What are your dialysis treatment options?

Compare different dialysis treatment choices, including those you can do at home and those done by experts in-center. Use this guide to stay in charge of your kidney health.

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March 20, 2025

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Julie Dominguez, MD

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4 minutes

Your care team can help

There are many types of dialysis to consider and options for treatment at home or in a dialysis center. Discuss your preferences with your nephrologist and your nurse to make sure you’re choosing the best treatment for you. Ask questions and share your thoughts. You may want to discuss things like:

Your daily schedule
Work or school obligations
Other health conditions
Social life
Travel
Care partner availability

Comparing your treatment options

Whether you choose an at-home or in-center dialysis option, you’ll receive a high level of care and attention. Once it is time to start dialysis, your nephrologist, or kidney doctor, will prescribe your treatment based on your personal health needs.

At-home peritoneal dialysis (PD)

At-home hemodialysis (HD)

In-center hemodialysis

Where treatment happens

In the comfort of your own home

In the dialysis center

What treatment is like

Your blood is filtered using many tiny blood vessels in the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum).

You are connected to an artificial kidney (dialyzer) via a needle in your access site. The dialyzer is designed for at-home use and is the size of a side table or nightstand.

You are connected to an artificial kidney (dialyzer) via a needle in your access site. Blood is filtered through the dialyzer and then returned to your body.

Who performs the treatment

You—or with a care partner, if you prefer

You—or with a care partner, depending on your therapy choice

A trained team of nurses and technicians. Some dialysis clinics also allow self-care, which means you can perform your treatment after some training.

Access options

Peritoneal catheter—a flexible hollow tube surgically placed in the lower abdomen to allow fluid to enter and exit the peritoneal cavity.

Fistula
Graft
Hemodialysis catheter, if medically necessary

Fistula
Graft
Hemodialysis catheter, if medically necessary

Typical treatment schedule
(frequency and duration can vary by person)

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): 3–5 times per day, 20–30 minutes per session, done manually
Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD): 6–10 hours overnight while you sleep, done automatically

3 times a week, 3–5+ hours per session
5–6 times a week, 2.5–3 hours per session
Overnight, 6–8 hours per session

3 times a week, 3–5 hours per session
3 nights a week, 8 hours per session—nocturnal (nighttime) in-center hemodialysis can be done while you sleep. Available at select dialysis centers only.

Key considerations

You will see your dialysis team regularly (usually monthly) to monitor your labs and your dialysis prescription.
It does not involve needles, and your blood never leaves your body.
You can do PD without assistance.
PD may help preserve residual kidney function.
PD can be done almost anywhere—at work, at home, and while traveling.
You may have more freedom with your diet and fluid intake compared to in-center hemodialysis.
You have 24/7 access to a nurse who can help if issues or concerns arise.

You will see your dialysis team regularly (usually monthly) to monitor your labs and your dialysis prescription.
You may be able to do at-home HD without assistance.
You have more flexibility and can choose your treatment timing.
You save travel time and transportation costs.
You may have more freedom with your diet if you’re prescribed more frequent treatments.
A nurse is available 24/7 by phone if you need assistance.

Treatment is performed and/or monitored by trained nurses and technicians, so you can relax.
All treatments, labs, and checkups are done in the center.
You can connect with other people sharing similar experiences at your center.

You can change your mind

Many people switch from one kind of dialysis to another, depending on changing lifestyle and health needs. If you choose one option and decide to change—you can! Your care team will be there to support you along the way.

Your care team can also answer your questions about treatment options other than dialysis, like getting a transplant or deciding to do supportive care.

Key takeaways

You can choose at-home peritoneal dialysis, at-home hemodialysis, or in-center hemodialysis. Your kidney doctor will help you find the best fit for your health and lifestyle.
Talk with your care team about your daily schedule, work, social life, travel, and care partner availability when deciding.
Each option has a different schedule, access type, and level of independence. Compare options to see what fits your life.
You can switch treatment types later if your needs change, and your care team will support you along the way.

We are here to help

We are here to support you along the way. Reach out if you have questions about your dialysis options.

Julie Dominguez, MD

Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health

Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.