What is a dialysis center?

A dialysis center is an outpatient clinic that provides hemodialysis for people with end-stage kidney disease. Patients typically attend three sessions a week of three to four hours each, on fixed chair schedules that begin as early as 5 a.m. The two national chains, DaVita and Fresenius, operate most centers in the United States alongside hospital-affiliated and independent units.

Why dialysis centers matter for NEMT

Dialysis is the backbone of Medicaid NEMT volume. The trips are standing orders, they cluster by clinic and shift, riders often need wheelchair service, and return legs are will calls after treatment. A provider that serves two or three dialysis units well can build stable routes and predictable revenue. Social workers at the centers are the relationship to build; they know which riders are unhappy with their current transport.

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