Making plans to travel to and from dialysis can be a stress for patients and their families. Many communities have services available to assist with medical transportation (at a cost). Families may assist with transportation and some patients may be able to drive themselves.
For some patients/families, covering the cost of transportation causes a financial hardship. Some community organizations providing transportation support have subsidies available to offset costs.

Although arranging transportation is your responsibility, your dialysis social worker is available to provide you with information and to assist you in deciding on the best option(s) for you. They are able to provide information on transportation resources in your home community. They are also available to discuss financial concerns and to assist you in determining your eligibility for assistance.

Treatment Drop-Off Tips

• Tell your driver that you must arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment time. For example, if your “chair time” is 9:00 AM, please arrive in the lobby no later than 8:45 AM.
• Give yourself some extra time in case you encounter traffic or other delays.
• As you get more comfortable with dialysis, please ask your driver/visitor to remain outside the center when you go in. To reduce the risk of infection for everyone, the number of people in the center is limited to those who are essential for safe dialysis care. Ask your social worker if you have any questions about this important safety requirement.

Treatment Pickup Tips

Tell your driver to pick you up 30 minutes after your estimated dialysis finish time. For example, if you’re scheduled to be off dialysis at 3:00 PM, ask the driver to come no earlier than 3:30 PM to ensure you’re ready for your ride home.

• Ask your driver to wait outside until you’re ready to exit the building. To reduce the risk of infection for everyone, the number of people in the center is limited to those who are essential for safe dialysis care. Ask your social worker if you have any questions about this important safety requirement.