About Dialysis Treatment
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that replaces some kidney functions when your kidneys can no longer perform these functions due to kidney failure.
Your kidneys are responsible for removing waste products and excess fluid from your blood. When they fail, these waste products and fluids build up in your body, which can cause a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease.
Types of Dialysis
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. During hemodialysis:
- Blood is removed from the body and filtered through a machine called a dialyzer, or artificial kidney
- The dialyzer filters waste products, excess chemicals, and excess fluid
- The filtered blood is then returned to your body
- Treatments typically last 3-5 hours and are performed three times per week
- Hemodialysis can be performed at a dialysis center or at home with proper training
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdominal cavity (peritoneum) as a natural filter. During peritoneal dialysis:
- A cleansing fluid (dialysate) is introduced into your abdominal cavity through a permanently placed catheter
- The peritoneum acts as a filter, allowing wastes and extra fluid to pass from your blood into the dialysate
- After a prescribed amount of time, the dialysate containing the waste products is drained out and replaced with fresh solution
- There are two main types: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)
- This type of dialysis can be performed at home, at work, or while traveling
Home Dialysis
Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be performed at home:
- Allows for more flexibility with treatment schedules
- May offer better quality of life by reducing travel to dialysis centers
- Requires training and support from healthcare professionals
- May involve more frequent but shorter treatment sessions
- Requires adequate home space and possibly modifications to accommodate equipment
Finding the Right Dialysis Center
Choosing the right dialysis center is an important decision. Key factors to consider include:
- Location and accessibility: Consider the distance from your home or work, transportation options, and parking availability.
- Services offered: Different centers offer different types of dialysis and treatment schedules.
- Medicare acceptance: Most dialysis centers accept Medicare, which covers a significant portion of dialysis costs.
- Treatment schedule: Some centers offer extended hours or 24-hour services to accommodate different lifestyles.
- Quality of care: Research patient satisfaction rates and outcomes for centers you're considering.
Our directory helps you find dialysis centers that meet your specific needs, with detailed information about each facility, including services offered, contact information, and location details.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. This content is not reviewed by medical professionals and is simply an aggregation of information found online. This site makes no claim to be a medical expert, professional, or doctor in any way. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice about dialysis treatment options. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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Use our comprehensive directory to find dialysis centers that meet your specific needs.