In the not too distant future Traci Phillips is expecting to see what she calls “a tsunami” of new patients heading her way.

Phillips is the clinical manager at Albany’s Fresenius Medical Care which provides almost all dialysis for Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. She believes more people are likely to develop kidney problems.

“The indication is we will see more patients,” she said. “The key contributors to kidney disease are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) and those are on the rise.”

Phillips said about 15 percent of all diabetes sufferers at some point will need  dialysis. It can strike at any age although there are currently no children on dialysis in Linn County.

“Kidney disease is very indiscriminate,” Phillips said.

Currently Fresenius serves about 60 patients in each of its sites in Albany, Lebanon and Corvallis. There are an additional group of patients that are on home dialysis machines.

Those that visit the Fresenius offices typically spend three to five hours, three times a week receiving treatment. Patients are given an option when the contact the clinic. They can receive treatment in the center, opt for home dialysis, seek a kidney transplant or choose not to have treatment at all.

“Some do take that final option,” Phillips said. “It’s a personal choice.”

According to Casey Stowell, operations manager for the mid-valley centers, most patients are medicare eligible or have coverage through private insurance.

“We work to place them at a center that is closest to their home,” she said.

More than half of the patients drive themselves to the center. Some who in assisted living use alternate transportation.  

Fresenius is part of a world-wide network that can help patients set up dialysis when they travel.

“We will find the nearest place that they can get help,” Stowell said.

Fresenius has been providing dialysis service for more than 20 years in the mid-valley. Hospitals are set up with their own machines for emergencies and for those who may be hospitalized for several days.

The company has 18 on staff in Albany which runs three shifts six days a week. Machines are maintained on a regular basis. Fresenius supplies its own equipment and operates its own water treatment plant for emergency purposes.

“We can’t afford to be shut down if city water has a problem,” Phillips said.

The staff includes a physician, nurse, renal dietician, a social worker and certified patient care technicians.

“There is 24/7 access for technical and medical support,” Stowell said.

Tech support teams are available for home dialysis patients, who are trained at Fresenius. Home systems are portable and allow those patients more individual freedom according to Phillips.

Not many do. Fresenius’ 14 chairs are full every day.

“Dialysis is a life-long commitment,” Phillips said. “It’s like a part time job for these patients.”

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