Home Dialysis: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Home Dialysis?
A nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney problems, prescribes home dialysis. For home hemodialysis, a home-training nurse teaches you important safety skills. 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
Home dialysis is when you do dialysis at your home, instead of at a center. Dialysis helps your body remove extra fluid and waste from your blood when your kidneys cannot. There are two types of home dialysis, home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis uses the inside lining of your belly as a filter to clean your blood. Home hemodialysis uses a dialysis machine to clean your blood.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Home dialysis may help you fit treatments into your schedule better. It may help you eat a wider variety of foods. Talk with your care team about which type of dialysis is right for you.
How to prepare
- Most dialysis centers require that you have a trained partner in your home during home hemodialysis.
- A few weeks before peritoneal dialysis, a surgeon places a soft tube, called a catheter, in your belly.
- You will work with a dialysis nurse for 1 to 2 weeks to learn how to do exchanges.
What happens during it
One type of peritoneal dialysis is called CAPD, and it does not use a machine. You do the exchanges by hand during the day. An exchange means emptying the used solution and refilling your belly with fresh solution. With automated peritoneal dialysis, a machine called a cycler does the exchanges. It fills and empties your belly three to five times during the night.
In home hemodialysis, a machine pumps blood out of your body. Your cleaned blood then flows back into your body. Home hemodialysis is usually done three to seven times per week. Sessions last between 2 and 10 hours.
Recovery
Your schedule will change as you fit your dialysis exchanges into your routine. Wash your hands every time you need to handle your catheter. Wear a surgical mask when performing exchanges. Clean the skin where your catheter enters your body every day. For home hemodialysis, the center also gives 24-hour support for any question or problem.
Risks and side effects
One of the most serious problems related to peritoneal dialysis is infection. Seek immediate care if you have signs of infection. Signs of an exit site infection include redness, pus, swelling or bulging, and tenderness or pain at the exit site. Peritonitis is an infection in the fluid in your belly. It may cause belly pain, fever, nausea or vomiting, or cloudy used solution. With proper training and clean habits, the risk of peritonitis can be much lower. Peritoneal dialysis also raises your risk for a hernia. A hernia is a weak spot in your belly muscle. Peritoneal dialysis can also cause weight gain, because your body absorbs sugar from the solution.
With home hemodialysis, you can lose blood if a needle comes out of your access.
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
You are in control of your treatment. A care partner, such as a family member, friend, or trained helper, can assist you if needed.
Common questions
Do I need a care partner for home dialysis?
For home hemodialysis, most dialysis centers require a trained partner in your home during treatments. After training, most people can perform peritoneal dialysis on their own.
Can I travel with home dialysis?
Yes, home dialysis may help you travel more easily. You can do peritoneal dialysis in any clean, private place, even at work or away from home. If you use automated peritoneal dialysis, you will need to carry your machine or do exchanges by hand.
Does home dialysis cure kidney failure?
No, dialysis is not a cure for kidney failure. It can help you feel better and live longer.
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
- National Kidney Foundation - Home Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Peritoneal Dialysis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Hemodialysis
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.
