A St. John Biocare team warmly welcoming a new patient and their family, walking them through what to expect

New patients

Starting with us is simpler than you fear.

Whether this is your first dialysis session or you're moving from a hospital or another center, here's exactly what happens — and how to reach us.

Your first visit

Please bring:

  • A valid ID
  • Your PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR)
  • Referral and recent lab results, if any
  • A list of your current medicines

You'll meet the nurse and doctor, we'll review your records, and we'll explain the schedule and costs before anything begins.

Transferring your care

Moving from a hospital or another dialysis center is common and easy. Bring your latest dialysis records, lab results and medication list, and we'll take care of continuity so there's no gap in your treatment.

Not sure what you have? Just send a request below — we'll guide you.

More than procedures

We build patient communities.

At St. John Biocare, we don't just perform procedures — we build and espouse patient communities. Dialysis is a shared journey, so we bring patients, families and staff together to support one another, learn, and find strength in good company. Here, you are never just a case — you belong.

Common questions

Starting dialysis — your questions, answered.

How do I start dialysis with you?

Send an appointment request below, or call your nearest center. We'll review your records, explain the schedule and costs clearly, and get you booked — often within a few days.

Do I need a doctor’s referral first?

A referral and recent labs help us start smoothly, but if you don't have them yet, send a request anyway — we'll guide you on exactly what to bring.

What should I bring to my first visit?

A valid ID, your PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR), any referral and recent lab results, and a list of your current medicines. A trusted companion is always welcome too.

Does PhilHealth cover my dialysis?

Yes. PhilHealth has a hemodialysis benefit for qualified members that covers most of the cost of each session. As a private center, the government’s No Balance Billing policy doesn’t apply here — but we work to keep any out-of-pocket amount to a minimum, limited to optional add-ons, certain laboratories and unforeseen expenses. We’re also HMO-accredited and accept various forms of payment — bring your MDR or HMO card and we’ll walk you through the real numbers.

PhilHealth & the cost of dialysis →

Can I transfer from another dialysis center?

Yes, and it is entirely your right. Bring your latest dialysis records, labs and prescription, and we’ll take care of continuity so there is no gap in your treatment.

Transferring your care →

Do I need to change my nephrologist if I transfer to St. John?

No. For continuity of care, we actually encourage you to stay under the care of your own nephrologist. The only exception is a practical one: if logistical obstacles make it hard to sign your PhilHealth claim forms on time, your nephrologist may choose to transfer your care to one of our affiliated nephrologists.

What happens during my first session?

You’ll meet the nurse and doctor, we’ll go over your records together, explain everything in plain language, and answer your questions before anything begins.

Starting dialysis: what to expect →

Is this form for emergencies?

No. This form is for appointments and questions only. If you are having a medical emergency, call your nearest center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Still have a question? Send us a message — a real person will reply.

Request an appointment

Tell us a little, and a real person will reply.

Prefer to chat? Message us on Messenger or Viber, or call your nearest center.

Optional — e.g. a photo of your lab results, referral, medication list or PhilHealth MDR (JPG, PNG or PDF).

This form is not for emergencies. For urgent concerns, call your nearest center or the hospital ER.