If anyone wishes informtion posted here concerning dialysis services related to Hurricane Katrina, either call 508 303-8101 or e-mail renalweb@renalweb.com.
KATRINA INFORMATION, NEEDS, AND RESOURCES FOR THE DIALYSIS AND TRANSPLANT COMMUNITIES
September 9, 2005 - A national workgroup comprised of the American Nephrology Nurses Association, ESRD Networks and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Association of Nephrology Technicians/ Technologists and National Renal Administrators Association, in conjunction with many renal providers, are in the process of mobilizing and identifying dialysis volunteers to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts specifically for the ESRD community. The needs of our dialysis patients are critical.
We are currently looking for experienced ESRD professionals and relief personnel, including:
Biomedical Technicians
Dietitians
Housekeepers
LPNs / LVNs
Machine Technicians
Nephrologists
Nursing Assistants
Patient Care Technicians
Reuse Technicians
RNs
Security Officers
Social Workers
PLEASE DIRECT ALL REQUESTS FOR VOLUNTEER RELIEF TO www.annanurse.org FOR DETAILS.
Closed Dialysis Facilities in Mississippi
Sept. 9, 2005 - Latest information from and the eSOURCE/SIMS Project (web site) spreadsheet (Sept. 8, 3:04 PM) on Mississippi and Alabama dialysis facilities:
Closed Mississippi Facilities (7):
GAMBRO HEALTHCARE - OCEAN SPRINGS OCEAN SPRINGS MS FMC GULFPORT S. MS KIDNEY CTR GULFPORT MS FMC BILOXI S. MS KIDNEY CTR BILOXI MS FMC BAY ST LOUIS S. MS KIDNEY CTR BAY ST. LOUIS MS TYLERTOWN DIALYSIS UNIT TYLERTOWN MS FMC NORTH GULFPORT S. MS KIDNEY CTR GULFPORT MS FMC D IBERVILLE S. MS KIDNEY CTR DIBERVILLE MS
Re-opened DaVita Facilities
Sept. 8, 2005 - According to Dr. Stephen Fadem, the six reopened DaVita dialysis facilities in Louisiana are:
DAVITA-BOGALUSA KIDNEY CARE, 2108 S AVE F, BOGALUSA LA, 70427, 985.735.7811
DAVITA-DIALYSIS SYSTEMS OF COVINGTON, 210 GREENBRIAR BLVD, COVINGTON, LA 70433, 985.875.1915
DAVITA-DIALYSIS SYSTEMS OF HAMMOND, 2570 SW RAILROAD AVE (VETERANS AVE) STE A-2, HAMMOND, LA 70403, 985.386.5300
DAVITA-INDEPENDENCE RENAL CTR, 12392 HWY 40, INDEPENDENCE, LA 70443, 985.878.1900
DAVITA-SOUTHEAST: NORTHSHORE KIDNEY CTR, 106 MEDICAL CENTER DR STE 101, SLIDELL, LA 70461, 985.690.6018
DAVITA-WASHINGTON PARISH DIALYSIS, 724 WASHINGTON ST, FRANKLINTON LA 70438, 985.795.1111
Recommendations, Considerations, and Resources for Treating Dialysis Patients
September 8, 2005 - (This document is dated September 4, 2005) Senior Executives of national and local large dialysis organizations (Davita, FMCNA, RCG, Gambro, and DCI), CMS, LA State, FEMA, Network 13, and independent dialysis facilities and hospitals in the Baton Rouge area have been meeting since the beginning of the disaster to discuss the most effective plan, under existing circumstances, for meeting the immediate needs of patients in need of dialysis. Following Following is a summary of the some of the recommendations emerging from this group, many of which have already been implemented. 3-page pdf from ESRD Network 13 web site.
Front-Line Report on Louisiana Dialysis Service
September 7, 2005 - Dr. Paul Miller is providing emergency dialysis services in Louisiana. His September 7th response to written questions from RenalWEB provides valuable insights for those planning for future emergencies.
Latest News on Mississippi Dialysis Facilities
Sept. 7, 2005, 4:03 PM - Currently there are only seven facilities closed in Mississippi, and those patients have either been absorbed by neighboring facilities in the state or in Mobile, Alabama facilities. The Hattiesburg Clinic Dialysis, a 10-facility independent group, was in the direct path of the storm and experienced multiple closures last week. As of today, only one of their facilities is down, and all of their ~700 patients are accounted for.
