What U.S. Renal Care does

U.S. Renal Care is a chain of dialysis centers that provides in-center hemodialysis treatment for people with kidney failure. The company operates hundreds of clinics across the United States where patients receive dialysis — a process that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys no longer do this on their own.

U.S. Renal Care is one of several large dialysis providers in the country. If your nephrologist (kidney doctor) refers you to a U.S. Renal Care center, you will receive treatment there, though you may also have the option to choose a different provider depending on your insurance and location.

The company handles the medical equipment, trained staff, and scheduling that dialysis requires. Your role is to show up for your scheduled sessions, follow your treatment plan, and work with the center's care team on diet, medication, and overall kidney health.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Renal Care operates dialysis centers where you receive treatment three times per week for about four hours per session, though schedules vary by patient.
  • Your nephrologist orders your dialysis prescription, and U.S. Renal Care staff carry out that prescription and monitor your blood work and vital signs.
  • Insurance — Medicare, Medicaid, or private coverage — pays for dialysis treatment, and U.S. Renal Care works with your insurance to handle billing.
  • You will meet with a social worker, dietitian, and nursing staff at your center to manage your overall care plan and any barriers to treatment.
  • U.S. Renal Care also offers home dialysis training and support if you want to do peritoneal dialysis or nocturnal hemodialysis at home.

How treatment sessions work at a U.S. Renal Care center

When you arrive for a dialysis session, a nurse will check your blood pressure, weight, and temperature. You will sit or recline in a treatment chair while the nurse accesses your vascular access — usually a fistula (a surgically created connection between an artery and vein in your arm) or a graft (a synthetic tube connecting them).

Two needles are placed in your access: one draws blood out to the dialysis machine, and the other returns the filtered blood to your body. The machine circulates your blood through a filter called a dialyzer, which removes waste products and excess fluid. This process typically lasts three to five hours, depending on your prescription.

During treatment, you can read, watch television, sleep, or work on a laptop. Nurses monitor you throughout the session and check your vital signs regularly. You will also have blood drawn periodically to measure how well the dialysis is working and to check your kidney function, electrolytes, and other markers.

Who decides your treatment plan

Your nephrologist — the kidney specialist who diagnosed your kidney failure — writes your dialysis prescription. This prescription specifies how many times per week you need treatment, how long each session should last, and the dialyzer size and blood flow rate.

U.S. Renal Care staff do not change your prescription on their own. If your nephrologist thinks you need a different schedule or dose, they will update the prescription and notify the center. However, the center's nurses and technicians watch for signs that your treatment may need adjustment — such as weight gain between sessions, changes in blood pressure, or lab results — and report these to your nephrologist.

You are also part of this conversation. If you feel unwell during or after treatment, or if your current schedule does not fit your work or family life, tell your care team. They can document your concerns and discuss options with your nephrologist.

Insurance and payment for dialysis

Dialysis is covered by Medicare for most people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), regardless of age. If you are under 65 and have ESRD, you become may be able to access for Medicare after three months of dialysis or if you receive a kidney transplant. Medicaid also covers dialysis in every state, though the details vary by state.

Private insurance plans cover dialysis as well. U.S. Renal Care's billing department works with your insurance to submit claims and handle prior authorization if your plan requires it. You are responsible for any copayments or coinsurance your plan specifies, but the center can tell you what that amount is before you start treatment.

If you do not have insurance, talk to the center's social worker. Many dialysis centers have financial information programs, and the social worker can also help you understand how to enroll in Medicare or Medicaid if you are not yet covered.

The care team at your center

Your U.S. Renal Care center includes several roles, each with a specific job. Nurses and technicians deliver your dialysis treatment and monitor your health during sessions. A nephrologist (either employed by the center or your own doctor) oversees your medical care. A social worker helps with insurance, financial concerns, transportation, and emotional support. A renal dietitian advises you on what to eat and drink to protect your remaining kidney function and manage your electrolytes.

You will have regular appointments with your nephrologist — usually monthly — to review your lab results and adjust your treatment if needed. You may also meet with the dietitian and social worker regularly, or as needed. These team members are there to help you manage dialysis as part of your daily life, not just as a medical procedure.

Home dialysis options through U.S. Renal Care

Not everyone does dialysis in a center. U.S. Renal Care also trains and supports patients who want to do dialysis at home. The two main home options are peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) as a filter. You perform exchanges several times a day, draining and refilling fluid in your abdominal cavity. This can be done manually or with an automated machine at night. Home hemodialysis works like in-center dialysis but happens in your home, usually three to six times per week for two to four hours per session.

U.S. Renal Care provides training for home dialysis, supplies the equipment, and continues to monitor your health through regular lab work and phone or video check-ins. Home dialysis requires more responsibility from you — you manage your own treatment and must follow strict infection-control procedures — but it offers more flexibility in scheduling and may allow you to travel more easily.

What to expect when you start dialysis at U.S. Renal Care

Before your first treatment, you will meet with the center's staff to review your medical history, current medications, and any allergies. You will sign consent forms and learn about the center's policies. If you do not already have a vascular access (fistula or graft), your nephrologist will refer you to a surgeon to have one created. This usually takes four to eight weeks to mature before it can be used for dialysis.

Your first few sessions may feel overwhelming. The needles, the machine sounds, and the time commitment are new. This is normal. Talk to your care team about any anxiety or discomfort. Many centers have support groups where you can meet other dialysis patients and learn how they adapted.

You will also receive education about your diet, medications, and self-care. U.S. Renal Care centers typically provide written materials and may offer classes on topics like managing your fluid intake, recognizing signs of infection in your access, and staying active while on dialysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose a different dialysis provider instead of U.S. Renal Care?

Yes. Your nephrologist may refer you to U.S. Renal Care, but you have the right to choose a different dialysis center. Your insurance and location will affect which centers are in your network. Contact your insurance company or ask your nephrologist which providers are available near you.

What happens if I miss a dialysis session?

Missing treatment allows waste and fluid to build up in your blood, which can cause serious complications like high potassium levels, fluid overload, and heart problems. If you cannot make a scheduled session, call the center as soon as possible. If you are having trouble keeping appointments, tell your social worker — they can help with transportation, scheduling conflicts, or other barriers.

Do I have to stay on dialysis forever?

Dialysis is permanent unless you receive a kidney transplant. A transplant can free you from dialysis, but it requires a donor kidney (from a living or deceased donor) and lifelong anti-rejection medications. Talk to your nephrologist about whether transplant is an option for you.

Can I work while on dialysis?

Many people work while on dialysis. Your schedule depends on your treatment plan — in-center dialysis is usually three times per week, which leaves time for work. Home dialysis may offer more flexibility. Talk to your nephrologist and social worker about how to balance work and treatment.

What if I have questions about my treatment or lab results?

Ask your nurse, technician, or nephrologist at the center. You can also call the center between sessions if you have concerns. Your social worker and dietitian are also resources for questions about managing your health and adjusting to dialysis.