Explore How We Can Help
We’re in this together
We know health care can create more questions than answers. Let us help you get the answers you’re looking for.
One of the best things you can do to protect your kidneys is take care of your body. Your VillageHealth care team will be there every step of the way to simplify the process. They will take the time to understand you, your health goals and concerns to help you care for you.
Between doctor and dialysis visits, we can help:
Answer questions
Help you understand your health conditions and treatment options
Guide you to resources
We’re here to support you and help make your life a little easier.
Meet Your Care Team
We pair you with a care team of compassionate, responsive health professionals who know the ins and outs of health care. You’ll never feel alone with VillageHealth by your side.
Care Coordinator
Your care coordinator helps listen to your health goals and helps you meet them. Their personalized support includes sharing updates about your health with your doctor and getting you the most from your insurance benefits.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Your nurse listens to your concerns and helps you get the care you’re looking for. Your nurse works directly with your doctors to help you stay on track with your care plan—addressing any needs or questions along the way.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Your NP starts with a one-to-one phone call to get to know you and your health needs. Your NP will take the time necessary—no matter how long or short—to listen to all your concerns.
Engagement Specialist
Your engagement specialist explains the program, makes sure you know what to expect and gets you set up with what you need. When you’re ready, your engagement specialist will introduce you to your care team!
Finding the Right Treatment
Kidneys filter toxins and extra fluid out of your blood. If your kidneys don’t work well, treatment options can replace their work: dialysis in a clinic, dialysis in your home or a kidney transplant. No treatment can make your kidneys work again.
5 questions to help choose a treatment:
- Do you have any kidney function left?
- Do you need flexibility (for work, family, activities)?
- Is travel important to you?
- Are you uncomfortable with needles?
- Does dialysis at home (with training) interest you?
Think about your answers and talk with your doctor. Your VillageHealth care team is also here to answer questions and give you resources to help with your decision. Click the button below to compare your options.
Are your kidneys working correctly?
Early-stage kidney disease doesn’t usually show symptoms. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) blood test shows your level of kidney function. Understanding your GFR can help you learn how to take control and possibly slow your condition’s progression.
Check out this online tool from DaVita that calculates your GFR using your creatinine levels, age and gender.
“It made me feel good. It made me feel like somebody really cared about my husband.”
– Velma, wife of VillageHealth member, Demetrius
Recipes & Health Tips
Learn more about maintaining good health and managing your conditions.
FAQs
Q: Will I have to pay for VillageHealth?
A: No. If VillageHealth is a part of your health insurance, it is included in your current benefits. You will not pay anything.
Q: What if I can’t afford my medicines?
A: Medicines can be very costly. That’s why many drug companies offer discounts for eligible people. Call your VillageHealth care team at 1-800-767-0063 (TTY: 711) to see if you may qualify.
Q: How do different health conditions affect each other and my health?
A: All parts of your body must work together for you to keep your health on track. When one part doesn’t work well, it can cause other problems. Often, we aren’t aware how one condition may affect another. Your care team can help you understand this.
Q: Is it normal to have more than one chronic condition?
A: Yes. And often, conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can directly affect each other. Medicines for each condition should be monitored for how they interact and affect your body.
Q: How do my health conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) affect each other?
A: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and lupus can progress to damaging other areas of the body. That’s why it’s important to consider your whole health and health history to avoid other issues.
Q: How can VillageHealth help with my emotional wellness?
A: Having a chronic condition can bring up many emotions. We can connect you with a counselor to help with those emotions. Simply call us at 1-800-767-0063 (TTY: 711).
Q: Why is it important to take my medicines as recommended by my doctor?
A: Taking your medicine at the right time and the right dosages helps your body work well, and can help keep you out of the hospital. If you have any questions about your medicines, call your VillageHealth care team at 1-800-767-0063 (TTY: 711) or speak with your doctor.
Q: Is missing an appointment that big of a deal?
A: Yes. It’s important to go to all your doctor appointments. This helps you stay on top of small issues before they become bigger. Do you need help getting to your appointments? Call your VillageHealth care team at 1-800-767-0063 (TTY: 711) to see how they can help.
If you’re on dialysis, it is especially important to go to all of your dialysis appointments. Kidneys work 24/7 to clean your blood, and dialysis does not replace all their function. Every minute on dialysis is important to keep your blood clean and body healthy. Missed dialysis treatments—whether it’s a few minutes each treatment or an entire treatment—can cause serious results: shortness of breath, tiredness, nausea, decreased appetite, confusion, or even death.
Q: As a care partner, what resources do I have to support my patient/loved one?
A: For most of us, becoming a care partner is a big change that requires a lot of time and energy. VillageHealth can support you in this role and work directly with you. We just need the patient’s permission to talk with you. Please call VillageHealth at 1-800-767-0063 (TTY: 771).
Resources for care partners: