Dialysis Care Management
Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment option for people whose kidneys are failing due to severe injuries or chronic conditions.
Experienced nephrologists (kidney care specialists) at UC San Diego Health's Kidney Care Program personalize your treatment plan and coordinate your care, whether you receive dialysis at community outpatient centers or at home.
As part of the only academic medical center in the county, our physician-scientists are actively involved in clinical research investigating new therapies for kidney diseases. Our goal is to maintain and improve your overall health and quality of life.
What Is Dialysis?
Dialysis is the artificial purification of blood with a dialysis machine when the kidneys fail. Kidney failure can happen due to severe injuries or conditions like chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
The main role of the kidneys is to filter extra water, electrolytes and waste products from your body. When the kidneys shut down, dialysis or transplantation is required for survival. Some patients undergo dialysis while awaiting a transplant.
During dialysis, a machine does the work of the kidneys to cleanse your blood. It pumps out blood, runs it through a special filter to remove toxins and excess fluids, and then returns the blood to the body. This process can take several hours.
Types of Dialysis
The type of dialysis you receive depends on your medical needs and lifestyle. Some patients may switch from one type of dialysis to another over time. It's important to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment option for you.
There are two main types of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis (HD): This process cleans your blood using a dialysis machine. In advance of the process, you'll undergo a minor surgical procedure in the arm to create a vascular access to the bloodstream for needles that connect to the dialysis machine. Hemodialysis can be performed at community dialysis centers or at home.
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD): In this process, the peritoneal membrane (the inner lining of your belly) acts as a natural filter to clean the blood. To prepare for dialysis, a surgeon places a soft plastic tube (catheter) in the abdomen during a small procedure. During peritoneal dialysis, a machine delivers a cleansing solution through the catheter into your belly. The fluid works with the lining of your belly to absorb waste and excess fluid from your blood before it's drained and discarded. This exchange process is repeated several times during a session. PD is done at home, usually while you sleep.
We recommend that you prepare for dialysis in advance so it does not become a medical emergency when your kidneys begin to shut down. Your doctor will work with you to determine when you are ready or need to start dialysis.
Experienced, Trained Staff
Your care team, which includes nephrologists, dialysis nurses, dialysis techs, dietitians and social workers, will manage and coordinate your care and support you throughout your dialysis journey, wherever you receive your treatments.
You'll typically see a UC San Diego Health nephrologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant once a week, up to four times a month.
Dialysis Support Services
Starting dialysis can be stressful for you and your family. You may need to adjust your daily routine, diet and lifestyle.
Our dietitians and social workers can help you manage the physical, emotional and social aspects of kidney failure and dialysis.
Where You Receive Dialysis Care
Your dialysis treatment may take place at community dialysis clinics or at home, depending on your care plan. Your UC San Diego Health team manages and coordinates your care across these settings to ensure consistency and support.
Community Clinics
Our physicians manage dialysis care in partnership with community dialysis clinics at several convenient locations across San Diego County. You can get a referral to one of these community clinics.
Home Dialysis
This service is provided by Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego. Options include:
- Short hemodialysis: 2-3 hours, done 5-6 days per week by the patient and a care partner
- Nocturnal hemodialysis: 6-8 hours at night, done at least 3 times per week by the patient and a care partner
- Peritoneal dialysis takes 8-12 hours during the day or night, done 7 days per week by the patient only