using a kidney dialysis center on vacation
 

Has anyone ever traveled with a person who requires dialysis. are there drop in places where they are able to get hooked up. thanks

While I have fortunately not had to do this, I know that it is possible to travel while on dialysis, as several patients of mine have.

No, you can not "drop in" at any type of center - this requires extensive planning prior to trip. Each person's dialysis is different - it is far more complicated than just getting hooked up to a machine.

The place to start is with the dialysis center the person is currently using - they have all sorts of networks and resources to begin to make these arrangements. The person's physician must also be involved, but often those on dialysis see an MD at dialysis on a regular basis.

Some practical tips beyond arranging for dialysis. It would be far easier to use a dialysis center several times (dialysis is usually done 3x/wk) rather than planning a trip with a different city each day. Also, many people on dialysis feel truly awful for hours after dialysis - you would have to plan on time for them to rest/sleep after dialysis.

Insurance - make sure medical insurance will cover these treatments while traveling. For example, Medicaid in Massachusetts (MassHealth) will not cover non-emergency care out of state. No public insurance (Medicaid/Medicare) will provide coverage out of the country. There is also the issue of trip insurance and the insurability of the travler on dialysis.

It is possible to travel while on dialysis - just requires a lot of pre-planning.

If you go to Medicare's website page: http://www.medicare.gov/Dialysis/Inc...;pagelist=Home

You can locate dialysis units throughout the U.S. Assuming that your friend/relative is on Medicare lind most ERSD patients, then there is no charge for "transient dialysis" outside your home area. It does take planning well in advance, coordinated through your local unit. Some units never take
transients, some are spotty, some always.

There is no such thing as drop-in dialysis - and many centers are full to capacity - and you need to arrange far in advance. Also, there are centers you definitely don;t want to use (a couple were closed her in NYC last year for health reasons.)

You relative (?) needs to set this up far in advance through their MD and current dialysis center - with specific day and time appointments (and you'll need to arrange hotels accordingly).

As others mention, this requires advance planning, documentation, and laboratory testing.

One does not "drop in" to a dialysis center like one "drops in" to get a haircut at Supercuts.

Also, the person needing routine dialysis may not be able to travel easily. Their own wishes and recommendations of their nephrologist are paramount.

thanks for the information

Get the social worker at your dialysis center to help you make arrangements....they can help you immensely.