Michigan Dialysis Services

A UM clinical partnership with Fresenius Medical Care
Services & Treatments

Choosing Treatment

There are two kinds of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis, which uses a machine to move your blood through a filter outside your body, can be delivered in two settings: at our clinic or in your home.

If you choose to be treated at our clinic, you will:

  • Have frequent contact with physicians, nurses and other medical professionals and be dialyzed by technicians who are with you during treatment.
  • Interact with other people going through the same thing you are.
  • Come to the clinic three days a week on a set schedule.

If you choose to be treated at home, you will:

  • Be freer to move around and to control the times of day you are treated.
  • Experience fewer ups and downs in how you feel, because of the shorter time between sessions.
  • Be seen monthly at our clinic by our treatment team.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD), which involves filling the lining of your belly with a sterile solution to filter your blood, is conducted at home.

If you choose PD, you will:

  • Have no need for a partner.
  • Be freer to control the times of day you are treated.
  • Experience fewer ups and downs in how you feel, because of the shorter time between sessions.
  • Enjoy fewer diet restrictions.
  • Be seen monthly at our clinic by our treatment team.

Please Note:

Your treatment decision doesn’t have to be final. If you have concerns, talk to your dialysis team to see if another form of dialysis would be better for you.