How does the KORshield work?

The KORshield is pulled over the head like a turtleneck shirt prior to getting into the shower. The cape covers the access site, keeping water from coming into direct contact.

Is the KORshield covered by Medicare?

Yes! Here is what the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual says:

“All medically necessary dressings or protective access coverings used during or after dialysis to protect a dialysis patient’s access site including for example, coverings used for day-to-day activities such as bathing, are considered to be renal dialysis items.  To the extent that dressings and protective access coverings, including catheter coverings, are determined to be medically necessary, an ESRD facility should provide them.  Medicare payment for vascular access equipment and supplies is included in the ESRD PPS for all dialysis patients regardless of the method of dialysis or where they receive dialysis treatments.”
Chapter 11 (ESRD), Section 20.4

So what this means is all you need to do is ask your clinic or your nephrologist and they should order and provide a KORshield for you.

If your clinic has any questions, please have them contact us at [email protected] or call 888-822-4695.

Can I return the KORshield if I don’t like it?

The KORshield has an unconditional 1 year guarantee. If you don’t like, want or need the KORshield you can return for refund. Please call our office at 888-822-4695.

My doctor says I can’t take a shower after my hemodialysis catheter has been inserted. How do I convince them?

Your healthcare provider’s directions must be followed. Perhaps they are not familiar with the KORshield and its benefits to allow you to shower more easily. You should show this website or the brochure to your healthcare provider and ask them to contact us with any questions.

What is a central venous catheter?

A central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central line, central venous line, or central venous access catheter, is a catheter placed into a large vein. Catheters can be placed in veins in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or axillary vein, groin (femoral vein, or through veins in the arms (also known as a PICC line, or peripherally inserted central catheters). The KORshield is only used to cover central venous catheters placed in the neck or chest.

What is the difference between a central venous catheter (or hemodialysis catheter) and a urinary catheter?

A central venous catheter (or hemodialysis catheter) is surgically inserted through your skin into a blood vessel in order to access your blood. A urinary catheter (also known as a Foley catheter) is used to empty the bladder of urine. You do not need a KORshield if you have a urinary catheter.

What is the best way to store the KORshield?

Many people use a non-metal hanger and hang up the KORshield on the shower bar in the bathroom. The recommendation is to make sure you do not hang the KORshield by the neck seal (for example on a hook). Damage to the neck seal could occur.

When can I take a shower after my hemodialysis catheter has been inserted?

Please ask your healthcare professional for all bathing recommendations.

Where do I buy the KORshield?

KORshield can be ordered online at www.korshield.com or by calling 888-822-4695.

How long does it take to get the KORshield?

The KORshield order is typically shipped within 5 business days after receiving your payment. We ship by USPS Priority Mail which can take from 2 to 5 days. We can ship to non-US countries, however, the shipping costs will have to be quoted to you.

How do I measure my neck?

The first recommendation is to not depend on previous neck measurements like shirt neck size.  Your neck size has most probably changed from the last time it was measured.

•    We suggest measuring using a fabric tape measure, as used in sewing, or a non-stretching string.
•    Place the tape measure or string around the neck at about the Adam’s apple area. Mark or hold the string at the point where end meets the tape or string.
•    If using a tape measure, read and record the length. If using a string, use a ruler to measure the length. Measurements can be made to the nearest 1/2″ (1 cm). Typical measurements are between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

What is the KORshield made of?

The KORshield cape is made from polyurethane-coated nylon. The neck seal is made from either latex or nitrile. People with known allergies to any of these materials should not use the KORshield.

Why can’t I take a shower without covering my catheter?

This is a question for your healthcare professional.

What is the difference between a hemodialysis catheter and a peritoneal dialysis catheter?

Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis are both kidney replacement therapies but use separate methods to cleanse the blood. Peritoneal Dialysis uses a catheter implanted into the peritoneal cavity to supply and remove a dialyzing solution – there is no direct blood contact. In Hemodialysis, the catheter is inserted directly into the blood vessel.  The KORshield is only designed to be used for Hemodialysis, not Peritoneal Dialysis.

Why can’t I just cover my hemodialysis catheter with a plastic bag when I shower?

This is another good question for your healthcare professional, but, typically, it is important to keep the catheter site dry and clean. The KORshield protects the catheter area from direct water from the shower. It allows you to clean and dry your catheter area under control. A plastic bag taped over the site is not only clumsy and the tape hurts when it is removed, but there is a very good chance that you may have water leaks.

What are your business hours?

If you would like product and pricing information or assistance with your order, our KORshield representatives are available to assist you M-F, 9-5 CST at 888-822-4695.

Where do you ship the KORshield?

Online orders are shippable to the following destinations:  The Continental United States and Canada.  Please call for shipping terms to other areas.

•    We rely on the accuracy of the address you enter.  We cannot credit your account if the package is returned for incorrect/insufficient address.
•    Freight shipments will be quoted on an individual basis, and may be subject to fuel surcharges.  Please call for Freight shipping terms.
•    Our shippers guarantee shipment of packages and we adhere to their guidelines as to what is covered.

Can you ship to a PO Box?

Unfortunately, our shippers will not deliver to a Post Office Box.  Please provide a street address.

•    Our shippers require the telephone number where the package is to be delivered.

What method of payment do you accept?

We accept MasterCard and Visa for online orders.  To place an order using check or money order, please call 888-822-4695.