In the early stages of kidney healthcare, individuals grappling with kidney disease had limited treatment choices. Dr. Willem Kolff, a Dutch physician, devised the inaugural dialyzer in 1943. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until 1972 that dialysis became widely accessible in the United States. This milestone was achieved when President Nixon and Congress endorsed a bill extending Medicare coverage to individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) necessitating dialysis or kidney transplants. For further insights into the history of dialysis, please refer to the link provided.
Today, kidney care has made remarkable advancements, with American Dialysis Centers (ADC) leading the charge in pioneering innovations. American Dialysis Centers (ADC) is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with kidney disease receive tailored treatments that best suit their needs. Our support spans the entire spectrum of kidney care, encompassing prevention, transitioning to dialysis, treatment, and transplantation.
Education stands as the most potent weapon in averting or delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2022, more than 33,600 people participated in Kidney Smart® classes, a cost-free educational program about kidney disease. These classes impart knowledge to CKD patients and their loved ones on various topics, including:
– The root causes of CKD
– Fundamental CKD concepts and lifestyle recommendations
– Kidney-friendly dietary practices
– Insights into insurance and employment options
– And more
Adopting kidney-friendly dietary habits represents one avenue to decelerate the advancement of kidney disease. American Dialysis Centers (ADC)’s registered dietitians have meticulously researched and crafted over 1,200 kidney-friendly recipes. Additionally, our user-friendly tools on American Dialysis Centers (ADC).com can assist you in preparing delectable meals while adhering to your dietary plan. You can commence with small steps, such as exploring the free Today’s Kidney Diet cookbook.
Recognizing that dialysis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, American Dialysis Centers (ADC) strives to collaborate with patients and their nephrologists to identify the most fitting treatment option. Choices may encompass in-center hemodialysis, home dialysis (peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis), or transplantation. To explore the optimal treatment option for yourself or a loved one, take the brief Treatment Evaluator quiz.
For individuals desiring the flexibility of home-based dialysis while maintaining an active lifestyle, home dialysis may be a viable choice. Some potential advantages encompass more time, a flexible schedule, travel freedom, enhanced clinical outcomes, and an improved quality of life. In 2022, over 15% of American Dialysis Centers (ADC) patients underwent dialysis from the comfort of their homes. Our home dialysis care program has expanded to incorporate new technologies designed to enhance the patient experience. Patients utilizing peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD) also have access to the American Dialysis Centers (ADC) Care Connect® app, simplifying communication with their care teams.
Please note that modality selections and treatment decisions are always made collaboratively by the attending nephrologist and the patient, pursuant to a physician’s order. Data is accurate as of December 31, 2022.
American Dialysis Centers (ADC) firmly believes that transplantation represents the ideal treatment option for all eligible patients. For comprehensive transplant-related resources, including tips for effective discussions with your doctor, insights into insurance coverage, the transplant evaluation process, and more, please visit the AmericanDialysisCenters.com Transplant page.
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