Dialysis Comparison: Types, Costs, and What Works Best for You

When your kidneys can’t do their job anymore, dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste and extra fluid from the blood when kidneys fail. Also known as kidney replacement therapy, it’s not a cure—but for millions, it’s the difference between surviving and not. There are two main types: hemodialysis, a process where blood is cleaned by a machine outside the body, usually at a clinic three times a week and peritoneal dialysis, a method using the lining of your abdomen as a natural filter, done at home, often daily. Which one you choose affects your schedule, your body, and even your bank account.

Hemodialysis is the most common. You sit in a clinic for 3–4 hours, up to three times a week, while a machine cleans your blood. It’s efficient but rigid—you have to fit your life around the machine. Peritoneal dialysis gives you more freedom. You do it yourself, usually overnight while you sleep, using a fluid that flows in and out of your belly. But it demands discipline: strict hygiene, daily routines, and the risk of infection if you slip up. Neither is easy, but one might fit your lifestyle better than the other.

Costs vary wildly. In the U.S., hemodialysis can run $70,000–$90,000 a year, but Medicare covers most of it for eligible patients. Peritoneal dialysis is often cheaper for providers—sometimes 15–20% less—but your out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance and whether you need extra supplies or home modifications. Some people pay more for travel to a center. Others pay more for dialysis fluid and catheter care at home. It’s not just about the machine—it’s about what comes with it: time, effort, and hidden expenses.

Side effects differ too. Hemodialysis can leave you drained, nauseous, or crampy after sessions. Low blood pressure is common. Peritoneal dialysis might cause belly discomfort or lead to peritonitis—an infection of the abdominal lining. Both can mess with your potassium and fluid balance. Your doctor will monitor you closely, but you’re the one living with it every day.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just dry facts. They’re real stories and clear comparisons about how people manage dialysis, how they cut costs, what surprises them, and what they wish they’d known sooner. You’ll see how dialysis connects to other treatments like kidney transplants, how insurance plays into your choices, and how medications interact with your dialysis schedule. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, helping a loved one, or just trying to understand the system, this collection gives you the grounded, no-fluff details you need to make smarter decisions.