It is a tough road for undocumented immigrants with kidney disease. There are many barriers that these patients must overcome, which prevents them from receiving proper treatments to prevent or slow the progression of their kidney disease. Those who are dialysis dependent also face an uphill battle, as some states limit access to regular dialysis. This article describes specific struggles faced by undocumented immigrants with kidney disease and how some physicians have tried to guide their treatments. It also considers how these patients might be helped through health policy changes at the national level.
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