North Iowa - Dialysis Care
Dialysis care is offered as an outpatient service at three sites in north Iowa--Algona, Charles City, and Mason City.
Each site is staffed by a registered nurse, certified dialysis technician with providers, dietitians and socials workers available.
Each site is certified by Medicare.
Fresenius Kidney Care Center - Algona
8 stations
215 West Call Street, Algona
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Phone: 515-295-6132
Fresenius Kidney Care Center - Charles City
8 stations
707 Gilbert Street, Charles City.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Phone: 641-228-3567
Fresenius Kidney Care Center - Mason City
21 stations
MercyOne North Iowa’s West Campus
910 North Eisenhower Avenue, Mason City
Open six days a week, Monday – Saturday
Phone: 641-423-6015
When You Need to Start Dialysis
When kidneys are healthy, they clean the blood and remove extra fluid. Healthy kidneys also control blood pressure and make hormones and other substances that keep your body healthy. When the kidneys are no longer able to do these functions, you will need to start dialysis. Your doctor will be able to tell when you need to start dialysis based on your blood tests and your symptoms.
There are different kinds of dialysis. Your kidney doctor will discuss these options with you. At Fresenius Kidney Care Centers, they offer In-Center Hemodialysis.
How Does Hemodialysis Work?
The dialysis treatments are done in an outpatient dialysis unit. Fresenius Kidney Care offers dialysis in convenient locations across north Iowa. Whenever possible, you will be scheduled at the clinic most convenient for you.
In hemodialysis, a dialysis machine that has a special filter will be used to clean your blood of wastes and extra fluid. A catheter will be placed to access your blood. (If you were already seeing a kidney doctor, you may already have an arm dialysis access in place.)
While on the dialysis machine, your blood will be cleaned as it circulates through the cleaning filter. This process takes between 3 and 5 hours and is individualized for each person. During the treatment, you may read, rest, watch TV, etc. While you are on treatment, the health care team will be monitoring your treatments and giving medications if needed.
When is Dialysis Scheduled?
You will be scheduled for treatments 3 times a week – either on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – or on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We ask that you schedule other appointments around your dialysis schedule.
We encourage patients who are employed to continue working. We will do our best to plan your dialysis treatments around your work schedule. If you are not currently working, we encourage you to look for part-time work or educational/training opportunities.
Traveling as a Dialysis Patient
If you plan to travel, the social worker can assist you in finding a dialysis unit close to your destination. We recommend a 30-day advance notice to make arrangements. You may start the process on your own by going to www.dialysisfinder.com.
Who Will Be Managing the Dialysis Treatments?
Your kidney doctor/provider will determine your “prescription” for your dialysis treatments. He will make regular visits to see you when on treatment. The dialysis team who will be running your treatments will include nurses and dialysis technicians. In addition, you will work with a dietitian to address nutritional needs and a social worker to provide emotional support and address questions and concerns regarding adjustment to dialysis.
Patient-Family Care Conferences and Addressing Concerns
When you start dialysis, you and your family (if desired) will meet with the dialysis team to discuss your treatments, concerns, and any issues you may want to discuss. A care conference with the doctor/provider, nurse, dietitian, and social worker will be held:
- Within 30 days of starting dialysis as a new patient
- 90 days after the initial care conference
- Annually after the 90 day conference
You do not need to wait for a care conference to address immediate concerns or questions. At any time, the health care team will be able to address or assist with any immediate issues.
