Home hemodialysis

Home hemodialysis (HHD) is a treatment for kidney failure, also called end stage renal disease, that occurs at stage 5 chronic kidney disease. The process is exactly the same as in-treatment hemodialysis, only it's done in the comfort of your own home.

Initially, patients and loved ones are extensively trained on this technique for approximately one month, and then will be able to begin dialyzing at home. During this time, the patient may need to have a few simple modifications made to the home’s plumbing and/or electrical connections for the required equipment.

The HHD machine is typically much smaller than a standard hemodialysis machine, about the size of a mini-refrigerator or microwave oven. Most importantly, it should be noted that this form of dialysis is covered by insurance, and there is no extra costs for the machine.

Treatment 

Traditional home hemodialysis is very similar to in-center hemodialysis. One of the major benefits of HHD is that treatment schedules can be tailored to a patient’s specific health condition and lifestyle. Traditional HHD treatments are generally performed three times a week for four hours per session, but patients may be prescribed additional treatments by an Inland Empire Nephrology nephrologist. 

Contact Inland Empire Nephrology to schedule an appointment to learn more about the options for home hemodialysis.

Resources for Home hemodialysis:

National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/homehemo

Home Dialysis: https://homedialysis.org