Interventional Nephrology Program
The Interventional Nephrology Program includes a percutaneous access service directed by an interventional nephrologist and staffed by an additional nephrologist along with dedicated access nurses. Services include the placement of all temporary dialysis accesses and the placement or removal of all Perm-catheters using ultrasound-guided placement. All procedures can be scheduled by prior discussion with Dr. Will Gabbard at 504-842-3930, or with Vascular Access Coordinator Judy Pons at 504-842-5463. Services include:
- Placement of temporary or permanent hemodialysis catheters.
- Consultation for difficult access problems.
The Acute Dialysis Department provides adult and pediatric hemodialysis, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) and peritoneal dialysis onsite in the unit or at the patient’s bedside, depending on need. The number of treatments in the Acute Dialysis Department is highly variable, depending on patient need and time of the year. In 2007, treatments averaged around 250. Less than 5 percent of the treatments provided by the Acute Dialysis Department are for outpatients, and patients should be aware that Medicare covers less than 50 percent of the total cost of care and then only fewer than one of the following conditions:
- Emergency care, such as high potassium or severe fluid overload.
- Vascular access procedures.
- If the patient has a condition that would require hospitalization if dialysis were not provided.
It’s important that any outpatient be aware that this could result in a significant bill.
