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Dealing with any kind of long-term illness is exhausting and stressful. Kidney disease is a particularly nasty condition that often requires regular, long-term kidney dialysis, and this procedure brings a whole handful of new problems.
Where can you go for dialysis? What does it cost, and what should you expect?
Dialysis Clinic Inc, or DCI, is a popular dialysis clinic destination. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of DCI, what to expect from the clinic, and whether this clinic is worth visiting.
Simply put, dialysis is a procedure in which the blood is gradually taken out of the body and run through a dialysis machine, before being returned to the body. The dialysis machine cleans the blood, removing water, solutes, and toxins from the blood.
The kidneys naturally have this function, and people with healthy kidneys rarely even think about this process. However, if you suffer from kidney disease or some other condition that impairs your kidney function, your blood will need to be cleaned via a dialysis machine until you’re able to get treatment or a kidney transplant.
To know more about the purpose and procedure of dialysis, speak to a medical professional. If you’re suffering from renal failure or you have some other kidney disease, you will need regular dialysis for your body to keep functioning.
So, now that we’ve briefly discussed the purpose of dialysis, what can you expect from your first-time dialysis experience? How long will it take? What will it feel like? Let’s find out.
The dialysis process can take around 3-5 hours. You can relax and do other things during your procedure, such as read, nap, or watch TV.
While most patients have dialysis around 3 times a week, but your doctor will make a recommendation based on your personal needs and circumstances.
Before the procedure begins, you will have your pulse, weight, temperature, and blood pressure taken and recorded.
To have regular dialysis, a surgeon will place an entrance point under your skin. This portal will be used every time you have dialysis. First, however, a nurse will sanitize the area.
Next, two needles will be placed into the site. Blood is taken out through one needle, runs through the dialysis machine, and returned to your body through the other needle.
This procedure may be a little unsettling for the first time, but you shouldn’t feel any kind of discomfort.
You shouldn’t notice any discomfort or side effects after your dialysis. If you notice discomfort during the procedure – such as nausea or abdominal cramps – speak to a nurse or doctor.
This discomfort can be caused by many different factors, and adjusting the dialysis speed or other settings can help.
DCI, the Dialysis Clinic Inc., is a nonprofit medical organization. Their mission statement is to provide the best kidney care for their patients, reduce hospitalizations, save lives, and allow their patients to live their best possible lives.
However, DCI is just one of many dialysis locations in the US. What should you know about DCI? What treatment can they offer?
Let’s discuss a brief history of the DCI.
Dialysis Clinic Inc. was founded in December of 1970 and began dialyzing patients in May of 1971. The Clinic had humble beginnings – to start with, the toilets couldn’t even be flushed while dialysis was going on, or water pressure would drop and everyone would panic.
The aim of the DCI is to provide treatment to patients who cannot afford it. Obtaining medical insurance can be a minefield, and medical treatment in the US is extremely expensive. Other complications, like advanced age, diabetes, or other ongoing health problems can render a person ineligible for dialysis under their medical insurance.
DCI has managed to remain a non-profit organization from its founding until now.
DCI offers the two main types of dialysis: peritoneal and hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is the traditional form of blood filtering, where blood is removed from the body via a surgically installed portal and two needs, and ran through a dialysis machine.
Peritoneal dialysis uses the membrane lining of the abdomen as a filter. Using a catheter, blood is filtered through the abdomen lining.
Regardless of which type of dialysis you choose, you’ll receive plenty of information from medical professionals on which type of dialysis is best for you, as well as what to expect.
As well as traditional in-center dialysis, DCI also offers home dialysis options. If you’re receiving dialysis for up to 5 hours at a time, 3 days a week, it makes sense that receiving treatment at home would be much more convenient and comfortable.
DCI has clinics all over the US. For more information, you can check out DCI’s location map here. The map allows you to search for DCI clinics based on your location and how far you’re able to travel.
If you’re searching for a good, non-profit clinic to perform your dialysis procedures, it’s natural that you might feel a little nervous about choosing your clinic.
Battling with a serious illness such as renal failure is scary enough by itself, to say nothing of the financial acrobatics you might need to go through in order to pay for your treatment. Unfortunately, the simple fact is that not all non-profit clinics are able to deliver good treatment and enthusiastic care.
So, how does Dialysis Clinic Inc. stand up to close inspection?
One of the best ways to judge any clinic’s efficiency (besides going there yourself) is to read the reviews left by other patients. Real-life patients can assess their experience, the quality of treatment they received, and the overall atmosphere of the clinic.
Let’s take a look at a few real-life patient reviews for the DCI clinic.
DCI has a Facebook page for its organization. This is a good way for an organization (especially a non-profit) to get noticed, receive donations and funding, and also allow patients to share their experiences with others. You can find DCI’s Facebook page here.
Here, the DCI clinic has a high rating, coming in with an impressive 4 out of 5 stars.
Let’s take a look at some reviews:
“My Dad has been going there for the last three years. they have been very caring and they really take good care of him.” – Ricky T Rodriguez
Many people have to make medical decisions for infirm or incapable family members. This decision is made even more difficult when financial difficulties are thrown into the mix. So, knowing that a loved one will be cared for at DCI may have a serious impact on the decision you make.
“I am fairly new to hemo. dialysis (1year) and I can’t emphasize how well the staff works with you to help with the new stage in your life from social worker to help with get social security set up. They also inform you how to stay as healthy as possible. They also have a great transplant path (I was called to get ready but was not first) set with U. T.” – Eldon Jones
Another important consideration for choosing a dialysis clinic is how well that clinic will set you up for a transplant. Renal failure can’t be cured. Without a kidney transplant, you will need dialysis for the rest of your life.
