Menu
Let’s be honest – most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our kidneys. Our organs quietly do their job keeping us alive. Until, of course, they stop working.
Millions of Americans suffer from kidney failure every year. Our kidneys work to filter toxins and waste from our blood, and without that filtering system, our bodies would slowly stop working, leading to death.
In fact, millions of patients have regular, weekly kidney dialysis. Struggling with a chronic illness like kidney failure is challenging enough, but there are other pressing questions to consider.
What dialysis clinic should you choose? You may have heard of Liberty dialysis – is this a dialysis center worth investigating?
What can you expect from kidney dialysis? How much will it cost? Let’s find out.
When it comes to choosing a dialysis clinic, there are plenty of options available. One option you may have heard of frequently is Liberty Dialysis. The basic premise of Liberty Dialysis is to offer kidney dialysis and other treatment to patients suffering from renal failure.
However, not all dialysis clinics are equal. Why should you consider Liberty Dialysis? Where did they come from, and what can they offer you as a patient?
In short, what should you know about Liberty Dialysis? Let’s find out.
Liberty Dialysis is a Mercer Island-based line of dialysis clinics, now specializing in home dialysis (which we’ll discuss in more detail later).
In late 2011/ early 2012, Liberty Dialysis was bought out by Fresenius Medical Care, a German-based company that was at that time the world’s largest dialysis treatment provider, as well as in manufacturing dialysis equipment.
One company buying out another can often be a cause for concern, especially when healthcare is concerned. How can patients be sure that they will still receive the same quality of care? What can they expect to change?
However, since Fresenius was already a healthcare provider, specializing in kidney dialysis, it’s fair to assume that this takeover wouldn’t impact patient care and treatment.
Liberty Dialysis still operates to this day, offering all the usual dialysis-related treatments and care.
Like many dialysis centers, Liberty Dialysis offers in-center hemodialysis, in-center peritoneal dialysis, and home hemodialysis. Any good dialysis clinic will fully explain each treatment, as well as its pros and cons.
Here’s a brief recap of these forms of dialysis:
This is the traditional, most commonly recognized form of dialysis. The patient travels to the dialysis clinic, where their blood is gradually removed from their body via a surgically implanted portal (usually in the arm), filtered, cleaned, and returned to the body.
In-center hemodialysis means that you won’t need to carry a lot of medicine and equipment at home. You visit your dialysis center, then you leave, and that’s all there is to it.
A few benefits of in-center hemodialysis include:
However, dialysis takes time. You can expect the procedure to last around 3-5 hours, and to be repeated three times a week, depending on your health and circumstances. That’s a lot of time to kill!
Peritoneal dialysis follows the same principle as regular hemodialysis, except the membrane of the abdominal lining is used to filter the blood. Peritoneal dialysis can be done while you sleep, and there may be quicker recovery times and a better overall reaction to the dialysis.
This is because peritoneal dialysis most closely copies the filtering method used by our kidneys.
A few benefits of in-center peritoneal dialysis include:
For more information on whether peritoneal dialysis is the best choice for you, ask your doctor.
Almost without exception, most of us prefer to do things in the comfort of our own homes. At-home dialysis (both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) is available from Liberty Dialysis.
While at-home dialysis will require you to have some equipment at home, it can make the process much more comfortable and take less time from your weekly schedule. While you won’t have the clinic and full medical staff available, you will be supervised and cared for by a medical professional at your home.
Benefits of at-home dialysis include:
Of course, there can be some downsides to at-home dialysis. You’ll need to have medical equipment for dialysis on hand, and you can’t quite go about your day as normal during the dialysis.
While you’ll be supervised by a medical professional, you won’t have a full clinic of doctors and nurses available to help. Even so, most patients would prefer to have their dialysis done at home. If you think at-home dialysis would suit you better, speak to your doctor.
You can also look into nocturnal dialysis (which is done while you sleep) and other types of dialysis at Liberty Dialysis. Any good clinic will be focused on making sure that you – the patient – are as comfortable as possible, and able to fully benefit from your treatment.
Liberty Dialysis has clinics all over the US. To find out more information about which clinics are available near you – and what treatments they offer – you can use the location tool offered here.
This tool allows you to search for clinics by location, as well as what treatments you need (for example, at-home dialysis or nocturnal dialysis). You can also research that particular clinic on Google reviews, and see what previous patients have to say about that clinic.
Patient experiences – and their reviews – is something we’ll discuss in detail next.
In our era of internet comparison sites and Google reviews, businesses live and die on their online reputation. Healthcare clinics are no exception. We have a lot of choices at our fingertips, and everyone naturally wants to choose the best option for themselves and their loved ones.
Of course, choosing what clinic to go to for your dialysis is a little more involved than deciding where to shop. Especially when it comes to nonprofit organizations, not all clinics are equal.
Before you choose what clinic to attend, research the brand and the facility, and be sure to read patient reviews. Before we discuss a few reviews for Liberty Dialysis, be aware that it can be difficult to verify reviews online. However, we’ve taken all of these reviews at face value.
As we can see here, many patients have had a good experience at Liberty Dialysis clinics.
Best in Town:
“My mother is a patient at Mid-America and she has never had any problems there like at her other dialysis clinic. The place is always clean and inviting. They really know what they are doing.” – nevolence
Seeing a family member endure ill health and an invasive procedure like dialysis can be difficult. Trustworthiness should be an important factor in your decision-making process.
“The best decision I ever made!
I have been to many dialysis clinics, but this one is the best!” – bpandiou
It’s no surprise to know that bouncing between clinics and hospitals is stressful and tedious. Finding a good dialysis clinic that’s clean, efficient, and welcoming can make a huge difference. After all, if you’re spending an average of 9-15 hours a week at a clinic, you’ll want to choose somewhere you’re comfortable!
