Innovative Renal Care North Augusta Dialysis Center

04/17/2026

You may receive a letter soon about the In-Center Hemodialysis CAHPS (ICH CAHPS) Survey. This survey gives you a voice in your care and helps improve the dialysis experience for all patients.
The survey is conducted by Press Ganey on behalf of Medicare. If you are selected, you may receive a letter in the mail followed by a phone call from Press Ganey, 574-309-9553, on your caller ID.
If you receive the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to share your experience.

04/15/2026

The struggles of dialysis can be hard to explain unless you have been through it yourself. Talking with someone who understands that experience firsthand can make a real difference.

Whether you have questions, need encouragement, or just want to hear how others manage their care, peer support can provide perspective and reassurance. You never have to navigate dialysis on your own.

Programs like National Kidney Foundation PEERS connect patients, living donors, and care partners with trained mentors who have firsthand experience. It is a simple, confidential way to have real conversations with someone who's been through what you're going through.

Your care team can also help guide you toward resources that fit your needs. Learn more about peer support here:

Featured Topics Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Tests to Check Your Kidney Health Understanding Your Lab Values and Other CKD Health Numbers See All Kidney TopicsBrowse By Category Diet and nutrition Diseases and conditi...

04/14/2026

“Nothing in life is certain... except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin
With Tax Day on April 15 and National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, ol' Ben’s quote feels especially fitting. Thinking through your healthcare wishes can bring clarity and spare the people closest to you from having to guess during a difficult time.
National Healthcare Decisions Day focuses on helping you make your healthcare wishes known and have these conversations with family members and care teams well before a crisis. Learn more here: https://www.nhdd.org
https://youtu.be/uPDpfmdhwqs

A great video to "Begin the Conversation" from our friends at begintheconversation.org Have you confronted the Elephant in the Room?

04/13/2026

Choosing your dialysis clinic is one of your most important care decisions, and quality ratings can help you compare your options. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates every dialysis facility in the country on a 1 to 5 star scale for quality of patient care and patient experience. A 3 star rating reflects national average, while a 5 star rating means a center is performing well above average.
Innovative Renal Care’s 2026 CMS ratings show more than 47% of centers performing at a 5 star level for patient experience, and IRC remains the only large dialysis organization with an overall patient experience score above 4 star.
At IRC, you get more than a chair time and a treatment schedule. Your care team helps you weigh your treatment options, navigate insurance questions, plan for upcoming travel, and make kidney friendly food choices with more clarity and confidence.

04/10/2026

There is just something so undeniably special about a furry lil friend. The happy tail wag when you walk through the door. The soft purr when they curl up beside you. They have a way of turning an ordinary moment into something wonderful.

They are there on the hard days and the good ones. They stay close and somehow know exactly when you need a little extra comfort.

This Saturday, on National Pet Day, give your favorite four-legged companion an extra squeeze and a well-earned treat.

04/10/2026

When exploring home dialysis, a key consideration is the role of your care partner.
Some patients require hands-on help. Others prefer having someone nearby who can step in if needed. Understanding the level of support you need can help you plan with more confidence.
At Innovative Renal Care, your care team is available to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Talk to your team about what is right for you and learn more about care partner support here: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/care-partner-home-dialysis

As a care partner, you can help in many ways, like setting up treatment space, managing side effects, and offering support. Everyone’s needs are different, your role may vary.

04/08/2026

Your stress can sometimes build between treatments, during appointments, or even on days that feel routine. Taking a few minutes to pause and reset can make a meaningful difference in how you feel.
Meditation is one way some patients try to manage stress. It can be as simple as sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing for a short period of time. Not every method works for everyone, so be open to trying different approaches.
If stress or anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, talk to your care team. They can help you find options that are safe and appropriate for you. During Stress Awareness Month, learn more about meditation and mindfulness from the NCCIH:

This fact sheet provides information about meditation and mindfulness for conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and pain.

04/07/2026

Your treatment plan at Innovative Renal Care is customized for you and built through decisions made with your care team. Understanding your options and what each step means can help you take a more active role in your care.

World Health Day highlights the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes that patients who ask clear, specific questions are better prepared to compare options, understand risks and benefits, and participate in decisions about their care.

Your IRC team is there to help guide those conversations. From treatment options to next steps, you can work together to build a plan that fits your needs. Learn more about questions that support better decision-making here: https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/index.html

04/06/2026

Your kidney health is shaped by more than just your dialysis treatments. Staying connected to your care team, keeping up with your schedule, and speaking up when something feels off all play a role in how you feel day to day.
During National Public Health Week, it’s a good time to think about the small, consistent steps that support your care and help prevent bigger issues down the line. If something changes between treatments, don’t wait. Talk to your care team so they can help you stay on track.
At Innovative Renal Care, a better patient experience starts with listening and supporting you throughout your care journey. Learn more about National Public Health Week here: https://www.nphw.org

Join us in Celebrating National Public Health Week, April 6 - 12, 2026. APHA brings communities nationwide together to honor the contributions of public health and shine a light on the issues shaping the health of our nation.

04/02/2026

For many patients waiting for a kidney transplant, a living donor can open the door to transplant sooner and reduce years of waiting. If transplant is part of your care plan, understanding how living donation works can help you have more informed conversations about your options.
At Innovative Renal Care, we believe a better patient experience starts with clear information and support for the decisions that matter most to you. That's part of how we deliver more tomorrows for our patients, their family, and friends. During National Donate Life Month, explore living kidney donation and ways to start the conversation with family and friends about becoming a living donor. As always, talk to your care team about what may be appropriate for your care plan:

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential mental health support. Moms and new parents can call or text any time, every day.

03/31/2026

Staying alert to small changes can help protect your health during dialysis. Checking your access site for redness or swelling, washing your hands before treatment, and speaking up if something does not feel right are simple habits that help support infection prevention.
These steps matter for both patients and caregivers who are involved in daily care. Paying attention to early warning signs and communicating with your care team can help address concerns quickly.
As part of National Kidney Month, here are some tips from the CDC that patients receiving dialysis and their caregivers can use to stay informed and prepared:

Information for patients on dialysis about steps to help prevent infections.

03/30/2026

Your nephrologist monitors your lab results and evaluates your treatment at every step in your kidney care journey. They are a vital part of dialysis care and work in close coordination with the team you see at each visit.
On National Doctors’ Day, we thank the physicians who partner with Innovative Renal Care across the country. Their expertise and collaboration help us deliver more tomorrows for our patients, their families, and the communities we serve. https://innovativerenal.com/patient/dialysis-treatment/in-center-hemodialysis/care-team/nephrologist/

Understanding the Role of a Provider: The Key to Kidney Health The kidneys are vital organs that perform essential functions, including filtering waste from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining electrolyte balance. When these organs are compromised, specialized care becomes crucial,...