Bedridden and people with limited mobility
Patients who lie in bed or move with someone else's help, for whom transport to a medical facility takes a car, a companion and a lot of time.
Urinary catheter change at home
- At your home address
- Within Belgrade
- Phone or WhatsApp
Urinary catheter change at home is one of the services the Miren Medic polyclinic provides at your home address. For a person with a long-term catheter, every trip to a medical facility for a change means transport, waiting and a day of organisation for the whole family. With us, the change is arranged by phone or message, and the polyclinic's medical staff come to you.
This page describes what the change looks like, what to prepare, what to watch for between two changes and when a urologist is needed.
Who a catheter change at home is for
A long-term urinary catheter is changed regularly, for months or years. That is why it means the most to those for whom every trip out of the house is an undertaking.
After hospital treatment
Patients discharged home with a catheter, when the discharge letter prescribes a change or a check-up.
Older people with chronic illnesses
When the catheter is part of long-term care, and a trip to the waiting room carries more risk than benefit.
Families caring for a parent
When the children work or live far away, and the parent needs regular and reliable care.
How a urinary catheter is changed
The change is done following the rules of asepsis, with sterile material, because a urinary tract infection is the most common complication of a long-term catheter. The old catheter is removed after the balloon that holds it in the bladder has been emptied. Then a new, sterile catheter is inserted, the balloon is filled with sterile water, the urine is checked to be draining and the new bag is attached below the level of the bladder.
The whole procedure is short, and the patient stays in their own bed. Before the change, tell us what kind of catheter is in place now, when it was last changed and whether there were problems with previous changes, such as pain, bleeding or difficult insertion.
How often a catheter is changed
How often it is changed is decided by a doctor, according to the type of catheter and the manufacturer's instructions. Latex catheters are, as a rule, changed more often than silicone ones. A catheter is also changed earlier than planned if it stops draining urine, if urine leaks around the catheter or if the doctor changes it because of an infection.
When to get in touch before the planned change
These signs do not always mean something serious, but they are a reason to get in touch rather than wait for the regular appointment.
- No urine in the bagFor a longer time, with a feeling of a full bladder or pain in the lower abdomen.
- Urine leaking around the catheterThe catheter may be blocked or displaced.
- Blood or clots in the urineEspecially if they appear after a change or are getting worse.
- Raised temperature, chillsWith cloudy, unpleasant-smelling urine, they can be a sign of infection.
- The catheter has fallen outDo not try to put it back yourself. Get in touch straight away.
- Sudden worseningHigh temperature with confusion or weakness: call emergency services on 194.
At home or at a medical facility
The same procedure, a different day for the patient and the family.
| At your home address | At a medical facility | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Not needed | A car or medical transport, often with a companion |
| Waiting | Appointment arranged by phone | Waiting room |
| Where the patient is | In their own bed | At the appointment, after the journey |
| Family | Can stay with the patient | The companion waits outside |
| When a urologist is needed | The examination is booked at the polyclinic | Urologist at the polyclinic, no referral needed |
When a urologist's examination is needed
A catheter change is a routine part of care, but repeated infections, blood in the urine, frequent blockages or difficult insertion call for an examination by a urologist. At the Miren Medic polyclinic, examinations are carried out by Dr Aleksandar Lazić, specialist in urology, and no referral is needed for the examination.
If the illness or condition for which the catheter was inserted changes, the urologist assesses whether a long-term catheter is still the best solution.
Prices
Price of a catheter change at home
The price of a service at your home address depends on the service and the location. In the polyclinic's price list, a medical technician's visit is from 2.000 RSD to 5.000 RSD, and a doctor's visit from 15.000 RSD. You get the exact amount for the catheter change when arranging the appointment.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Medical technician's visit | 2.000 to 5.000 RSD |
| Doctor's visit to your home address | from 15.000 RSD |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catheter change at home cost?
The price depends on the service and the location. A medical technician's visit to your home address is from 2.000 RSD to 5.000 RSD, and a doctor's visit from 15.000 RSD. You get the exact amount for the catheter change when arranging the appointment.
How often is a urinary catheter changed?
The interval is decided by a doctor according to the type of catheter and the manufacturer's instructions. Latex catheters are, as a rule, changed more often than silicone ones. A catheter is also changed before the due date if it stops draining urine or leaks.
What if urine leaks around the catheter?
Leaking around the catheter can mean that the catheter is blocked or displaced, or that the bladder is having spasms. Get in touch, because a change before the planned date may be needed. If, in addition, there is no urine in the bag and you have pain in the lower abdomen, do not wait.
Do I need a doctor's instructions for a catheter change at home?
Prepare the discharge letter or the urologist's instructions if you have them, as well as the details of the catheter in place now. When arranging the visit, also tell us what materials you have at home.
What should I do if the catheter has fallen out?
Do not try to put it back yourself. Get in touch straight away, and if you cannot pass urine and have severe pain, or the condition has suddenly worsened, call emergency services on 194.
When is a urologist's examination needed?
With repeated infections, blood in the urine, frequent blockages or difficult insertion of the catheter. Urological examinations at the polyclinic are carried out by Dr Aleksandar Lazić, with no referral needed.
Other services at your home address
Wound dressing at home
Post-operative wounds, wounds after an injury and wounds from lying down for a long time, as prescribed by a doctor.
Physiotherapy at home
A portable device at your address, for pain and stiffness when coming in is difficult.
IV drip at home
Prescribed therapy in your home, hotel or workplace.
Injections at home
Intramuscular (i.m.) therapy prescribed by a doctor, at your address.
Blood test at home
Laboratory tests at your home address, the samples are taken to the polyclinic's laboratory.
All home care services
Doctor's home visit, specialist examinations and ultrasound at your home address, visit prices.
Arrange a catheter change
Call the polyclinic or send a message on WhatsApp, describe what is needed and we will agree an appointment at your address. If you are not sure whether a medical technician is enough for your case or a doctor is needed, tell us that too: together we will choose the right step.