According to a presentation at the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting, home dialysis is becoming more common in the United States and is an important treatment option to give renal patients. Home dialysis treatment is lower in cost than in-center dialysis, allows patients more freedom and provides better quality of life for those using this treatment method.
 
The number of home hemodialysis patients in the United States increased 35 percent between 2003 and 2007. Combining the number of patients on home hemodialysis and those on peritoneal dialysis (PD) researchers found a 9.6 percent increase during this period.

AAKP is a staunch supporter of home dialysis programs and Medicare reimbursement for home dialysis treatments.

This article originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of Renal Flash.