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Patient
Care Team
At DCA, we employ a team approach to dialysis
care. Nephrologists, nurses, patient care technicians, dietitians,
and social workers are committed to providing the highest
quality of care for patients with kidney disease. Our staff
is trained to treat the whole patient, looking at everything
that impacts your life, not just your illness.
Nephrologist
A physician who is a kidney disease specialist oversees your
care at the dialysis center. Through periodic visits to the
dialysis center the Nephrologist regulates your dialysis prescription
in conjunction with input from the entire patient care team.
Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses
The nursing staff is an integral part of the patient care
team. Nurses deliver your prescribed medications during the
dialysis treatment. They also closely monitor your access
site for any abnormalities and perform clinical assessments
both before and after your dialysis treatment. In addition,
the nursing staff reviews monthly lab work and works with
the other members of the patient care team to ensure you are
getting the best possible care.
Patient Care Technicians
Patient care technicians support the dialysis care administered
by the nursing staff. They monitor vital signs, check weights,
and prepare the dialysis machines for your treatment. As part
of the patient care team, the technicians help to begin and
complete the dialysis treatment, and communicate to the nursing
staff any changes in your condition.
Registered Dietitian
Each dialysis center has a registered dietitian, available
for consultation. The dietitian provides nutritional counseling
to you, your family and significant others. As you start your
treatment with DCA, a dietary history is performed and the
dietician works with you to develop the best nutritionally
sound diet with foods that are permitted within your dietary
restriction and just as importantly appeal to your taste buds.
The dietitian also reviews your monthly lab work to adjust
nutritional intake and diet to promote overall better health.
Licensed Social Worker
The dialysis center's licensed social worker focuses on your
psychological and social well-being, connecting you with transportation,
home care, rehabilitation, financial assistance, health insurance,
travel plans, and transplant referrals. DCA social workers
also act as your community liaison to help you obtain additional
support and counseling services.
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