Six coastal facilities remain closed, one which has been described as a likely total loss and another with heavy damage. The others may be able to reopen following repairs. One Alabama facility in the Mobile area remains closed.
Gambro and FMC administrators will be furnishing Network 8 with a list of missing patients, and the Network will assist in locating them if they are within the region. A process is underway to identify Mississippi's Katrina transients who may be receiving care elsewhere in the US.
(Source: ESRD Network 8)
Latest Lists of Closed Dialysis Facilities
September 7, 2005 - Latest information from ESRD Network 13 spreadsheet (web site):
36 Louisiana Dialysis Clinics Listed as "Closed" as of Sept. 7
TULANE HOSPITAL/CLINICS-DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS VA MEDICAL CTR-DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS DAVITA-WESTBANK CHRONIC RENAL CTR NEW ORLEANS FMCNA-METAIRIE METAIRIE CHALMETTE DIALYSIS CTR CHALMETTE FMCNA- EAST NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS FMCNA-MARRERO MARRERO DAVITA-TRI-PARISH CHRONIC RENAL CTR NEW ORLEANS RCG-OCHSNER- NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS BIENVILLE DIALYSIS CTR NORTH NEW ORLEANS GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-KENNER KENNER DAVITA-NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS DAVITA-SLIDELL KIDNEY CARE SLIDELL GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-NAPOLEON NEW ORLEANS GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-GRETNA GRETNA DCI-TULANE-NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-NEW ORLEANS UPTOWN NEW ORLEANS DCI-WESTBANK-GRETNA GRETNA DAVITA-CRESCENT CITY DIALYSIS CTR NEW ORLEANS FMCNA-CENTRAL NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS DAVITA-KENNER REG DIALYSIS KENNER DAVITA-MEMORIAL DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-CHALMETTE CHALMETTE GAMBRO HEALTHCARE-NOE NEW ORLEANS DCI-NEW ORLEANS EAST NEW ORLEANS FMCNA-DIALYSIS SERVICES AVONDALE AVONDALE INDEPENDENT DIALYSIS SERVICES NEW ORLEANS RCG-ST CHARLES PARISH SAINT ROSE FMCNA-CHALMETTE CHALMETTE DAVITA-ORLEANS METROPOLITAN DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS A-PLUS DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS EAST ORLEANS DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS DAVITA-TRINITY KIDNEY CARE SLIDELL RCG - WESTBANK MARRERO DAVITA - NEW ORLEANS EAST NEW ORLEANS CHILDRENS HOSPITAL-DIALYSIS NEW ORLEANS
Latest information from and the eSOURCE/SIMS Project (web site) spreadsheet (Sept. 7, 3:12 PM) on Mississippi and Alabama dialysis facilities:
Closed Mississippi Facilities (12):
(see updated list above)
Alabama Facilities - Status Unknown
GAMBRO HEALTHCARE - DOTHAN DOTHAN AL GAMBRO HEALTHCARE - ATHENS ATHENS AL GAMBRO HEALTHCARE - OZARK OZARK AL FMC - PORT CITY DIALYSIS MOBILE AL
DaVita's Hurricane Efforts
Sept. 7, 2005 - Stephanie Prial from DaVita reports:
"Of the 16 facilities we have in New Orleans (Editor's Note: This should probably say Louisiana, not New Orleans), six have been reopened. Four will be reopened as soon as we get water and power, and six have yet to be evaluated. We are running three acute facilities on the Northshore of New Orleans in three hospitals as well. We are working w/CMS to move patients to Florida or other locations where we have additional facilities to help them."
"DaVita efforts to date:
Prepared patients for evacuation including medical records for treatment before the storm. [list]
Worked nearly 24 hours a day since the disaster:
Locating impacted patients, providing treatment to anyone in need.
Shipping generators, fuel, supplies and water to re-open facilities
Re-opened six facilities within five days
Accommodated evacuated patients in Houston, including opening a new facility ahead of schedule
Assisted our impacted teammates in relocating their families, establishing residences and helping them begin working in centers in Houston and other areas.
Began nationwide collection efforts for victims including clothing, food and other necessities at several corporate locations.
Began collecting monetary donations including company matching through our DaVita Village Network
Teammates began donating Paid Time Off (PTO) to Gulf Coast teammates.
We provide daily company-wide updates on status of accommodated patients, needs and response plans.
