While the headline may seem a bit odd, the concept underlying it is sound: many patients receiving renal therapy need not be confined to their homes, but can enjoy the pleasures of travel while still receiving treatment.
Chronic kidney failure affects more than 1,770,000 people worldwide. Most of these patients suffering from renal failure receive dialysis therapy at a clinic near their home. However, it's not necessary for all dialysis patients to remain homebound.
Fresenius Medical Care, a German firm that runs a network of 2,553 dialysis clinics around the world, has been encouraging renal failure patients to feel comfortable traveling by promoting their Patient Travel Service. The free service helps patients find a dialysis facility at their requested travel destination, including patients who don't utilize Fresenius facilities.
For those who are wondering, Fresenius says the top 10 travel destinations for dialysis patients are:
- Las Vegas, Nev.
- Baton Rouge, La.
- Orlando, Fla.
- Dallas, Texas
- Sevierville, Tenn. (Smoky Mountains and Dollywood destination)
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- Atlantic City, N.J.
- Bullhead City, Ariz. (popular snowbird spot and casino area on the Colorado River)
- Cape May, N.J.