Innovative Renal Care Springfield Dialysis Center

04/24/2026

Your immune system can be affected by kidney disease and dialysis, which can make it harder to fight off infections. During World Immunization Week, it is worth taking a moment to think about how vaccines fit into protecting your health.
Vaccines are not one-size-fits-all. Your care team can help you understand which vaccines are appropriate for you and when to receive them based on your treatment plan. If you have questions about vaccines, talk with your care team.
Learn more about World Immunization Week here:

World Immunization Week aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year.

04/23/2026

Lab results play a key role in dialysis care, helping guide treatment decisions and track how your body is responding over time. Behind every result is a team of laboratory professionals focused on accuracy, consistency, and getting the details right.

During Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we recognize the work that happens behind the scenes to support your care. From processing samples to ensuring results are ready for your care team, their work helps keep your treatment on track.

Their attention to detail helps your care team make informed decisions and adjust your treatment as needed. Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/lab-week/php/about/index.html

04/22/2026

When you choose dialysis at Innovative Renal Care, you'll have a care team built to support life beyond treatment.
Your nephrologist leads your treatment plan. Your nurses assess your health before treatment and monitor your care throughout. Your patient care technicians support you throughout each session. Your dietitian helps you discover kidney-friendly foods you can actually enjoy. Your social worker is there to help you navigate the challenges of living with a chronic illness, so you're never carrying it alone.
Together, they are focused on one thing: delivering more tomorrows. Whether you are new to dialysis or looking for a better experience, our teams are ready to welcome you.

Delivering more tomorrows to patients, their families, and friends is not just a mission statement at Innovative Renal Care. It is the standard by which every decision is made, every team is built, and every patient is cared for. As a physician partnered, nurse led, and patient first organization, o...

04/20/2026

To the transplant nurses who care for patients through one of the most complex parts of the transplant journey, this week is for you.
Your clinical knowledge and judgment help patients navigate transplant with greater clarity and confidence. The care you provide can make a life-changing process feel less overwhelming. Thank you for the expertise and compassion you bring to patients and their families.

04/17/2026

You may receive a letter soon about the In-Center Hemodialysis CAHPS (ICH CAHPS) Survey. This survey gives you a voice in your care and helps improve the dialysis experience for all patients.
The survey is conducted by Press Ganey on behalf of Medicare. If you are selected, you may receive a letter in the mail followed by a phone call from Press Ganey, 574-309-9553, on your caller ID.
If you receive the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to share your experience.

04/15/2026

The struggles of dialysis can be hard to explain unless you have been through it yourself. Talking with someone who understands that experience firsthand can make a real difference.

Whether you have questions, need encouragement, or just want to hear how others manage their care, peer support can provide perspective and reassurance. You never have to navigate dialysis on your own.

Programs like National Kidney Foundation PEERS connect patients, living donors, and care partners with trained mentors who have firsthand experience. It is a simple, confidential way to have real conversations with someone who's been through what you're going through.

Your care team can also help guide you toward resources that fit your needs. Learn more about peer support here:

Featured Topics Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Tests to Check Your Kidney Health Understanding Your Lab Values and Other CKD Health Numbers See All Kidney TopicsBrowse By Category Diet and nutrition Diseases and conditi...

04/14/2026

“Nothing in life is certain... except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin
With Tax Day on April 15 and National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, ol' Ben’s quote feels especially fitting. Thinking through your healthcare wishes can bring clarity and spare the people closest to you from having to guess during a difficult time.
National Healthcare Decisions Day focuses on helping you make your healthcare wishes known and have these conversations with family members and care teams well before a crisis. Learn more here: https://www.nhdd.org
https://youtu.be/uPDpfmdhwqs

A great video to "Begin the Conversation" from our friends at begintheconversation.org Have you confronted the Elephant in the Room?

04/13/2026

Choosing your dialysis clinic is one of your most important care decisions, and quality ratings can help you compare your options. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates every dialysis facility in the country on a 1 to 5 star scale for quality of patient care and patient experience. A 3 star rating reflects national average, while a 5 star rating means a center is performing well above average.
Innovative Renal Care’s 2026 CMS ratings show more than 47% of centers performing at a 5 star level for patient experience, and IRC remains the only large dialysis organization with an overall patient experience score above 4 star.
At IRC, you get more than a chair time and a treatment schedule. Your care team helps you weigh your treatment options, navigate insurance questions, plan for upcoming travel, and make kidney friendly food choices with more clarity and confidence.

04/10/2026

There is just something so undeniably special about a furry lil friend. The happy tail wag when you walk through the door. The soft purr when they curl up beside you. They have a way of turning an ordinary moment into something wonderful.

They are there on the hard days and the good ones. They stay close and somehow know exactly when you need a little extra comfort.

This Saturday, on National Pet Day, give your favorite four-legged companion an extra squeeze and a well-earned treat.

04/10/2026

When exploring home dialysis, a key consideration is the role of your care partner.
Some patients require hands-on help. Others prefer having someone nearby who can step in if needed. Understanding the level of support you need can help you plan with more confidence.
At Innovative Renal Care, your care team is available to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Talk to your team about what is right for you and learn more about care partner support here: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/care-partner-home-dialysis

As a care partner, you can help in many ways, like setting up treatment space, managing side effects, and offering support. Everyone’s needs are different, your role may vary.

04/08/2026

Your stress can sometimes build between treatments, during appointments, or even on days that feel routine. Taking a few minutes to pause and reset can make a meaningful difference in how you feel.
Meditation is one way some patients try to manage stress. It can be as simple as sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing for a short period of time. Not every method works for everyone, so be open to trying different approaches.
If stress or anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, talk to your care team. They can help you find options that are safe and appropriate for you. During Stress Awareness Month, learn more about meditation and mindfulness from the NCCIH:

This fact sheet provides information about meditation and mindfulness for conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and pain.

04/07/2026

Your treatment plan at Innovative Renal Care is customized for you and built through decisions made with your care team. Understanding your options and what each step means can help you take a more active role in your care.

World Health Day highlights the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes that patients who ask clear, specific questions are better prepared to compare options, understand risks and benefits, and participate in decisions about their care.

Your IRC team is there to help guide those conversations. From treatment options to next steps, you can work together to build a plan that fits your needs. Learn more about questions that support better decision-making here: https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/index.html