If you require dialysis, your vascular access is your lifeline. A properly functioning access allows dialysis treatments to work effectively and safely.
When access problems develop—such as narrowing, clotting, or infection—dialysis can become less effective or even impossible. Early evaluation and maintenance are critical to protecting your access and your overall health.
At Well&You, we provide advanced dialysis access via minimally invasive endovascular approaches in an outpatient setting.
What Is Dialysis Access?
Dialysis access refers to a surgically created connection that allows blood to flow from your body to the dialysis machine and back again.
There are three primary types:
AV fistulas are generally preferred because they last longer and have fewer complications.
You should seek evaluation if you notice:
Dialysis access issues often worsen if not treated promptly.
Many patients are referred to Well&You when their dialysis team notices changes like reduced flow, swelling, prolonged bleeding, or a weaker “buzz.” We provide fast, outpatient evaluation and treatment—often same or next day—while coordinating closely with your care team.
Dialysis access issues are urgent but treatable, and early care can help prevent complications and missed treatments. If you’ve been referred or noticed changes, our team is ready to help.
Request an Appointment or Call to Speak With a Patient Navigator today.
Evaluation includes a physical exam, ultrasound to assess blood flow, and identification of narrowing or clots, along with vessel mapping when needed. Early detection allows for minimally invasive, outpatient treatment before access failure occurs.
In addition to traditional surgical fistulas, some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive endovascular AV fistula (endoAVF).
This technique:
Endovascular AVF creation may be an option for anatomically suitable patients, which we determine through a comprehensive vascular assessment.
Approach | Preserves Access | Prevents Hospitalization | Reduces Complications |
| Early Intervention | | ||
| Delayed Treatment | Risk of failure | Possible ER visits | Higher risk |
| Ignoring Symptoms | High risk | Increased infection & clot risk |
Dialysis access procedures — including evaluation, maintenance, and fistula creation — are typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. Well&You works with most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Our Patient Navigators help you:
You can learn more by visiting our Insurance & Coverage page.
You may benefit from access evaluation if you:
Routine monitoring helps avoid urgent complications and emergency catheter placement.
Dialysis depends entirely on reliable vascular access. When access narrows or clots:
The longer narrowing progresses, the harder it becomes to salvage the access. Acting early often allows for simpler, less invasive correction.
Patients receiving dialysis access care at Well&You often report:
Ongoing surveillance and proactive management help extend the life of your access.
If you’re noticing changes in your dialysis access—or want proactive monitoring—early evaluation can prevent serious complications.