Travel Checklist
Set up dialysis dates at the dialysis unit in the area you will be traveling. Contact units in the area you will be traveling to find a dialysis appointment on the dates you will need. Planning your appointments in advance will help you get into the center most convenient for you, in terms of location and appointment times. Be prepared to provide them with the exact dates you are requesting, the contact person at your dialysis unit, their phone number and fax number. They may also ask you about your insurance coverage.
Tell your dialysis unit support staff what you have set up — who you talked with, the phone number, and the dates you will dialyze. They will pull your records together and follow up to make sure that you meet all the requirements of that dialysis center.
Contact your insurance company to find out the level of coverage you have when you travel out of your service area and to make sure you obtain preauthorization/precertification if required by your insurance. This is especially important if you do not have Medicare coverage.
Complete any paperwork requested by your unit support staff in a timely manner. This will include a Release of Information form along with any forms the travel dialysis facility requires.
Update medical records as required. Your unit support staff will let you know items that need to be updated (like an EKG or chest X-ray) in order for you to meet the requirements of the dialysis unit you will be visiting.
Notify your nephrologist of your travel plans.
If your travel plans change, please communicate with the visiting unit, your unit contact and your nephrologist to let them know of the change in plans.
Contact visiting unit about one week prior to travel to verify dates and times (unless instructed differently from unit).
At the end of your last treatment prior to travel, have staff print out your current orders and your last three dialysis treatment log sheets. Bring these with you to your first travel dialysis.