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term 'dialysis' but are unaware that this treatment can be offered in a variety of ways, including self-administered and home-based options. DaVita's conscientious staff provides education and moral support, helping each patient make the best choice for his or her unique circumstances." DaVita services include: in-center dialysis, in-center nocturnal dialysis, home peritoneal dialysis, home hemo- dialysis and in-center self-care. Each of these treatments offers certain advantages or benefits to patients for different reasons. In addition, DaVita offers dialysis + Weekly reminders + Renal vitamins at cost + Assistance handling prescription drug plans and getting doctor approvals Along the same lines, DaVita's EMPOWER program offers educa- tion, information and resources to provide a sense of empowerment for kidney patients. This program offers no-cost, instructor- led classes to help educate people with CKD about staying healthy and taking control of their condition. Classes include: + Taking Control of Kidney Disease — Living with Stage 3 and early Stage 4 kidney disease + Making Healthy Choices — preparing for dialysis in later Stage 4 and Stage 5 kidney disease + Treatment options – What's best for you? A dialysis health care professional pro- vides instruction regarding the patient's stage of CKD, how to prolong kidney function, how to take control of his or her health through specific medication 8 | Reno/Tahoe/Carson City MD NEWS ■ MDNEWS.COM regimens and proper diet, as well as how to improve overall quality of life. Classes are relatively small — typi- cally consisting of between five and 15 people — and last from one to two hours with time allotted for a question- and-answer session. Participants receive EMPOWER materials to bring home, including a health diary to help set goals, keep appointments, organize lab values and regulate medications. "The EMPOWER program is unique in that it provides tools to patients so that they have the knowledge they need to confidently pursue dialysis or other kidney treatments and gain some sense of control over their own lives," Dr. Mediwala says. "A diagnosis of kidney disease affects the whole family, and certainly relatives and friends are welcome to participate in this program. Education is, after all, the most important aspect in dealing with this disease." "Another important point to bring up is that DaVita prepares and educates patients as to the many options with regards to treatment," adds Dr. Nylk. "Particularly for those newly diagnosed with kidney disease, it can be not only a very frightening time, but also quite confusing. Most people have heard the patients travel- and insurance-man- agement support as well as access to permanent dialysis placement and emergency services. "A strong and effective partnership between the dialysis provider and us is vital to not just optimize clinical outcomes, but also for the patient's peace of mind," says Dr. Mediwala. "Our experience with DaVita has always been excellent, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partner- ship amongst ourselves, DaVita and our patients." DaVita offers seven convenient loca- tions throughout Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon and, opening in spring 2012, Winnemucca. Each of these facilities has been thoughtfully and beautifully designed to appeal to both the aesthetic sensibilities of patients, as well as to pro- vide amenities such as Internet access and cable TV so that patients might use their treatment time more productively. DaVita strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care and integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. For more information on DaVita and its many services, please call (855) 887-6790 or visit www.davita.com. ■