Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Dialysis?
A nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney problems, prescribes the treatment. Nurses and technicians help at a dialysis center. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Dialysis does some of the job of the kidneys when they stop working well. It removes extra water and waste products so they do not build up in your body.
- Hemodialysis passes your blood through a filter, which is sometimes called an artificial kidney.
- Peritoneal dialysis removes waste and extra fluid through the blood vessels that line the walls of your abdomen.
Hemodialysis can help you feel better and live longer, but it is not a cure for kidney failure.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Dialysis treats end-stage kidney failure. It removes harmful substances from the blood when the kidneys cannot. If waste products build up in your body, it can be dangerous. In most cases, you go on dialysis when you have only 10% to 15% of your kidney function left.
How to prepare
- For hemodialysis, you have minor surgery to create a vascular access, the place where you connect to the dialyzer.
- An AV fistula, made by joining an artery to a vein, is the best type of long-term access.
- For peritoneal dialysis, a kidney specialist or surgeon places a soft tube, called a catheter, in your abdomen.
What happens during it
In hemodialysis, your blood goes through a filter called a dialyzer outside your body. A dialysis nurse or technician places two needles into your arm. The machine pumps blood through the filter and returns it to your body. At a center, you usually have treatment three times per week. Each session lasts about 3 to 4 hours.
In peritoneal dialysis, a cleansing fluid fills your abdomen through the catheter. The fluid draws out waste and extra fluid, then it is drained and thrown away.
Recovery
You may need a few months to adjust to hemodialysis. Standard hemodialysis can make you feel tired or washed out for several hours after each treatment. Wash the area around your access with soap and warm water every day. You may need to limit sodium, high-phosphorus foods, and liquids.
Risks and side effects
Access problems are the most common reason people on hemodialysis go to the hospital. Any type of access may become infected. It may also have poor blood flow or blockage from a blood clot or scar. Sudden changes in the body's water and chemical balance during treatment can cause muscle cramps. Hemodialysis can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can make you feel weak, dizzy, or sick to your stomach.
Peritoneal dialysis carries a risk of infection of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, or of the catheter site. It is important not to skip exchanges, because doing so can be dangerous. Contact your provider right away if you have redness, swelling, soreness, warmth, or pus around the catheter, or a fever.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A dialysis nurse or technician places the needles for hemodialysis. Your team can also include a dietitian and a social worker. A vascular surgeon, a surgeon who works with blood vessels, creates the access.
Common questions
Is dialysis a cure for kidney failure?
No, hemodialysis is not a cure for kidney failure. It can help you feel better and live longer.
How long does a hemodialysis session last?
A session at a dialysis center lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Treatments are usually three times per week.
Can dialysis be done at home?
Yes, both types can be done at home. Peritoneal dialysis can also be done at work or while traveling.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Dialysis - hemodialysis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Hemodialysis
- MedlinePlus - Dialysis - peritoneal
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