Continue to work with local governments and hospitals to treat patients as they transition to other areas in the country." [/list]
List from NKF on Needs of Nephrology Community - Sept. 6
September 7, 2005 - This WORD document contains a list of needs compiled by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) that are either still currently unmet or require additional attention (as of Sept. 6).
DCI Hurricane Hot Line
Sept. 6, 2005 - Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI web site) has established a hurricane hot line for employees and patients to contact them 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-969-4438.
Status of Dialysis Facilities in MS and AL
September 6, 2005 - Latest information from and the eSOURCE/SIMS Project (web site) spreadsheet (Sept. 5, 1:59 PM) on Mississippi and Alabama dialysis facilities:
Closed Mississippi Facilities (12):
GAMBRO HEALTHCARE - OCEAN SPRINGS OCEAN SPRINGS MS FMC OF MAGEE MAGEE MS RENAL CARE GROUP - JACKSON SOUTH JACKSON MS RENAL CARE GROUP - LEXINGTON LEXINGTON MS FMC GULFPORT S. MS KIDNEY CTR GULFPORT MS FMC BILOXI S. MS KIDNEY CTR BILOXI MS FMC BAY ST LOUIS S. MS KIDNEY CTR BAY ST. LOUIS MS FMC OF HAZLEHURST HAZLEHURST MS TYLERTOWN DIALYSIS UNIT TYLERTOWN MS FMC NORTH GULFPORT S. MS KIDNEY CTR GULFPORT MS RENAL CARE GROUP-CENTREVILLE CENTREVILLE MS FMC D IBERVILLE S. MS KIDNEY CTR DIBERVILLE MS
Mississippi Facilities - Status Unknown
RENEX DIALYSIS-JACKSON JACKSON MS
Alabama Facilities - Status Unknown
FMC - PORT CITY DIALYSIS MOBILE AL
ESRD Network 8 Web Site Updated
Sept. 6, 2005 - The ESRD Network #8 web site has been updated with Hurricane Katrina information.
Two Red Cross Documents for Dialysis Patients
Sept. 5, 2005 - The first WORD document contains a bulletin with contact information on how to obtain dialysis services. The Red Cross will be posting it in the shelters, as well as the second document that contains information on how to locate an individuals if they are a dialysis patient. The DOJ - Missing Persons, will also be getting this information out. The information contained in these two documents are also included in simplified Qs & As for distribution to emergency workers.
Resources for Hurricane Evacuees from ESRD Network #14 of Texas
Sept. 5, 2005 - ESRD Network #14 (web site) of Texas has posted a page of resources for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina.
60 Closed Dialysis Facilities in Louisiana (as of Sept. 4) and Mississippi (as of Sept. 2)
Sept. 5, 2005 - Latest information from ESRD Network 13 spreadsheet (web site):
43 Louisiana Dialysis Clinics Listed as "Closed" as of Sept. 4
Closed dialysis facilities in Mississippi (Sept. 2, 6:43 PM) - 17 known
(See updated list above.)
Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Sept. 4, 2005 - Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products by Victims of Hurricane Katrina - Information page from the FDA.
Safety of Medications Potentially Damaged by Flooding or High Temperatures - Information page from the FDA.
Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters - Information page from the FDA.
FDA Advice About Medical Devices That Have Been Exposed To Unusual Levels of Heat and Humidity - Information page from the FDA.
Volunteers
A clearinghouse for dialysis patient care staffing needs, facility resources and issues, and for kidney care professionals to VOLUNTEER your help has been established:
New Guidance posted today under the Health Care Professionals: Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals Advising Travelers to Hurricane Affected Areas in the United States, NEW! Sep 2
These pages are updated daily.
New Jersey Facility Can Dialyze Up to 8 Evacuees
Sept. 4, 2005 - DCA (Dialysis Corporation of America) in Vineland, NJ. We have 8 available spots to dialyze patients. We are open 6 days a week. Please call 856-692-9060. Ask for Janice(Adm), Donna(DON), or Phyllis(SW).
HHS Releases Website and Toll Free Number for Deployment by Health Care Professionals
Sept. 3, 2005 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established a website ( https://volunteer.hhs.gov ) and toll-free number (1-866-KAT MEDI) to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. News release from HHS.
G.I.A. Medical Will Ship Dialysis Machines
Sept. 3, 2005 - G.I.A. Medical (web site) will ship dialysis machines to any established provider or physician who is attempting to provide emergency dialysis treatments for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
We can also donate supplies, parts, and ancilliary equipment.
