DIALYSIS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

by Ed Bryant

During this year's annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in New Orleans, Louisiana (Sunday, June 29 through Saturday, July 5, and see "Convention 1997" article in this issue) dialysis will be available. Individuals requiring dialysis must have a transient patient packet and physician's statement filled out prior to treatment. Conventioneers should have their unit contact the desired location in the New Orleans area for instructions.

Individuals will be responsible for, and must pay out of pocket, prior to each treatment, the approximately $30 not covered by Medicare, plus any additional physician's fees.

DIALYSIS CENTERS SHOULD SET UP TRANSIENT DIALYSIS LOCATIONS AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE. THIS HELPS ASSURE A LOCATION FOR ANYONE WANTING TO DIALYZE. New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, and in July, everything is very busy.

Here are some dialysis locations:

* Saint Charles Dialysis, 3600 Prytania, Suite 83, New Orleans, LA 70115; telephone: (504) 895-3992. About 10 minutes by taxi from the convention hotel.

* Uptown Dialysis has two locations. A: Truro Hospital, on Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115; telephone: 504-897-7946. Social Worker is Mary Wendt; contact her for information about either Uptown Dialysis facility. B: Uptown Dialysis, 3434 Prytania Street, Room 200, New Orleans, LA 70115. Use the same phone, 504-897-7946, for both; and both are about 10 minutes from the hotel.

* BMA New Orleans, 2000 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112; telephone: (504) 581-6363. For further information contact: Jennifer Wallace, administrator, at (504) 455-5535. About 10 minutes from the hotel.

* DCI of New Orleans, 1400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112; telephone: (504) 593-9895. Although DCI reports itself "full" they may well have a cancellation. About 10 minutes from the hotel.

* Napoleon Dialysis, 2817 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115; telephone: (504) 891-8176. About 15 minutes from the hotel.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCHEDULE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS EARLY, TO INSURE SPACE. You will be expected to pay, at time of service, the 20% Medicare copayment (about $30 for each treatment), plus any non-covered physician's fees, and any charges for EPO or Calcijex.

If scheduling assistance is needed, contact: Diabetes Action Network First Vice-President Ed Bryant at (573) 875-8911. See you in New Orleans!