Many clinics can vary in quality and efficiency. Each clinic will have its own areas of expertise, along with areas where they could probably do a bit better.
“Decent as can be expected. The staff listens to patients (if they’re willing to speak). Generally pleasant and cheerful., it’s still a medical facility; enjoy as much as you can. There are a lot WORSE clinics out there, this isn’t one of them.” – Terrell Harris
“Been going there for 5 years and most of the staff are great.” – Mordie Hicks
Both of these reviewers left three-star reviews each. You can view more varied reviews on that particular facility here.
There are always some clinics that simply aren’t acceptable. Unfortunately, even if the facility itself is clean and reasonably pleasant, the staff can make or break a clinic.
“They are rude and messed with my treatment too much. Can’t wait to go back home. If I ever come back to New York. I am never coming back here. Yes, there are a couple of sweet staff but there are people that want to control your treatment w/o asking me if it’s ok. My bp is never high until I got here. Did not like it!” – Kassief15
This can be a worrying review to read if you’re considering a dialysis clinic. Overbearing or unfriendly staff can make your weekly dialysis visits something to dread.
You can read some more reviews on this particular Liberty Dialysis clinic here.
Like any other serious medical procedure, dialysis can be a stressful and worrying process. New dialysis patients may not know what to expect.
Choosing a suitable dialysis clinic is another matter altogether, and can be every bit as stressful. Let’s discuss a few commonly asked questions about kidney dialysis and Liberty Dialysis.
Kidney dialysis is an artificial way of filtering and cleaning the blood for patients in end-stage renal failure. Patients can survive without dialysis with only one kidney, but if both kidneys are not working, you will need dialysis.
It’s worth noting that dialysis is not necessarily a long-term solution. Patients have survived for decades on dialysis, but the average survival time on dialysis is 5-10 years. While dialysis never stops working, the body may stop responding to it.
Dialysis shouldn’t be a painful or uncomfortable process. Traditional hemodialysis can take between 3-5 hours and is usually repeated about 3 times a week.
During the procedure, you can read, watch TV, or even take a nap. In fact, dialysis is more tedious than anything. Many patients prefer at-home dialysis as it’s much more comfortable and convenient.
Dialysis isn’t actually designed as a long-term solution. The filtration system used to clean the blood will keep you alive, but it can’t replace the natural filtration system of the kidneys. Dialysis is best used as a stopgap until you’re able to get a kidney transplant.
A medical professional will clean the dialysis portal (usually inserted in the arm, and insert two needles. Blood is drawn out of one needle, then filtered and cleansed. The blood will be returned to your body via the other needle.
You might experience some nausea or stomach cramps during the process. If that happens, speak to a nearby medical professional. They’ll adjust the dialysis settings, which should help the symptoms.
For peritoneal dialysis, blood is withdrawn via a catheter in the stomach. This can be a slightly different procedure, but feel free to talk to your doctor or the nursing staff about what to expect.
Nocturnal dialysis is when blood is withdrawn over a period of around eight hours while you sleep, and it’s usually hemodialysis. Nocturnal dialysis is done overnight and has the least impact on your daily life and schedule.
In short, dialysis can be an inconvenient and time-consuming (but necessary!) procedure, but not a painful or uncomfortable one. If you experience any side effects during or after your dialysis session, speak to your doctor.
Yes, the German healthcare company Fresenius owns Liberty Dialysis. The company continues to operate under its own name and still specializes in dialysis and other related treatments.
Dialysis at a hospital can cost around $76 500 a year. Understandably, this is too expensive for many patients. Home dialysis is cheaper, at around $48 000 a year.
Medicare and Medicaid can help with dialysis costs, as well as immunosuppressant drugs leading up to a kidney transplant.
It’s time for the big question – should you go to Liberty Dialysis clinic?
While some patients seemed to have had an unpleasant time at Liberty Dialysis, the Google reviews were mostly mixed. In fact, some patients offered high praise for the facility and for certain members of staff.
Fresenius, the German-based company which currently owns Liberty Dialysis, is a well-known and established healthcare line, specializing in dialysis treatments and equipment. This may give a patient confidence that they’re dealing with an efficient and experienced healthcare company.
Of course, the ultimate decision is up to you. Before you decide which dialysis clinic to visit, do some research of your own. Research the brand itself (for example, if you decide to choose a Liberty Dialysis clinic), as well as the specific clinic.
Check to see if there’s a clinic near you, and try and find patient reviews online for that particular clinic. If you have any friends or family who’ve visited or worked at the clinic, ask their opinion.
If possible, try and arrange a visit or tour to the clinic. Is the atmosphere warm and welcoming? Do the patients look comfortable and happy? Are the staff friendly, and are they willing to answer your questions?
An unfriendly or uncomfortable clinic will make your 9-15 weekly hours of dialysis seem to last even longer. So, try and pick a clinic with comfortable chairs – you’re going to spend hours sitting in those chairs!
Living with a chronic health problem, such as renal failure, is stressful and upsetting. Your dialysis clinic shouldn’t add extra trouble. In fact, a good dialysis clinic should focus on helping you live a happy, comfortable life, and making you feel warm, comfortable, and safe when you come in for your procedures.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a clinic is how well it will boost you towards a possible organ transplant – dialysis is unfortunately not a permanent solution. While the dialysis won’t stop working, your body may stop responding to it.
If you decide to go with a Liberty Dialysis clinic, always go with your gut. Does the place feel right? Your instincts are right much more often than you give yourself credit.
All in all, dealing with kidney problems and renal failure is pretty awful, but finding a good dialysis clinic and getting the treatment you need doesn’t have to be such a headache. Doing your due diligence is never overrated. This is a big decision – don’t rush it.
