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Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD is a pediatric nephrologist in Philadelphia, PA specializing in pediatric nephrology and general pediatrics. He graduated from Albany Medical College. Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD is affiliated with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES INC.
3401 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dialysis
Dialysis is a procedure that replicates renal (kidney) function by filtering patients' blood. When kidneys do not work properly, waste can accumulate in the blood and unbalanced chemicals can impair the body's critical functions. In order to stay healthy, a person without proper kidney function must receive dialysis. There are two forms of dialysis treatment: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both forms of dialysis are recurring treatments that in many cases last throughout the lifetime of the affected patient. Patients who briefly lose renal function may slowly reduce the frequency of dialysis sessions until their kidneys recover. However, most patients who start on dialysis remain on dialysis for the rest of their lives or until they receive a kidney transplant.
A number of conditions can worsen renal function and lead to end-stage or acute kidney failure. When kidneys fail (i.e. nearly 90 percent of their function is lost), dialysis is typically prescribed. Conditions that cause chronic kidney failure (eventually requiring dialysis) include:
For hemodialysis (the more common form of dialysis), a patient will visit a hospital or clinic and be connected to a dialysis machine by a needle attached to a tube that draws blood from the arm. The drawn blood is transferred to the dialysis machine, where it is filtered and separated until clean. Waste products from the blood pass into a fluid called dialysate, which is pumped out of the machine into a waste receptacle. The machine also measures and helps ensure the blood has the appropriate level of fluid, electrolytes, and pH. A tube delivers the cleaned blood back into the patient's body. A dialysis session like this will typically last for three to four hours, with a patient undergoing dialysis around three times per week.
A second method of dialysis is known as peritoneal dialysis. Unlike hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home by oneself after an initial surgery. To start, a physician (generally a surgeon) will make a small incision in the lower abdomen and insert and surgically attach a catheter (thin tube). At home, the patient connects a pump to the abdomen catheter, delivering dialysate (dialysis fluid) from a bag hanging on a wheeled stand. This fluid enters the peritoneal cavity (greater abdomen area containing the stomach, liver, and intestines) and collects waste through osmosis, where waste in the blood moves across a membrane and into the dialysate. This process continues for several hours until the fluid concentration is equal between the blood and dialysate, at which point the fluid can be drained. The fluid can then be passed through a machine called a cycler, which removes waste and allows for the dialysate to be reused. This process is repeated about four times per day. Dialysis patients must limit the amount of fluid they consume prior to receiving dialysis and should also avoid eating salty foods. The cycler cannot filter more than a certain amount of waste products from the blood.
Kidneys are important organs, and dialysis treatments are vital for those with renal dysfunction. For many, dialysis is not so much a medical procedure but a part of their normal life.
Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD graduated from Albany Medical College. He completed residency at Rush University Medical Center. He is certified by the Pediatric Nephrology - American Board of Pediatrics Pediatrics - American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Residency: Rush University Medical Center
Board Certification: Pediatric Nephrology - American Board of Pediatrics Pediatrics - American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 8 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Philadelphia, PA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$3,733
SOLIRIS $3,733 |
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$800
AQUADEX SMARTFLOW CONSOLE $800 |
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$19
Gambro - Accute $19 |
| $2,300 | |
| $1,041 | |
| $611 | |
| $600 |
Dr. Lawrence Alan Copelovitch, MD has received 2 research payments totaling $20,315.
Dr. Lawrence Copelovitch is a physician who specializes in pediatric nephrology and general pediatrics. His areas of expertise consist of kidney problems, transplant procedures, and dialysis. He is rated 5.0 stars (out of 5) by his patients. Dr. Copelovitch attended Albany Medical College and then went on to complete his residency at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Copelovitch has received the distinction of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in Pediatric Nephrology. He is professionally affiliated with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
