Kidney dialysis filters the blood of excess fluid, minerals, and waste when the kidneys can no longer do it themselves. Patients attend a dialysis center or receive dialysis at home using a special machine. Dialysis is necessary for chronic kidney failure patients and can be covered by Medicare or private insurance. Home dialysis requires a trained caregiver.
Kidney dialysis is a medical process that becomes necessary when normal kidney function is impaired by kidney failure. The kidneys help keep the body and its blood healthy by removing harmful wastes from the blood. Dialysis involves filtering the blood of excess fluid, minerals, and waste when the kidneys can no longer do it themselves. Typically, patients with less than 85% kidney function will be recommended for kidney dialysis, although the actual level of kidney function for the recommendation can vary from patient to patient.
Kidney dialysis typically takes place in one of two ways. Either the patient regularly attends a dialysis center or the patient receives dialysis at home. However, dialysis requires the use of a special machine that pumps blood out of the body, where it is filtered, and then returned to the body. Patients receiving renal dialysis due to chronic renal failure will typically have a permanent port surgically installed to facilitate access as regular dialysis is required. However, dialysis can also be performed on a one-time or limited basis if it is needed due to an acute disease affecting the kidneys.
In essence, kidney dialysis is a way to artificially replicate some of the necessary functions of the kidneys. For patients with chronic kidney failure, dialysis is the only way to filter out toxins that would otherwise impact the body and ultimately cause death. Once a patient with chronic kidney failure starts kidney dialysis, it usually doesn’t stop unless you get a kidney transplant.
In the United States, dialysis patients can automatically qualify for Medicare regardless of age. Private insurance companies typically offer some type of coverage for the procedure, although coverage may depend on the reason for the dialysis and where it is being administered. Most areas have a few designated kidney dialysis centers for patients and they should be referred by their doctor before starting treatment. Appointments are typically made based on the number of times the patient needs care each week, and the schedule must be maintained.
For patients starting dialysis, it can be a confusing process initially. However, your doctor will explain the process and the dialysis center where your first treatment takes place will further explain how dialysis works, how it will be paid for and can provide information on home dialysis machines. Many patients prefer the convenience of home dialysis, but a caregiver specifically trained in the use of the equipment must be present.
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