The goal of a dialysis clinic isn’t just to provide lifesaving blood filtering – it’s to help you get on the path to receiving an organ transplant.
“I started dialysis about 2. 1/2 months ago the staff is awesome and answers every question I have.” – Steve Butturini
Renal failure is a frightening condition that affects every area of your life. As mentioned earlier, you will need dialysis at least three times a week, lasting for several hours. It’s perfectly natural that you will have questions and worries, and you likely won’t know what to expect from your treatment.
So, it’s important to choose a clinic that offers a high level of patient care. Easily accessible information and staff that are willing to answer questions and explain procedures is a must.
“Update: September 7, 2021
I got my transplant. I wouldn’t have made it through dialysis without, Alesia, Mimi, Salima, Mary, Neuler, Danelle, Danace, Fred, Calvin, Janelle, and so many more (I’m sure I forgot a few). This team that Alesia and Ms. French run is the absolute best and I’m forever grateful for all their dedication, even when I wasn’t the best patient. I truly appreciate these folks. Thanks, DCI!” – Drew Counsel-Short
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to check the most recent reviews. For example, the previous review is dated 2021 and indicates that a particular clinic has retained its high standards and personalized and family-like care.
Unfortunately, non-profit organizations often don’t offer a standard level of care. One local clinic may offer excellent treatment with kind, caring staff – but the clinic in the next state couldn’t be more different.
Many reviews for DCI facilities are mixed. For example, reviews found here varied. While three reviews offered 4-5 star reviews (but no comments), the other three reviews offered only 1 star.
Complaints included discrimination, lack of supplies, and lack of organization.
“Can never keep supplies in stock, nurses decide what is best despite what doctor has said. Really feel as they care more about the almighty dollar than their patients.” – John Martin
Non-profit clinics are very much a mixed bag. The kind of treatment a patient needs may not be what the clinic or the patient can afford.
Unfortunately, non-profits seem to attract either wonderful, kind, caring staff, or staff who have no interest at all in their patients – with not much in between.
Unfortunately, not every clinic is highly rated. This review was left from a patient who claimed to have lost their leg due to poor medical care:
“The owner, H. Keith Johnson, of Dialysis Clinic, Inc. caused me to lose my kidney transplant and my lower left leg due to giving me the wrong medication and poor care. When I told him there was a problem with leg swelling, he completely ignored my complaints. He sent me home without bothering to examine it, but I had to turn around and go back to the hospital with the leg being twice its size and big, red blisters all over it. He even questioned why I even went to the hospital.” – Denise58
Let’s be clear here – it can be difficult to properly assess a review’s authenticity. Unfortunately, with non-profit clinics, the quality of care you receive can vary.
For example, you may receive excellent care at a clinic in New York, then receive sub-par or disinterested treatment from the same brand of the clinic in Tennessee. This is, unfortunately, a risk that many patients take when they go to non-profit clinics, since these clinics struggle to afford medicine and good equipment, and are often understaffed.
However, another review also complained about a clinic’s condition:
“Poorly run, poorly managed, filthy facility. Dialysis farm. Facility and medical director more interested in billing than patient care.” – Author Jay A. Blum
Needless to say, these accusations are very serious. If these reviews are true, you may need to rethink attending a DCI clinic.
There are lots of factors to consider when going on dialysis – and choosing your clinic is only one of them. Let’s discuss a few commonly asked questions regarding dialysis and DCI facilities.
DCI has over 240 clinics, spanning 28 states. This means that if you do choose to visit DCI clinics, you can likely easily find a clinic near to your location.
Simply put, no. Dialysis is used when the kidneys don’t work to filter the blood. Without filtering your blood, toxins and waste will build up in your body, and you will die.
However, in certain cases, the patient’s condition may go into remission, and their kidneys begin working again. This all depends on your health condition.
How long you can live on dialysis can depend on a number of factors, such as your health condition. However, to an extent, it can also depend on you. The average life expectancy on dialysis is 5-15 years.
You’ll be given guidelines as to what you should eat and drink, how much you should eat and drink, and other lifestyle suggestions. People have been known to live for 20-30 years on dialysis.
So, is DCI the dialysis clinic for you?
Judging by the reviews we’ve checked out, DCI is very much a mixed bag. Some patients felt like their DCI clinic was a second family, with top-notch care and treatment.
However, other patients felt very differently, with complaints of poor treatment, unacceptable facilities, and even one accusation of malpractice.
It’s wise to do your own research before choosing a dialysis facility. If you can, talk to a medical professional for their recommendations. Search out dialysis clinics close to you, and read up on their treatments, prices, and patient reviews.
You may also want to visit the facility before you make your decision, to check that the clinic is hygienic. How are the other patients? Do you have any friends or family that attended that clinic?
Do the patients look happy and healthy? Is the staff friendly and responsive?
Going forward with dialysis is stressful. Aside from choosing an appropriate (and affordable!) clinic, you’ll likely be worried about your health. How will your illness impact your life and loved ones?
When it comes to choosing a clinic – especially a non-profit facility – always go with your gut feeling. This clinic will be responsible for your kidney health for possibly many years to come.
The clinic you choose will also help you towards an organ transplant path. An organ transplant will get you off dialysis and give you at least one healthy, working kidney. Kidney transplants are the goal for just about everyone on dialysis.
A clinic that doesn’t properly help you out with getting on the organ transplant list could ruin your chances of a transplant.
However, a good clinic will keep you happy and healthy until such a time as you can receive your transplant and start your new life. A good clinic should feel like a family – after all, you’ll be spending approximately 9-15 hours a week in this facility, so you’d better make some friends!
All in all, dialysis is an unpleasant yet necessary procedure. A good clinic can make you feel comfortable and at home, even as you deal with a serious health condition.
