U.S. Renal Care (USRC) is one of the largest providers of specialized kidney care services throughout the United States. This healthcare organization focuses on patients who have reached advanced stages of kidney disease, specifically those requiring life-sustaining treatments. USRC plays a significant role in managing the complex needs of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This overview defines the organization’s scope and explains its function in delivering and supporting these necessary treatments.
Defining U.S. Renal Care
U.S. Renal Care operates a national network of outpatient treatment centers providing comprehensive care for individuals with kidney failure. Founded in 2000, the organization has grown to partner with nephrologists across 32 states, serving tens of thousands of patients. This model relies on collaboration with local kidney specialists to ensure patients receive personalized treatment plans overseen by their own physicians.
The core mission of USRC is to provide high-quality care and clinical excellence to people living with kidney disease. It achieves this by developing, acquiring, and operating dialysis facilities that cater primarily to the needs of the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) population. Patients with ESRD have kidneys that have permanently failed, meaning they require either a kidney transplant or long-term dialysis to survive.
USRC provides a complete range of kidney replacement therapies, positioning itself as a leader in both in-center and home-based dialysis options. The company focuses on diverse treatment modalities to encourage greater patient choice and flexibility in managing this chronic condition. USRC’s infrastructure is designed to support the ongoing, frequent, and medically intensive nature of ESRD treatment.
Core Services: Treatment Modalities for End-Stage Renal Disease
The fundamental services provided by USRC center on various dialysis modalities designed to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The most common offering is In-Center Hemodialysis (HD), which requires patients to visit a dedicated clinic several times a week. During this treatment, the patient’s blood is cycled outside the body through a machine called a dialyzer, or “artificial kidney,” which cleanses the blood using a specialized solution known as dialysate.
For hemodialysis to occur, a vascular access point is surgically created, typically an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft, which allows for the high blood flow rates necessary for effective filtration. In-center sessions usually last about four hours and are performed approximately three times per week, requiring a significant time commitment from the patient. This modality provides close supervision by nurses and patient care technicians throughout the entire procedure.
An alternative to in-center treatment is Home Dialysis, which USRC strongly supports to offer greater independence and a more flexible schedule. This includes Home Hemodialysis (HHD), where patients are trained to operate a smaller version of the HD machine in their own residence. HHD is often performed more frequently—five to six times a week for shorter sessions—which can result in a gentler fluid removal process and fewer dietary restrictions.
The second major home option is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), which utilizes the patient’s own abdominal lining, the peritoneum, as the natural filter. A soft catheter is surgically placed into the abdomen, through which a sterile dialysate solution is infused into the peritoneal cavity. The waste and excess fluid move from the blood vessels in the peritoneum into the dialysate. After a prescribed dwell time, the spent fluid is drained and replaced with fresh dialysate. This can be done manually several times a day (Continuous Ambulatory PD) or automatically overnight using a cycling machine (Automated PD).
The Patient Experience and Support System
The provision of dialysis treatment is supported by a robust, multidisciplinary care team focused on addressing the holistic needs of the patient. Nephrologists, who specialize in kidney health, oversee the patient’s overall treatment plan, working closely with other professionals in every USRC center. Registered nurses and patient care technicians are responsible for the safe and precise administration of the dialysis treatment itself.
Registered dietitians play a specialized role by performing nutritional assessments and developing customized meal plans. Managing kidney disease requires careful regulation of fluid intake and specific nutrients, such as potassium and phosphorus. The dietitian’s guidance is crucial for long-term health management, helping patients balance complex dietary restrictions with maintaining an enjoyable quality of life.
Social workers are also integral team members, providing support to patients as they adjust to the emotional and lifestyle challenges of chronic illness. These professionals help patients and their families navigate issues such as emotional health, employment concerns, and access to community resources. Financial counselors within the organization assist with understanding insurance coverage and the costs associated with long-term treatment.
Patient education is a significant component of the support system, especially for those considering home therapies. USRC offers comprehensive training programs to ensure patients and their care partners are competent and confident in performing treatments like HHD or PD safely at home. This coordinated care system ensures that patients receive continuous logistical and psycho-social support throughout their entire kidney care journey.