Finding the right dialysis center in Manila can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. As you know, Manila is a bustling metropolis, and there are plenty of medical centers to choose from. Thus, making it a difficult decision for some. It all depends on your location, needs, and budget.In the Philippines alone, in 2023, the number of people who suffer from chronic kidney disease was 2.3 million. This is highly common in the country, especially in impoverished areas where drinking has become a way to escape the hardships of life.
So what is kidney failure, anyway? This is when both kidneys stop functioning on their own. Kidney failure can happen to anyone with poor health but it may be more likely to occur in individuals who suffer from diabetes, hypertension, and heart issues. People who have a family history of this condition have a greater risk of developing it as well.
No matter the cause, the only way to temporarily alleviate it is to undergo dialysis. Though it may not be a cure, it will maintain the function of your kidneys. Therefore helping you continue with your ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). As you read on further, you will learn about choosing the right medical center. Considering certain factors will help you pick the right center for you.
Location and Accessibility
Patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease usually undergo dialysis 3 to 4 times a week. So choosing a medical center that’s conveniently nearer to your location is highly recommended. Think about these questions; Do you have a car? Are you commuting? Can you afford a grab? How many times a week do you need to go for dialysis? How much can you spend in a week? So many factors to consider when searching for the right medical center.
Furthermore, consider parking spaces outside the dialysis center. Make sure it’s within the vicinity of the place. This is because there are centers out there that their parking lots are a little too far from the building. This can cause some physical stress for you as a dialysis patient.
Quality of Care
A crucial thing to consider as well is the quality of care provided by the medical center. Cause lets face it, there are centers in the country that have been given poor reviews by patients and their family members because they were not happy with the services provided. Malpractices by medical professionals are also a thing to be aware about.
Read some reviews online that are given by real patients or clients. It’s easier nowadays to find these reviews. Both the well-off and impoverished demographic have access to these reviews because of mobile devices. Word of mouth is also a good way to determine which centers and medical professionals to visit. This is because friends and family members who can recommend medical centers will make deciding easier for you.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Remember, with any facility, you must observe the cleanliness of the place. This is to avoid infection that may lead to further health complications. Check for reviews online by other patients. Read their testimonies regarding the hygiene of the place. A clean environment means that hospitals or centers follow health codes. This means the facility also deems public perception about them very important.
Furthermore, cross contamination between patients and hospital staff will be avoided if the place follows good hygiene. The spreading of viruses can be prevented by the use of good sanitation steps, regular surface cleaning, and attention to hygiene guidelines. A healthy hospital environment is mostly reliant on using disinfectants, training staff, and consistently monitoring hand cleanliness.
Facilities and Equipment
Upon visiting the dialysis center, observe the facility. Is the equipment modern? How do they handle their patients? Are they comfortable during treatment? Try to check if the dialysis machine being used is clean and modern. This is to reassure that mistakes will not be made when it comes to the result of your health condition.
Make sure that hospital staff follow the proper protocol in disinfecting the facilities. As mentioned earlier, this is to prevent cross contamination between hospital staff and patients. It may not be much, but observing the quality and maintenance of the facility, as well as its cleanliness shows you that the hospital or center has a high standard of care.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Medical bills can be quite expensive so it’s best to check for options that will help lessen the financial burden. Ask if they have insurance coverage. There are medical centers and hospitals that cooperate with financial assistance programs. This will help patients receive comprehensive medical tests. A perfect example would be HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations).
Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs, provide full medical treatment with little to no expenses. They have a group of professionals for efficient medical care and focus on preventive care. Members can readily access health and wellness programs and have a primary healthcare provider who manages all of their medical needs. Pre-existing condition coverage, accessibility, and reasonable prices make HMOs a popular option, especially when they are packaged as work benefits.
In the Philippines, the two main operating models of HMO being used are Open Panel and Closed Panel HMOs. These two types of HMOs allow members to select healthcare providers from a large network, except for during emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness
It is highly recommended that you choose a medical center that is fully equipped in times of emergencies. Knowing that our lives, or that our loved ones’ lives might be on the line can be a terrible experience. So to be in the care of medical professionals who are ready and have complete medical equipment is reassuring.
Hospitals should have different kinds of medical preparedness for handling emergencies and natural disasters. This includes maintaining adequate medical supplies and equipment, emergency response plans, and trained medical professionals.
For hospitals to address specific medical concerns, they may also feature specialized facilities such as trauma centers, isolation rooms for infectious diseases, and intensive care units (ICUs).
Furthermore, hospitals test and enhance their planning by consistently engaging in disaster drills and exercises.
Patient Education and Support
Patient education is important. It is good to be aware about our conditions, if we have any. Proper knowledge regarding your condition will help you avoid further health issues. You can work together with your physician in making decisions regarding your health.
Opt for health centers that work with health organizations that also focus on patient education. Being knowledgeable about your condition can one day save you. This will greatly reduce unneeded visits to centers. Educating yourself regarding proper care setting for your condition is vital.
Key Takeaway
To sum it all up, choosing which dialysis center in Manila to go to is a decision that should not be taken lightly. This will greatly impact your future health. By choosing the right center for you or your loved one, you can improve quality of life.
There are factors to consider when choosing a hospital or any medical center for dialysis. These are location and accessibility, quality of care, cleanliness and hygiene, facilities and equipment, cost and insurance coverage, emergency preparedness, and last but not least, patient education and support.
These will all contribute to the quality of treatment. To lessen a patient’s stress will improve his/her well-being. The patient’s mental state will improve even if he/she is suffering from chronic kidney disease.
