Dialysis

Treatment Options   

When you reach endstage renal disease or renal failure, the kidneys no longer perform the functions necessary to maintain the balance of chemicals and water in the body for normal living. You will require treatment in order to sustain life. 

The three treatment options available are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation.   

Dialysis is the process by which the blood is artificially cleansed, a substitute for kidneys that are not functioning.

Together, you and your physician will determine the type of treatment that is right for you. It is important for you to understand each of the treatment options so that the best choice is made for you. 

• Pre-ESRD Education-Kidney Options Class
• Renal Dietitian
• Social Services

Two kinds of dialysis are offered:

• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis

Choosing Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal (Home) Dialysis

UI Hospitals and Clinics offers pediatric and adult dialysis services for those with acute needs while hospitalized and outpatient treatment, including center and home (hemodialysis and peritoneal) dialysis.

In addition to services provided at UI Hospitals and Clinics, four outpatient dialysis centers offer home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The centers are located in:  

• Grinnell
• Washington
• Muscatine
• North Liberty
• Iowa City

The centers offer nutritional information, as well as social and financial services. Each dialysis chair has its own television for patient convenience.

Pre-ESRD Education-Kidney Options Class
Kidney Options patient education seminars provide information and education on all of the available options for renal replacement therapy. Discussions will include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplant, as well as information about nutrition tips, and will let you know about social services and support systems. Brochures about kidney disease are also available. 

Mary Lee Neuberger
mary-neuberger@uiowa.edu
319-356-8123  

Renal Dietitian
Our dietitian will help you understand why diet changes are needed and how to make these changes.

Bev Clearman
beverlee-clearman@uiowa.edu
319-356-1809

Social Services
Social workers are available to provide psychosocial evaluation, counseling, and resource referral services. We work in collaboration with the multidsciplinary team to incorporate patient needs/concerns in planning care.

Megan Caballero, LMSW 
megan-caballero@uiowa.edu
319-356-1917
or
Carrie Patelski, LMSW
carrie-patelski@uiowa.edu
319-356-1917 Wednesday afternoon through Friday