There are several things to consider when you’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 or 5 kidney disease. Identifying a treatment option that fits your lifestyle, knowing your insurance options and continuing to stay active and work are some of the ways you can help improve your quality of life.
Kidney Knowledge
Take control of your health by learning all you can about the late stages of kidney disease.
Take a Kidney Disease Education Class
Find an educator-led Kidney Smart® class offered in your community.
Learn About Stage 4 of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease comes in stages. If you're in stage 4, learn tips that might help prolong kidney function.
Know About Stage 5 of Kidney Disease
It's time to look at your treatment options. Learn what they are when you have stage 5 CKD.
How Does Dialysis Work?
This video explains how dialysis helps millions of people every day.
5 Steps to Take When Diagnosed With Late Stage Kidney Disease
Learn the steps to take if diagnosed with late stage kidney disease.
Lifestyle Changes
With a late stage kidney disease diagnosis, certain things may change. Here is what you can expect.
Choose a Kidney Doctor
If you don’t already have one, finding a nephrologist is very important so he or she can help you manage your kidney disease.
Get Healthy with Exercise
Continue or start physical activity after a kidney disease diagnosis.
Know Common Medicines
It's important to understand how medicines can help you when you have kidney disease.
Transitions for Your Health
Prepare for dialysis with your quality of life in mind.
Prepare for Access Surgery
Think of your access as your lifeline. Learn more about preparing for vascular access surgery.
Adrienne: Her Dialysis Story
A diabetic crisis caused Adrienne’s kidney function to completely shut down. Knowing she needed dialysis, she weighed her treatment options to find what would fit her lifestyle. She shares her journey and how she intends to continue to celebrate life.
Your Kidney Diet
These diet management tools and tips can help you take control of your overall kidney health.
Swap Foods for Kidney-Friendly Ones
Use this list of good-for-you food substitutes to eat well and help you feel your best.
Cook Up Kidney-Friendly Recipes
Read Kidney Diet Tips Blog
Get the latest nutrition tips and suggestions provided by DaVita dietitians.
Get Kidney-Friendly Cookbooks
Access free kidney-friendly cookbooks from DaVita dietitians.
7 Foods to Limit with Late-Stage Kidney Disease:
When you are in the late stages of kidney disease, watching your diet is important. Here are 7 foods you should limit.
Treatment Options
It's best to know all of your choices when it comes to treating kidney disease.
Take the Treatment Quiz
How do you know which dialysis treatments might match your lifestyle? Use the Treatment Evaluator.
Know Your Dialysis Choices
Learn About Kidney Transplants
This is an alternative treatment to dialysis.
5 Reasons to Choose a Kidney Transplant
Did you know kidney transplant is a treatment option for end stage renal disease? Here are five reasons to consider a transplant.
Find a Dialysis Center
Easily search for and choose a dialysis center in your area.
Insurance & Employment Support
It's possible to continue working, and keeping your job could help you feel healthier and happier. Having insurance also is important so that you stay covered when you need it most.
Stay On the Job
You may feel healthier, happier and more financially secure when you remain employed.
3 Steps for People Who Work
Find Out About Insurance Resources
Have some peace of mind when you know more about the importance of health insurance coverage.
Get More Employment Information
Download booklets about keeping your job and understanding your insurance options.
Contact a Patient Advocate
If you have questions regarding working and insurance, a patient advocate is here to help.
Keeping your job can be good for your health and happiness when you are on dialysis.
Choosing a Dialysis Provider
Deciding on the right provider when you need dialysis can make a big difference.
How to Find a Dialysis Provider
Select your dialysis provider, treatment facility and even dialysis treatment.
DaVita Is a Leader in Quality Dialysis Care
See how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized many DaVita centers with top marks in its Five-Star Quality Rating program.
Find a Dialysis Center
Easily search for and choose a dialysis center in your area.
Get Better Care with DaVita
With a kidney disease diagnosis, what do you do next? Find your way to better care in 3 steps.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dialysis Provider
From location to support services, here are several things to consider when deciding which dialysis provider fits your needs.
Getting Support
You won't be alone. Find support services, tips and communities when you need it most.
Start Building Your Support Network
With myDaVita, you can make connections with members of the kidney care community.
Kidney Care Begins with Kidney Smart®
Learn more and get your questions answered in a no-cost kidney education class. Find an instructor-led kidney disease education class near you.
Meet Your Kidney Health Care Team
Get to know who is helping you when you are diagnosed with kidney disease.
Tell Others
How do you tell the people around you that you have kidney disease? Here are some tips to help you.
Kidney Care Begins with Kidney Smart®
Get your questions answered by an expert instructor in a no-cost kidney education class.
Manage Your Kidney Care
Find support on the forums, get diet help with easy-to-use tools and see lab results through the DaVita® Health Portal when you’re a DaVita patient.
Download Cookbooks
Access free kidney-friendly cookbooks from DaVita dietitians.
Contact a Patient Advocate
If you have questions regarding working and insurance, a patient advocate is a phone call away.