Out of Town Patients
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You
don't have to say “no” to traveling for business or pleasure because you
are on dialysis.
With some planning and preparation, you can enjoy a family vacation,
go back home for a class reunion, make the most of your retirement years
or RSVP, “yes,” to an out-of-town wedding.
Contact our Social Worker at (360) 414-2200 for visiting dialysis
opportunities. BEFORE your appointment, your home dialysis unit will need to
complete this form and send it to Dialysis
Services by
email
or fax (360) 414-2226. |
Travel Tips:
To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Start planning your trip as far in advance as possible. Arrange
for a dialysis center at least four weeks before traveling, if
possible.
- Ask your dialysis staff or use an online resource to find a
dialysis center in the area you'll be visiting. All dialysis
patients-regardless of the type of dialysis they're on-should locate
a dialysis center in the area they're visiting. You need to know
where to go in case you need help or forget something.
- Find out what your insurance will cover so you don't have any
surprise expenses.
- Be sure to take the name and contact information for the
dialysis center where you'll receive treatments while away from
home.
- Most dialysis centers will need information about your health,
including your medical records and recent lab reports, an EKG and
chest x-ray, your dialysis prescription, recent treatment records,
dialysis access type, insurance information, a list of the
medications you take plus your local phone number and contact
information. This information should be carried by hand and not
packed in checked baggage.
- When making your reservation for air or train travel, ask for
special meals, if needed, such as diabetic, vegetarian, low salt,
low fat, etc. Be sure to bring your own diet-appropriate snacks for
travel delays and long trips.
- When checking in for a train or plane, request help boarding if
needed.
- When reserving a hotel room, ask for a handicapped-accessible or
first-floor room, if that is what you need.
- Bring along extra medication in case you get delayed while
traveling.
- If you are planning to travel abroad, check with your doctor
about any vaccinations you may need before traveling.
If you have any questions, please contact
Dialysis
Services: (360) 414-2200. |