Call (800) 342-8642.
CMS Actions To Help Beneficiaries, Providers in Katrina Striken Areas
Posted here Sept. 3, 2005 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has acted to assure that the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children�s Health Insurance Programs will flex to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Hurricane Katrina devastated states (fact sheet - 2-page pdf file).
Many of the programs� normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend upon them.
Because of hurricane damage to local health care facilities, many beneficiaries have been evacuated to neighboring states where receiving hospitals and nursing homes have no health care records, information on current health status or even verification of the person�s status as a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary. CMS is assuring those facilities that in this circumstance the normal burden of documentation will be waived and that the presumption of eligibility should be made.
Federal Medicaid officials are also working closely with state Medicaid agencies to coordinate resolution of interstate payment agreements for recipients who are served outside their home states.
The agency will also offer the following relief immediately:
Health care providers that furnish medical services in good faith, but who cannot comply with normal program requirements because of Hurricane Katrina, will be paid for services provided and will be exempt from sanctions for noncompliance, unless it is discovered that fraud or abuse occurred.
Crisis services provided to Medicare and Medicaid patients who have been transferred to facilities not certified to participate in the programs will be paid.
Programs will reimburse facilities for providing dialysis to patients with kidney failure in alternative settings.
Medicare contractors may pay the costs of ambulance transfers of patients being evacuated from one health care facility to another.
Normal prior authorization and out-of-network requirements will also be waived for enrollees of Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP managed care plans.
Normal licensing requirements for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who cross state lines to provide emergency care in stricken areas will be waived as long as the provider is licensed in their home state.
Certain HIPAA privacy requirements will be waived so that health care providers can talk to family members about a patient�s condition even if that patient is unable to grant that permission to the provider.
Hospitals and other facilities can be flexible in billing for beds that have been dedicated to other uses, for example, if a psychiatric unit bed is used for an acute care patient admitted during the crisis.
Hospital emergency rooms will not be held liable under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) for transferring patients to other facilities for assessment, if the original facility is in the area where a public health emergency has been declared.
More information about CMS emergency relief activities, including a detailed explanation of billing and payment policy revisions, and phone numbers for the state medical assistance offices can be found can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov . Frequently asked questions and their answers on the site will be updated daily by 2pm.
Closed dialysis facilities in Louisiana, Sept. 2 - 45 known
See updated list above.
Louisiana facilities listed as "unable to assess" - 4:
See updated list above.
Closed dialysis facilities in Mississippi (Sept. 2, 6:43 PM) - 17 known
See list above.
REDY MACHINES
Sept. 2, 2005 - There are portable hemodialysis machines that could really help with getting some dialysis treatments done for the victims of Katrina. These are the old "REDY 2000" machines that are still in use across our nation in many hospitals. The US Army uses them and so do some of the largest hospitals across the country.
We have a small service company (web site) that helps keep these machines running and we can get our hands on some if needed. We can get in contact with the company that still provides the Cartridges and supplies that are needed for treatments. These machines only use "6 liters" of potable water, not gallons of treated water, and run on 110 AC not 220 DC. Treatments can be done with the use of a generator for power if necessary. Contact James Deao at 310-677-0578 ext. 106 or 949-678-0585. (Email, jdeao@dpsitech.com) Sept. 2, 2005
Dialysis Operator Works Against Clock to Open Emergency Center for Patients Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Sept. 2, 2005 - A dialysis operator in Louisiana has issued an urgent plea for help as he works against the clock to set up an emergency dialysis facility and shelter.
Paul E. Miller, M.D., director of Miller Dialysis, has spent the past several days working tirelessly to find a solution for dialysis patients affected by Hurricane Katrina. Not only must these patients find shelter, they must find dialysis because Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed their usual dialysis centers.
Without dialysis or a proper renal diet, coma and death will occur in about a week for many patients. Many have already gone nearly a week without dialysis.
Dr. Miller has located an empty Wal-Mart in Opelousas, Louisiana on I-49 that he can use as a shelter and dialysis facility.
Dr. Miller is asking for assistance from dialysis providers, hospitals or other medical facilities. He needs nurses, social workers, technicians, and supplies in order to get the facility running within the next day.
The American Kidney Fund has committed funds to help provide for the patients' basic necessities and is working in partnership with Dr. Miller to open the facility as quickly as possible.
