Premier Surgical Vascular Access & Imaging Center is focused on providing exceptional care for patients and their families who have recently been diagnosed with kidney disease. Many people have little knowledge about kidney disease and its corresponding treatment until someone close to them receives a diagnosis. The National Kidney Foundation is a great resource for learning more and specifically offers these important steps to follow after a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease:
- Know your kidney numbers.
- Get your blood pressure checked.
- Talk to your doctor about medication dosage and imaging tests.
- Talk to a dietician.
- Understand the kidney-heart connection.
- Have your blood cholesterol levels checked regularly.
- Stop smoking.
- Plan to see a kidney specialist.
- Learn about treatment options for kidney failure.
- Create an access to your blood stream.
Premier Surgical Vascular Access & Imaging Center in Knoxville is 100% dedicated to serving patients with kidney disease and working cooperatively with all of the providers responsible for patient care to ensure high quality access so patients receive the full benefit of dialysis. Our on-site Access Coordinator works one-on-one with patients to coordinate surgery schedules follow up appointments, ultrasounds and any intervention needed to ensure quality access. Melissa Barczak, RN, BSN, the Vascular Access Coordinator stays in regular contact with dialysis centers treating patients of Premier Surgical Vascular Access & Imaging Center. This allows for the proactive care of patients by identifying any problems early on so steps can be taken to avoid further complications.
Patient education is one of the most important components of care at Premier Surgical Vascular Access & Imaging Center. During their initial visit, each patient is given a personal guide filled with educational materials. Included in this kit is a guide for patients illustrating how to examine their access daily as a further precautionary step to help identify any problems early on. Patients are also invited to attend the online Kidney School to learn more about the overall approach to treatment and how to optimize their care plan.
Premier Surgical Vascular Access & Imaging Center performs vascular access procedures at most Knoxville area hospitals, so patients can choose the location that’s most convenient to them.
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with kidney disease, take the time to learn about and explore your options for care. We have vascular surgeons available on-site Monday through Friday and offer same-day referrals with convenient scheduling.
Visit our website for a wealth of information to help you understand vascular and imaging care services. Or call (865) 588-8229 to schedule a consultation with our Access Coordinator.