New Patient Resources
Welcome to U.S. Renal Care! We strive to make every patient feel comfortable throughout their kidney care journey. We provide you with information and resources to help you and your loved ones learn more about kidney disease and dialysis.
Hear what fellow U.S. Renal Care patients have to say about life on dialysis
Continue the things you enjoy. They will continue to give you the same joy and accomplishment.
— Chambersburg, PA
Take a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed and lean on your support system. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
— Bethesda, MD
Don’t let this disease become your life. Don’t forget to live. You have kidney disease. It doesn’t have you.
— Chambersburg, PA
Connect with more resources as you begin your kidney care journey
Your First Dialysis Appointment
Learn moreMeet Your Kidney Care Team
Learn moreHealth Insurance Options
Learn moreU.S. Renal Care Admissions
Learn moreKidney Treatment Options
Learn moreHealthy Living While on Dialysis
Learn moreKidney 101
When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys are no longer able to remove waste effectively from your body or balance your fluids as they should. CKD is divided into 5 stages that refer to how well your kidneys are working. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD), or kidney failure, is when your kidneys are no longer functional.
What kidneys do
Located in your mid-back, healthy kidneys act as a filter to remove waste and extra fluid from your body, help to keep the body’s chemicals in balance and maintain normal blood pressure.
Causes of kidney disease
Uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes are the most common conditions that may cause damage to the kidneys. Your kidney doctor, or nephrologist, will help determine the specific cause of your chronic kidney disease.
Delaying disease progression
There are a lot of things that can be done to help slow the loss of kidney function. Patients with CKD should coordinate with their care team to discuss the best treatment choices to help delay progression of kidney disease. Learn more about kidney treatment options.
Kidney replacement therapy
When kidney function continues to decline, it is likely time for Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT). Your plan may include kidney transplantation, dialysis, palliative care, or a combination of these.
Additional Resources
American Kidney Fund - All About Kidneys
Go to KidneyFund.orgRenal Support Network - Kidney 101
Go to RSNHope.orgKidney School Audio Book
Go to Kidney SchoolFind a center near you, and contact our Admissions team at 1-800-550-9664 to get started on your kidney care journey!