Anyone who is interested in helping with this effort should contact Dr. Miller using any of the following contact information:
Miller Dialysis, 337-594-8535 or 866-304-8757
Miller Medical Services, 337-594-0675, 888-747-2669, 337-594-0850
Sept. 2, 2005 - We can accommodate 20 dialysis patients in our University Medical Center in California. We would need them transported here - we are about 15 miles from March Air Force Base and could arrange bus service to our facility if the patients could be transported to March. We are a Level one trauma center and can accommodate the complex care patient.
Please contact: Liz Dickinson, Senior Vice President or Brenda Boyle, RN, MSN Loma Linda University Kidney Center 11370 Anderson Street Loma Linda, CA 92354 909-558-4000, Ext. 48440 bboyle@ahs.llumc.edu
Pediatric and Adult Hemo, CAPD and CCPD Available
Sept. 2, 2005 Central Florida Kidney Centers, Inc. 203 Ernestine St. Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 843 6110, ext. 302 for Maureen Michael, CDO Ext. 311 for Janet Smith, Patient Intake Coordinator email: Maureen Michael, CEO - mmichael@cfkc.net fax: (407) 425 1526
67 Dialysis Facilities Closed in Louisiana and Mississippi
September 2, 2005 - Latest information compiled from the Network 13 spreadsheet and the eSOURCE/SIMS Project spreadsheet (12 noon):
(see updated list on this page above)
National Renal Alliance Emergency Response
September 2, 2005 (Franklin, Tenn.) - National Renal Alliance (web site) has expanded services in Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in a company wide effort to assist patients that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. All patients in need of dialysis will be immediately accepted and treated at any National Renal facility in these locations. Patients needing to be dialyzed please call (866) 312-9400.
National Renal Alliance�s CEO, Joe Cashia, announced a company-wide plea today encouraging any available medical staff to travel affected areas to assist with emergency medical efforts. Cashia has offered the National Renal medical staff paid leave and expenses to assist in relief efforts. In addition, National Renal is planning to send dialysis machines and supplies to Louisiana to assist the 4,000 dialysis patients that now face closed facilities.
A registered nurse, Cashia is preparing to leave to serve on an emergency medical response team. "This is a horrific tragedy and a heartbreaking health crisis," stated Cashia. "There are thousands of displaced dialysis patients in desperate need of help right now. These patients will die if they do not receive their dialysis services."
Patients and emergency response coordinators call (866) 312-9400 to coordinate services.
National Renal is extending services in the following areas: Roanoke and Talladega, Alabama, Crossville, Tennessee, Bay City, Texas, Newnan, Georgia and four clinics in Macon, Georgia and surrounding areas.
Portable Water Treatment Equipment
Sept. 2, 2005 - Better Water, Inc has DI, Skidded DI systems, Portable RO�s, Skidded Water Systems and Portable Central Systems that may be installed in trailers to provide RO water for dialysis patients. Better Water, Inc also carries replacement parts. We are based in Smyrna TN so we can deliver equipment very quickly. Please call 615.355.6063 ext 32 or 615.708.8618 (cell) or email tlujan@betterwater.com.
American Kidney Fund Providing Hurricane Relief
September 2, 2005 - The American Kidney Fund�s Disaster Relief Program is providing emergency grants to help dialysis patients who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Press release from the American Kidney Foundations.
Anyone wishing to contribute to disaster relief for dialysis patients may visit http://www.kidneyfund.org to make an online contribution. In addition, contributions are accepted via telephone at 800.638.8299. Checks may be mailed to American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852. Please indicate in the memo line that the contribution is for disaster relief.
Sept. 1 - Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care North America will help arrange treatment for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama dialysis patients who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The company has activated information hotlines, which will provide specific local information on where and when patients can be dialyzed during the current emergency. Unless patients receive scheduled treatment (typically required every second day), their lives may be in danger.
Fresenius will of course assist all dialysis patients via these emergency numbers - the assistance is not limited to patients previously receiving treatment from Fresenius.
Additionally, in an effort to ensure the safety of employees and families who may have been affected by the storm, and who may help provide emergency dialysis, Fresenius is asking staff members to please call the Fresenius employee number, (866) 362-6256.
