the
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citizen
more choices you may have in where you receive your
treatments. Also, if your destination is a tourist area, you
may need to be flexible on where and when you receive your
treatments. Tourist areas have large numbers of traveling
patients, and while they try their best to fit your needs,
you may need to bend some as well. For example, you may
normally receive treatments on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday early in the morning. If you are traveling, you may have
to receive treatment on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
in the afternoon. To avoid complications, make sure that
whomever is helping you make the arrangements is clear
on what days you are traveling to and from your destination
so they may work with the destination to fit you in the best
clinic for your needs.
Relationships with your home clinic staff and physicians are
also very important. Your clinic staff and doctor will need to
have your records sent to the travel clinic ahead of time.
Most clinics that accept patients who are traveling will
require at least a week’s worth of flow sheets (the document
your clinic uses to track your treatment information).
They will also help to make sure that you receive any
shots or tests you may need. Some states or clinic
areas require that a traveling patient must have a
tuberculous skin test within a year of travel. Your home
clinic can administer that test and make sure records
are sent to the travel clinic.
Travel can be a fun and a safe proposition if
you plan and work together with your staff.
Remember, it should be about you and your
well-being. Staying informed during your
normal treatments is very helpful so you
know when something is not right while
traveling. However, above all else, have fun!
Additional Resources for Travel:
Davita Travel Support-https://www.davita.com/services/
travel-support or 1-800-244-0680
Fresenius Travel Services- https://www.freseniuskidneycare.
com/travel-services or 1-866-434-2597
Dialysis Facility Compare- https://www.medicare.gov/
dialysisfacilitycompare/
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