Dialysis

At dialysis centers, you receive hemodialysis in a professional setting. Hemodialysis cleans your blood using a machine that removes waste, extra salt and extra water from your body. Treatments usually take place three times a week with each session lasting three to four hours.

These centers offer a team of health professionals to coordinate treatment and support  patients during dialysis. Team members include:

• Nephrologist—kidney specialist responsible for overall patient care who works with your team of doctors
• Advanced Practitioners—nurse practitioners and physician assistants who support the doctor
• Nurses—licensed nurses who oversee regular dialysis treatments
• Renal Dietitian—nutrition specialist who creates personalized meal plans to meet your needs
• Social Worker—staff member who provides counseling for patients and families
• Technicians—patient care techs who start and monitor dialysis treatments, and biomedical techs who maintain dialysis machines

Visit the dialysis centers in your area with a family member or support person before beginning treatment to find the one that best fits your needs. Find out if your current nephrologist works with the center or if you’ll work with the center’s doctor during dialysis. Also, keep in mind the following during your tour:

• convenience of location and available transportation
• easy, flexible scheduling
• overnight treatments
• expert, helpful staff
• clean, well-maintained rooms and equipment
• features like internet availability, food, exercise programs, etc.

You can also check www.medicare.gov/care-compare to compare each dialysis center.

Additional Resources

National Forum of ESRD Networks: www.esrdnetworks.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: www.niddk.nih.gov

National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org