Services
The staff works in concert with patients and their families, providing information and
counseling to help them reach an informed decision about which treatment is best suited to their lifestyle. CFKC strives to deliver the
best care, support, and outcome possible regardless of which treatment option the patient chooses.
CFKC also offers kidney transplant workup services as an alternate form of therapy to dialysis, social services that provide counseling for
both patients and families, and nutrition services to meet each patient’s unique nutritional needs.
Hemodialysis (In-Center)
Quality care is provided utilizing the latest available technology. Patients are encouraged to learn about their disease and actively
participate in their treatment. Classes are available for the patient to learn about self-care in the facility and at home.
- Appointment times are individualized, whenever possible, to accommodate the specific patient needs.
- Evening shift treatment times are available to meet the needs working patients at some locations.
- Audio-visual entertainment is available during dialysis.
- Adult nephrology care is provided by many board certified and board eligible nephrologists in private practice in Central Florida.
- Pediatric patient care is provided. There are board certified nephrologists on staff.
Central Florida Kidney Centers offer the following options of prescription dialysis to accommodate individual patient needs.
- Hi-flux, hi-efficiency and traditional dialysis modes are offered using a variety of dialyzers.
- Traditional dialysis using a standard dialyzer without reuse is available.
- Bicarbonate dialysate is used.
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Home Dialysis Therapies
The home dialysis department specializes in teaching patients the art of self-care utilizing three modes of dialysis therapy:
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
- Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD)
- Home Hemodialysis
An interdisciplinary approach is utilized in selecting the mode of dialysis most suitable for the patient. The interdisciplinary team includes
the physician, nurse, social worker, dietitian and the patient. Home dialysis offers the patient flexibility and convenience in treatment regimes.
Training is usually on a one to one basis and is individualized to specific patient needs. Family members or helpers are included in training sessions as necessary
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Pediatric Program
CFKC is one of a few dialysis centers in Florida that offers a full program of services for infants and children on dialysis.
In-center hemodialysis as well as, home peritoneal dialysis is offered. There is a separate entrance, waiting room and treatment area for pediatric patients. A pediatric nephrologists’ office is located on the premises.
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Kidney Transplant Services
Kidney transplant is an alternative form of therapy to dialysis. Patients who are interested in this form of therapy and who have received medical approval
are considered as potential candidates for a living related or deceased donor transplant. To attain medical approval active coordination is maintained with the transplant facilities.
The transplant coordinator at Central Florida Kidney Centers, Inc. meets with patients and interested family members to explain and educate potential recipients and donors about the
transplant process. The option for the patient to access transplant programs in other regions is available. Information can be obtained about transplant programs in other states as
well as other cities in Florida. Records are kept updated to maintain the patient’s status on the transplant registry after being accepted as a transplant candidate.
Through written and audiovisual presentations, patient and family education is provided regarding the alternative of transplantation and the potential health benefits and risks.
Patients and living related donors are assisted with scheduling the necessary appointments and tests required for the pre-transplant workup process.
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Social Services
The social services department is staffed with licensed personnel having advanced degrees in social work and counseling. Comprehensive psychosocial evaluations and counseling services
are provided for both patients and families. Ongoing counseling provides assistance in adjusting to life with renal disease. Referrals are arranged for patients and families with
various community services. These include providers of health care coverage, transportation services, and vocational rehabilitation services. Interaction with the multi-disciplinary
team in planning patient care occurs regularly. Family support services are provided directly or by referral.
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Nutrition Services
A full time Registered Dietitian is an active member of the interdisciplinary team. The dietitian provides nutrition counseling for individuals on dialysis and their family members.
This includes:
- Nutrition assessment upon initiation of dialysis.
- Monthly evaluations with the patient to modify food intake based on lab values, weight loss/weight gain, fluid weight gains and food preferences.
The dietitian assists in kinetic modeling providing individualized treatment information for each patient. The modeling is performed on all hemodialysis patients and is one of the tools
used to determine the prescribed length of dialysis treatment time. Counseling and nutrition support is available regarding homemade or commercial products which, when taken orally, can
provide adequate caloric and/or protein intake to enhance the renal diet.
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Visiting Patient Services
Visitors are welcome. Referrals for treatment can be initiated by the patient, family members or dialysis facility by calling our toll free number (1-800-253-2935). A six week advance notice
for scheduling is recommended. A rapid work up can be accomplished for emergencies with patients and home unit cooperation.
Services are available for four types of dialysis treatments:
- In center hemodialysis
- Home hemodialysis
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
To ensure maximum safety and the best medical care possible, CFKC requires complete medical information in advance of acceptance for treatment. Typical medical information requested includes:
- Dialysis treatment information
- Recent laboratory results
- Diagnostic reports, i.e. chest x-rays, EKG
- Medications
- Diet and fluid restrictions
- Most recent history and physical
- Other special medical needs
If family or friends wish to wait during treatments, television and beverages are available.
Having provided therapy for patients from around the world, we are confident of our ability to make the visiting dialysis patient feel “at home.”. |
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