Innovative Renal Care Merrillville North Dialysis Center

01/23/2026

What is an emergency diet or meal plan? Emergency diets or meal plans are stricter than your everyday renal diet and help slow down the build up of toxins (potassium, phosphorus, fluid, etc.) in an emergency situation.

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

Winter Storm Alert: A significant winter storm is forecast to bring potentially crippling impacts to parts of the Southern U.S. Friday through this weekend, expanding up the East Coast Saturday night into Sunday. If you receive dialysis, please prepare now. For clinics in the storm’s path, call your local IRC center today to confirm appointments or reschedule early. Review your meal plan for power‑outage days and assemble an emergency kit with water, non‑perishable food, batteries, and written or printed medication lists. Our Emergency Hotline (1‑888‑880‑6867) is available to answer questions and help with scheduling. Dial 911 if you need urgent medical care or emergency assistance.
Please stay safe. Your health and safety are our priority.

01/23/2026

When you have kidney disease, extra phosphorus can build up in your blood. High phosphorus weakens your bones and harms your heart and blood vessels. You can protect your health by limiting phosphorus in your diet, taking medications as prescribed and working closely with your Innovative Renal Care team to keep phosphorus under control.

01/22/2026

Doing dialysis at home involves learning new skills and setting up a space that supports your treatment while staying closely connected with your care team. For some patients, home dialysis can offer more flexibility and reduce the need for frequent trips to a clinic. If you’re wondering whether home dialysis could be right for you, this link walks through what it involves, the training and ongoing support provided, and the questions you can explore with your care team as you consider the option together.

Home Dialysis Explained Home dialysis is a convenient and flexible alternative to in-center dialysis treatments, eliminating the need to travel to and from the dialysis center several times weekly. This approach empowers patients to manage their health more independently, with support from the Innov...

01/20/2026

If you're new to dialysis, treatment options can feel confusing at first, especially when the names sound technical and the differences aren't very obvious. We put together a clear overview of the main dialysis options, including in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, and in-center nocturnal dialysis, to help you learn how they work and what they may look like in day-to-day life: https://innovativerenal.com/patient/dialysis-treatment/

01/16/2026

Start the new year off with something yummy. The IRC Cookbook includes delicious, kidney-friendly options like fruit-based desserts and scrumptious baked treats, developed with sodium and phosphorus limits in mind. Recipes such as the Maple Crisp Bars are designed to make room for a tempting treat while staying aligned with your care plan.
https://innovativerenal.com/patient/health-and-nutrition/nutrition/recipes/

01/12/2026

Insurance Enrollment Alert: Between January 1 and March 31, Medicare has two different enrollment periods. Which one applies depends on your coverage.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to make a change, Medicare explains the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and what changes are allowed.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan

If you are not enrolled in Medicare and missed signing up when first eligible, Medicare explains the General Enrollment Period and when coverage starts.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-does-medicare-coverage-start

For further information on Medicare opportunities, contact your clinic social worker. For billing questions or to make changes to your insurance coverage, call (855) 232-4011

The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month.

01/09/2026

Sodium affects more than food choices when you're on dialysis. It can increase thirst, make fluid control harder between treatments, and contribute to discomfort during sessions. The National Kidney Foundation explains how sodium fits into a hemodialysis eating plan and why small, easy to manage choices can have a big impact over time.

Diet is a key part of your hemodialysis treatment. You may need to limit fluids and change your intake of some foods and condiments.

01/06/2026

Feeling comfortable and confident in your home dialysis routine often starts with the space around you. Caring for your treatment area and access site can help support your health and bring greater peace of mind at home. Infection prevention plays an important role in that care, and the National Kidney Foundation shares practical guidance to help you reduce infection risk with home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Learn about home dialysis, the different treatment types, the possible benefits and downsides of home dialysis, and how to decide if home dialysis is right for you.

01/01/2026

As the new year begins, we want to thank our patients for the trust you place in our care teams. We are grateful for the opportunity to support your care in the year ahead and to continue delivering more tomorrows to our patients, their families, and friends.

At Innovative Renal Care, we treat patients and their families with the utmost respect and empathy. We understand that dialysis becomes a major part of daily life, and we aim to make that time as supportive as possible. Our clinical team is committed to building a better future for kidney care, deli...