Louisiana
Patients in storm-affected areas of Louisiana should call their nearest office:
Southeast Louisiana (for patients in New Orleans, North Shore, Thibodeaux and Houma areas): (225) 387-1333
Monroe Area: (318) 322-7565 x33
Lafayette Area: (337) 234-6391
Mississippi
Patients in storm-affected areas of Mississippi should call their nearest office:
Gulfport Area: (251) 476-2324 or (251) 232-8197
Jackson Area: (601) 981-9652
Alabama
Patients in storm-affected areas of Alabama should call (251) 476-2324 or (251) 232-8197 for assistance.
Ochsner Clinic Needs DI Tanks
Sept. 1. 2005 - Message received at 11pm:
"We have power and well water with which to dialyze here if we can get DI tanks. The New Orleans vendor (US filter) is under water and not reachable so far.
We will be fully operational if we can get DI tanks. Any one know vendors we can contact who may be able to help???
Convoys are arriving so getting here is not a problem.
ESRD Network #13 (LA, AR, OK) Updates Facility Status List
Sept. 1, 2005 - ESRD Network #13 (web site) has updated a spreadsheet showing the status of all dialysis facilities in Louisiana. 47 facilities in Louisiana are listed as "closed". 76 facilities are "accepting patients". 15 facilities are "open". 6 are "unable to assess".
The spreadsheet also includes separate pages for Arkansas and Oklahoma dialysis facilities.
University of Louisville Kidney Disease Program Accepting Patients
If patients are going to be in Louisville, Kentucky we can take patients needing dialysis at the University of Louisville Kidney Disease Program. Call 502-852-5757 ask to speak to Sharon Copler, Becky Haire, Sue Nilst or Pat Gittli.
Emergency Contact for Gambro
Sept. 1, 2005 - DIALYSIS Patients Hurricane Recovery: Emergency response 24 hour line at your service. Call 1-877-842-6276
Spreadsheet Listing Facility Status and Those Accepting Transient Patients
Sept. 1, 2005 - The E Source/SIMS Project web site has a Hurricane Katrina web page set up with a link to a spreadsheet that allows users to enter the status of their dialysis facility and whether they are accepting transient patients. 50 clinics are listed as closed in Louisiana and Mississippi. Another 50 clinics in Louisiana and Mississippi have their status listed as "unknown".
Louisiana - Volunteer Nurses Needed for Hurricane Emergency!
The LA-OEP (Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness) is requesting healthcare volunteers. This includes ALL levels of nursing expertise. If you and your family are safe, please volunteer � there is a tremendous need for nurses. Call 225-389-2100 and ask for �Medical�. They are expecting your call. If the line is busy, please keep calling.
Message from Univ. of Califorinia, Davis
We have a dialysis program in Sacramento, CA (at the moment at capacity). Is there anything we can do to help?
George A. Kaysen MD, Chief Division of Nephrology UC Davis Phone 530 752-4010
University of Kansas Medical Center Offers Help
Sept. 1, 2005 - Any dialysis patients arriving in Kansas City, Kansas and needing treatments can contact Kal Kerns, Dialysis Center Director, University of Kansas Medical Center (web site), at 913-588-6064.
Emergency Diets for Dialysis Patients
Sept. 1. 2005 - Emergency Diets for Dialysis Patients - 2-page pdf from ESRD Network #12 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) (web site) Aug. 31, 2005
Fresenius Medical Care North American Emergency Response
DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Fresenius Medical Care North America Emergency Response Line: 1-800-626-1297.
Fresenius Medical Care EMPLOYEE EMERGENCY LINE: 1-866-362-6256 x304.
Estimates suggest as many as 4,000 patients have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, and they may be in need of assistance � without receiving scheduled dialysis (typically required every second day), their lives may be in danger. It�s critical that we communicate this information so they can receive localized recommendations regarding arrangements as to where and when they can be dialyzed.
Fresenius will of course assist all dialysis patients who avail themselves of these emergency numbers. The assistance is not limited to patients previously receiving treatment in our facilities.
Fresenius has made every effort to contact patients and restore crucial services (or arrange alternate treatment sites) as immediately as possible, but patients may have moved to evade Katrina, without forwarding contact information or retaining our contact information, and need to be re-engaged in care in their new locales, or assisted in transport to a site of dialysis care.
Dialysis Facility Status - Spreadsheet from ESRD Network 13
August 31, 2005 - ESRD Network #13 (web site) has posted a spreadsheet showing the status (either open, closed, or unable to assess) of all dialysis facilities in Louisiana. Of 144 dialysis facilities in Louisiana, 39 are listed as closed and 14 are listed as "unable to assess".
