DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita Inc. and a leading provider of kidney care services announced the Coryell Dialysis Center has now received Medicare Certification and can begin treating Medicare patients.

The new center, located at 224 Memorial Dr, Ste. 1 has 12 dialysis stations and will dialyze patients on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, with the possibility of expanded treatment days.

"We could not be more excited to bring full dialysis services to Gatesville, Coryell County and Central Texas.  In cooperation with Coryell Memorial Healthcare, we are confident that we are bringing a needed service to this community.  What excites me the most is the dedicated effort that so many have contributed to provide what I am sure is the highest quality dialysis services offered anywhere,” said Don Chaffer, MD, Coryell Dialysis Medical Director and Coryell Memorial nephrologist.

Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a fatal condition unless a kidney transplant is available or a patient undergoes dialysis, in which a machine filters toxins and fluids from the blood outside the body. In-center dialysis patients are treated four hours a day, three times a week.

An estimated 20 million U.S. adults have CKD, which can progress to ESRD. Most are unaware of their condition, as the disease is often symptomless until the kidneys fail. Groups at the highest risk for ESRD include those with diabetes or hypertension as well as older adults, African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans.

"The building of the dialysis center by Coryell Memorial was made possible by a generous donation from Lucile Garrett Plane. Mrs. Garrett Plane was aware that many members of our community struggle with transportation to healthcare. She would be pleased to see the dialysis center serving patients from Gatesville and surrounding areas,” said David Byrom, CEO of Coryell Memorial Healthcare System.

Ms. Garrett Plane was a philanthropist, community leader and pioneer for women in her field of corrections.  The dialysis center building has been named in honor of her legacy.