
  • Comfortable dialysis chairs
  • Satellite or cable TV at each station
  • Wireless access
  • Ample parking with easy access to the facility
  • Each center is staffed with a Registered Nurse, a Masters Level Social Worker, and a Registered Dietitian

What Is the Process for In-Center Hemodialysis?

At Innovative Renal Care, we care about you, your health, and your experience with us. You will receive high-quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment when you visit one of our dialysis centers.

While each patient receives a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, here is a general overview of our process from start to finish

  • Scheduling
    Most patients can expect to visit our dialysis centers three times per week for three or more hours each time. Depending on the center’s hours and open days, patients typically come in either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
  • Check-in
    On the day of your scheduled visit, all patients check in with our front office and enjoy our waiting room amenities until your dialysis chair is ready.
  • Vitals
    Before each dialysis treatment, our technicians will assess your weight, blood pressure, temperature, and fluid intake to determine how much fluid to remove.
  • Setup
    After you are escorted to your chair and seated comfortably, a nurse or dialysis technician will inspect and prepare your access site for treatment. Next, they will connect the machine to your access site and begin treatment.
  • Treatment
    While the hemodialysis machine cleans your blood by pumping it from the access site to the dialyzer, we encourage you to enjoy a nap, hobby, book, or conversation with fellow patients.
  • Monitoring
    During each treatment session, your nephrologist, nurse, technician, social worker, and registered may visit you to make adjustments that ensure your safety and comfort.
  • Post-treatment
    Once you’ve completed your dialysis treatment and are disconnected from the hemodialysis machine, your nurse will re-check your vital signs and assess how you are feeling. Once we confirm you are feeling well, you can enjoy your day.

The frequency and duration of your in-center dialysis treatment sessions depend on your unique needs and condition.

You will feel better after each dialysis treatment. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect

  • Reduced toxin build-up
  • Relief from symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and swelling
  • Reduced risk of high blood pressure and other heart problems
  • Improved metabolic stability
  • Increased energy levels and improved appetite
  • Increased quality of life and longevity
  • At Innovative Renal Care, our medical professionals will develop and regularly optimize your in-center dialysis schedule to ensure you achieve the best possible health outcomes.