The spreadsheet also includes separate pages for Arkansas and Oklahoma dialysis facilities. August 31, 2005 - From ESRD Network #13:
August 31, 2005 - Hospitals across the city faced deteriorating conditions Tuesday after two levees broke, sending water coursing through the streets of the Big Easy. An estimated 80 percent of the below-sea-level city was under water, up to 20 feet deep in places, with miles and miles of homes swamped. AP story via Yahoo.
Authorities along the Gulf Coast faced the near-collapse of the public health system Tuesday, with water supplies sporadic, electricity shut off, hospitals closing and the threat of more injuries and infectious diseases in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Story from the Los Angeles Times (registration required, but free viewing).
"Beyond the immediate problems are a host of impending problems, said Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen, director of the Duval County Health Department in Florida and a veteran of hurricane planning.
In a city of 500,000 like New Orleans, there are probably 5,000 people who require kidney dialysis twice a week, he said. "Where will they get it? Where will people get their pharmaceuticals for the next three to six months?"
August 30, 2005 - RenCare Dialysis Facilities (web site) in San Antonio Texas, are avalible for emergency transient dialysis for patients affected by Hurricane Katrina. For more information you may contact Ruth Frazier at 210-403-9493 or 1-888-727-3625 August 30, 2005 - ESRD Network #13 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma) has posted an update on their web site for dialysis and transplant facility personnel:
UPDATE: Hurricane KATRINA
The Greater New Orleans area and other areas are without power and many patients have evacuated or will be evacuated due to the catastrophic damage from Hurricane KATRINA!
The dialysis community outside of these impacted areas can expect communications requesting transient dialysis services as they evacuate their communities. Be aware that cell phone towers in New Orleans area are down. Patients can call you on their cell phone, but you cannot call them back using their cell number.
Also expect patients who may present without advance contact or medical records since the storm approached over the weekend. Patients with no records CAN STILL BE TREATED. All that is required is for a physician to write dialysis orders. Please be aware that it appears that this situation may be long-term and that the Network is doing everything we can to assist in the massive efforts to help the dialysis patients and providers in the affected areas.
If the patients� HbsAg status is unknown, provide treatment as potentially positive. If these patients are admitted for treatment before results of HBsAg or anti-HBs testing are known, these patients shall undergo treatment as if the HbsAg test results were positive, except that they shall not be treated in the HbsAg isolation room, area, or machine.
Network toll free numbers: (for patients 800.472.8664) or
(EMERGENCY ONLY for facility staff 877.700.1196)
We ask your patience and cooperation in assisting during this emergency. To assist Louisiana dialysis patients and facilities, we have the following emergency management resources available on our web site.
August 30, 2005 - ESRD Network #13 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma) has posted several pages of information related to Hurricane Katrina on its web site.
The Northern and Western Louisiana and Southern Arkansas dialysis community should expect calls from facilities, patients and family members requesting transient dialysis services as they evacuate their communities. Also expect patients who may present without advance contact or medical records since the storm approached over the weekend. Patients with no records CAN STILL BE TREATED. All that is required is for a physician to write dialysis orders.
Message received from ESRD Network #8 (Alabama, Mississippi & Tennessee)
August 29, 2005. Jackson, Mississippi. Hurricane Katrina is expected to cause widespread power outages and potential structural damage to dialysis facilities as the storm advances through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Patients who have not had to relocate away from their home locations should follow instructions from their dialysis facilities with regard to upcoming treatments and emergency renal diet procedures.
Patients in this region who are traveling away from their home units and who require emergency transient treatments should contact one or more of the corporate providers below to locate the closest available unit. Those numbers are as follows:
Davita: 800-400-8331
DCI: 615-327-3061
Fresenius (FMC): 800-626-1297
Gambro Healthcare: 877-842-6276
Renal Care Group (MS): 800-770-2993
Renal Care Group (AL/TN) 888-736-2573 ext. 112
Patients needing emergency services are encouraged, where appropriate, to contact their dialysis facility�s parent company first.
August 29, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina has been downgraded to a strong Category 4 hurricane with top winds of 155 mph. Much of the western half of Katrina has degraded as dry air has been drawn into the cyclone allowing weakening to occur. Although Katrina has been downgraded, it remains a strong and dangerous hurricane. Katrina is a large hurricane with hurricane-force winds extending 105 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extending up to 230 miles from the center. Movement is now northward and a turn towards the north-northeast is expected later.
