Kidney Disease and Predialysis Classes

These classes, for Group Health patients with kidney disease as well as their families and friends, cover treatment choices, coping with chronic illness, dialysis, diet and nutrition, and organ transplants.

There is no charge, unless your plan has a deductible for classes. Check your health plan for details.

Registration is required — space is limited and classes fill quickly. Contact Bianca Grados at 206-326-2367 or Barbara Placek at 206-326-3246.

Coping With Kidney Disease

Emphasis on your concerns and fears about treatment versus non-treatment, and pre-dialysis issues. Presenter is a social worker.

Thursday, April 11
1:30 p.m.
Tacoma Medical Center
Tacoma Specialty Center, room E003

Kidney Disease Choices

Introduction and emphasis on dialysis choices: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and dialysis access. Presenters include a peritoneal dialysis patient and a registered nurse.

Emphasis on your concerns and fears about treatment vs. non-treatment, and pre-dialysis issues.

Thursday, April 11
Immediately follows "Coping With Kidney Disease" class
Tacoma Medical Center
Tacoma Specialty Center, room E003

Vascular Access for Hemodialysis

Discussion about AV fistula, AV graft, and central line catheters used for hemodialysis. Presenter is a registered nurse.

Thursday, April 18
2-3 p.m.
Seattle - Capitol Hill Campus
South Building, room 324

Diet and Nutrition

Information and discussion of renal diet and good nutrition. Presenter is a registered dietitian.

Thursday, April 18
3-4 p.m.
Seattle - Capitol Hill Campus
South Building, room 324

Kidney/Pancreas Transplant

Information and discussion of kidney and pancreas transplant issues. Presenters include a transplant donor, a registered nurse, and the registered nurse who is transplant coordinator at the Virginia Mason Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Center.

Thursday, April 25
1-3 p.m.
Seattle - Capitol Hill Campus
South Building, rooms A03-1/A03