Winter Storm Warning
For dialysis patients affected by winter weather alerts, please call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-400-8331. For DaVita center schedule updates, please visit our newsroom. If you need emergency medical care, please dial 9-1-1.
Kidney Disease Education
Empower yourself with kidney health knowledge
Take a Kidney Smart® class
Learn about how the kidneys work, the effects of kidney disease, treatment options and ask questions in a no-cost kidney education class. Choose from virtual or in-person options.
Know the symptoms of kidney disease
Early detection is key. Learn the symptoms of kidney disease to watch for.
Understand the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Learn ways to take control of CKD and slow its progression.
Kidney Disease Education Articles
What are kidneys?
Kidneys are truly impressive. The more you learn, the more you’ll understand why you want to keep them healthy.
What is creatinine?
Learn what creatinine is and how it reflects the amount of muscle and kidney function a person has.
What’s it like to live with one kidney?
Most people have two kidneys, but some only have one. There are three main reasons why this could be.
How to Slow the Progression of CKD
There are many ways to help delay kidney failure, especially when chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diagnosed in the earlier stages.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual loss of the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood.
What is End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)?
Learn about end stage kidney disease (ESKD), the last stage (stage five) of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
What is kidney failure?
Stage 5 of CKD (also known as end stage kidney disease, or ESKD) is when kidneys function below 10 to 15 percent of their normal capacity.
How to Delay the Onset of Dialysis
Although it’s scary to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), if you find out in the early stages of the disease, there are steps you can take to prolong kidney function.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Is your body telling you something? Find out which signs and symptoms may point to kidney disease.
"Kidney Smart makes a huge impact on people’s lives. It empowers people to make the right decisions to have the best quality of life.”
—Mike, Kidney Smart attendee