How do I find the best dialysis clinics in Birmingham?
Finding the right Birmingham dialysis center is all about understanding what you need to look for in an Upstate dialysis center. For starters, you should know that dialysis treatment usually needs to happen at least 3-5 times per week. That means you’re going to be driving back and forth from whatever dialysis clinic in Birmingham you end up choosing. So you’ll want to find one that isn’t too far from your home.
Additionally, dialysis clinics in Birmingham can vary quite a bit in terms of how they see patients and the types of insurance that they accept. That’s why it’s important to do your research. It’s the only way to make sure that you pick an Upstate dialysis center that meets all of your needs.
Once you get your list down to a manageable level, you’ll be ready to go and visit the remaining clinics in person. This is the final step of the decision-making process and your chance to get a better feel for how each one will be for your loved one.
Facts and trends in Birmingham dialysis
What is the prevalence of kidney disease in Birmingham?
Kidney disease is a serious condition that impacts Americans in every state. It’s why dialysis facilities in Anniston are so common. To get a better sense of how this condition affects Alabama residents, take a look at the table below. It uses data from the CDC to highlight the scope of the problem.
If an older adult in your life is one of the thousands of Alabama residents who live with kidney disease, getting them the right form of treatment can make all the difference. It’s another reason why doing your research is so important before selecting the Anniston dialysis center that you’re going to sign them up for.
Are there different types of dialysis available in Birmingham?
It’s also worth knowing that there’s more than one type of dialysis treatment available from dialysis centers in Tuscaloosa. The bullet points below explain the two major options that are available to you. It uses data from The Kidney Project, which is a part of the University of California San Francisco.
Main Types of Kidney Dialysis:
- Hemodialysis
- 90% of all dialysis services
- Pumping patient’s own blood through an external circuit for filtration before it is returned to the body
- Typically three sessions per week for 3-5 hours per session at a medical facility
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- A permanent tube is placed in the abdomen
- Waste is exchanged from the blood and flushed out regularly through the tube
- Doesn’t require regular trips to a medical facility but still requires regular treatment at home
Though the vast majority of patients choose hemodialysis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the right option for your loved one. This is something that you can ask about when you go and visit the dialysis centers in Tuscaloosa that you’re considering. You should be able to get a personalized recommendation from a medical professional.
What should caregivers in Birmingham know about the dialysis process?
The dialysis process starts by creating permanent access to the blood vessels. This is true regardless of whether your loved one chooses hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. It’s a step that must be completed so that medical staff members are able to consistently provide your loved one with dialysis services.
Another thing to know is that it’s also possible for your loved one to receive dialysis services at home. These may have a different price than clinic-based dialysis care. But it’s an option that’s worth looking into — especially if the senior in your life has expressed dismay at having to go to a clinic multiple times each week.
Dialysis centers in Birmingham
Dialysis treatment centers help people deal with kidney disease in a way that still allows them to live a fulfilling life. If someone that you care about needs this type of support, don’t delay. Today is the perfect time to start researching your options so that you figure out which is best for your loved one.