U.S. Renal Care’s Response to COVID-19

To Our Patients and Community

Together we are facing challenging times, and we know that navigating the complexities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic can feel overwhelming. At U.S. Renal Care, our top priority is providing you with safe, effective, and efficient care. We are committed to supporting your physical and emotional wellbeing, and thus have expanded our processes and patient resources to help make your dialysis experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

You are a valued member of the U.S. Renal Care family, and we will get through this pandemic together. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email CoronavirusCommunications@USRENALCARE.COM.

From all of us at U.S. Renal Care, be well, stay safe, and thank you for the privilege of caring for you.

A Message from Dr. Mary Dittrich

U.S. Renal Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mary Dittrich discusses the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Continuing Your Care is Critical

We recognize that many of you have experienced schedule changes as we adapt to care for all of our patients. We apologize for this inconvenience. It is critical that you continue your dialysis treatments as scheduled. Skipping treatments can cause health complications, including a weakened immune system, and therefore we strongly encourage you to continue to receive your dialysis treatments as recommended by your provider.

If you are tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your local U.S. Renal Care team in advance of arriving at your clinic, so they can help you navigate the increased safety measures in place to mitigate the risk of infecting others.

Protect Yourself with the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are especially critical for people on dialysis since there is a higher risk for complications. There are multiple free vaccines that have been authorized by the FDA, and the CDC suggests they are safe and highly effective at preventing severe disease and death, including against the Delta variant.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine for all persons 12 years of age and older, including those with kidney disease, and does not recommend one vaccine over another.

Learn more from the CDC about COVID-19 vaccines and how to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.

Your health and safety are our top priority.  If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, please contact CoronavirusCommunications@USRENALCARE.COM.

 

Enhanced Infection Control Procedures

Increased Screening Procedures

In addition to pre-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before you arrive, all individuals are screened upon arrival at all U.S. Renal Care clinics with a questionnaire and temperature check

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Facemasks are mandatory for everyone inside of our clinics and employees are required to wear full personal protective equipment – gowns, gloves, shields and facemasks – while in close contact with patients.

Cleaning & Disinfection

High-touch areas in our clinics are repeatedly and thoroughly sanitized throughout each day, and dialysis stations undergo rigorous routine cleaning after every single treatment

Limiting Interactions

All patients and employees are required to follow CDC guidelines for safe social distancing measures – remaining at least six feet apart from others – and visitors are restricted to only those essential for patient care.


Increased Virtual Support Offerings

  • Telehealth services for patients; please talk with your provider about your telehealth options
  • In-person, virtual or telephonic sessions with Dieticians and Social Workers

Support for Our Care Teams

We are providing our care teams with increased benefits so that they can continue to do their vital work while keeping themselves and their loved ones healthy.

We Need Your Help

  • Please comply and be patient with our screening processes which may seem redundant and sometimes result in delays
  • Call ahead with any of the following symptoms – fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Wear your mask while you are in your clinic, when coming to your clinic, in transportation, and while out and about in your community
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Abide by social distancing measures in the lobby and the rest of your clinic
  • Wash your hands prior to treatment while in your clinic and frequently while at home
  • Get your flu vaccine beginning in September

Patient Resources

Managing chronic kidney disease is challenging. The spread of COVID-19 may be adding additional stress or making it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. U.S. Renal Care is committed to providing you with supportive resources so that you can focus on what is most important – your health. Check out the links below to help maintain your physical and emotional health and stay informed with the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are we addressing COVID-19?

  • USRC has established a cross-functional COVID-19 Task Force comprised of physicians and company leadership to address the COVID-19 virus and ensure continued care in a safe environment for our patients and staff.
  • We are constantly revising our policies and procedures in accordance with guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local authorities and clinical experts.
  • Expanded health and safety guidelines and new workflows have been implemented in all U.S. Renal Care Clinics and Corporate Offices to address COVID-19 symptom screening, social distancing & visitor policies, infection control, disinfection & cleaning, personal protective equipment, measures to safely dialyze COVID-19 positive or symptomatic patients, and all other measures to provide a safe environment for patients and employees.

What if my state is under a stay-at-home order?

Your dialysis treatment is essential to your health and well-being, and our clinics will remain open to serve our patients. If you are concerned about your ability to travel to your clinic for treatment, please contact your local U.S. Renal Care team for help making necessary arrangements.

Should I still go to my treatment if I’m feeling sick?

We encourage you to continue to monitor your personal health closely and report any changes to your U.S. Renal Care team immediately. Please make sure to notify your clinic if you have been tested for COVID-19 or if you have any concerns about your health to be sure you are not at risk of spreading illness to other patients or staff.

Will I still be able to get my treatment if I test positive for COVID?

Yes. Your continued care is very important. Skipping treatments can cause serious health issues, including a weakened immune system, and therefore we strongly encourage our patients to continue receiving their dialysis treatments as scheduled.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your U.S. Renal Care team who will help you identify the right clinic to receive your dialysis. 

If your condition requires you to be hospitalized at any time, your U.S. Renal Care team will work with your physicians to ensure a smooth transition of your dialysis treatment to a hospital setting.

We Encourage Your Feedback

If you have any questions, ideas or concerns, contact your local U.S. Renal Care clinic or send us an email at coronaviruscommunication@usrenalcare.com.