Top 10 U.S. Cities for Patients Traveling on Dialysis

"We encourage our patients to maintain active lifestyles while on dialysis and are committed to providing the tools to do so," said Duane Dunn, director of social work services at DaVita Kidney Care. "We want dialysis patients to maintain a high quality of life and know they can still enjoy travel and leisure."

DaVita Kidney Care recently hosted a Google+ Hangout for patients and caregivers with tips on how to make travel possible while managing dialysis. The live event was moderated by DaVita's Guest Services and featured an informative discussion on travel tips from a panel of dialysis professionals and a patient advocate.

DaVita Guest Services provides support for helping place any traveling dialysis patient and works to find dialysis centers near desirable travel destinations. DaVita Kidney Care named the following cities as the top travel destinations for dialysis patients:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

There's no question why Las Vegas has consistently been chosen as the top travel destination for dialysis patients. From kid-friendly shows and carnival rides to lavish shopping, casinos, and vibrant nightlife – there's no shortage of activities. DaVita Kidney Care has 13 centers in the area, allowing patients to access high-quality care, and has more four- and five-star dialysis centers than any other local provider as ranked by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

2. Orlando/Celebration, Florida

Orlando and Celebration are crowd-pleasing locations among traveling dialysis patients. Orlando is the perfect place for patients looking to spend time at the beach and visiting some of the most popular amusement parks. Patients have ample options for entertainment with attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando nearby. Orlando has several convenient DaVita dialysis centers for patients to receive the care they need.

3. Houston, Texas

Houston is quickly becoming an even more popular destination spot for traveling dialysis patients due to a large number of dialysis centers to choose from. Houston has an abundance of museums featuring topics ranging from fine arts to cultural heritage that captivate the interests of all ages. Houston's top attractions include a 17-block art district, the nation's largest wildlife refuge and the Space Center.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

Myrtle Beach is one of the premier coastal resorts and is famous as a premier vacation destination. Golfing, fishing, boating, windsurfing are among the many outdoor activities popular in Myrtle Beach. Visitors seeking a more relaxing experience can take in an array of dinner theater shows, live music and casino cruises. DaVita Kidney Care has several centers in the area, allowing vacationing patients convenient access to the care they need.

5. Atlanta, Georgia 

DaVita Kidney Care has nearly 25 centers located in the capital of the Peach State. Atlanta is home to some top attractions – including the largest aquarium and the world's largest painting. Atlanta has numerous museums dedicated to American History – the King Center (a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), the house of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and the Civil War Museum.

6. San Antonio, Texas

The second city in Texas to make the list – DaVita Kidney Care provides patients with access to high-quality care at 15 centers in the city. The River Walk is a favorite among visitors looking to explore local shops and restaurants. With local historic sites such as the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, there is a lot of history to explore.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Whether you're taking a cruise along Lake Michigan or dining at the Signature Lounge on the 96^th floor of the John Hancock Center, there are a number of ways to experience the "Windy City." Millennium Park is filled with iconic statues and breathtaking gardens that will make visitors feel like they're in Versailles. When patients aren't getting caught up in the fine arts that Chicago offers, they can dialyze at DaVita Kidney Care dialysis centers located throughout the city.

8. San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park make this city an ideal destination for animal lovers. Visitors are treated to several options, including Disneyland, the restaurants and nightlife of La Jolla, museums, and shopping. Patients have a chance to enjoy their vacation without sacrificing access to care with access to six DaVita Kidney Care centers and beach-side lodging with scenic views nearby.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana 

Few U.S. cities compare to the unique traditions and distinct culture of New Orleans. Mardi Gras isn't the only time this historic destination is lit up with revelry. The city is famous for its jazz music, French, Creole and Cajun cuisine, historic architecture, and festive parades. Visitors to New Orleans are inspired by its beauty. DaVita Kidney Care has 12 dialysis centers in the area offering patients access to dialysis while exploring the Garden District, experiencing a cruise on the Mississippi River or enjoying the views from the balconies of centuries-old homes in the French Quarter.

10. Los Angeles, California

In Los Angeles, popular destinations include the Venice Boardwalk, the Santa Monica Pier and the Griffith Observatory. Strolling through the lavish shops on Rodeo Drive or visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame are popular attractions. This city is rich with arts and entertainment. Locals enjoy watching their favorite artists perform at the Hollywood Bowl or viewing the latest art exhibits at the LACMA, MOMA, Getty Center or Getty Villa. Patients can easily access high-quality care while visiting this vast city at any of DaVita Kidney Care's 25 centers located within 25 miles of the city center. 

This list was generated based on data collected in 2015 by the DaVita Guest Services Call Center. For dialysis-related travel assistance, patients can use the "Find a Dialysis Center" tool on Davita.com or contact a DaVita Guest Services specialist at 1-855-963-2848. For more information on preparing to travel, patients can visit DaVita.com/travel.

About DaVita Kidney Care
DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of March 31, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,278 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 180,000 patients. The company also operated 124 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

DaVita and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.

CONTACT: Justin Forbis, 1-303-876-7496, [email protected]

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SOURCE DaVita Kidney Care

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