Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks
Get free kidney-friendly recipe collections from DaVita dietitians.
Getting Started on Peritoneal Dialysis
DaVita’s peritoneal dialysis (PD) program currently serves more patients than any other PD program in the United States. We are committed to your success with PD, which is why we have developed unparalleled services to support you.
Because PD is done more frequently than traditional hemodialysis, studies have shown several benefits, which include improved well-being and fewer complications during treatment. PD is an increasingly popular choice for patients on dialysis. Here is how to get started.
Deciding that PD is right for you
When you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), you and your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will discuss which treatment options best fit your lifestyle. Ask your doctor about PD. You may prefer this type of treatment because:
- You can dialyze in the comfort of your own home
- PD can be done with a machine (cycler) overnight or manually throughout the day
- You’re able to administer your own treatment, without relying on a care partner
- The shorter, more-frequent treatments allow you to maintain an active lifestyle at work, at school or in your travels
- With PD, you have a more-liberal diet than you would on hemodialysis
- Needles are not required to perform PD
Those benefits, as well as personalized care for your unique health and lifestyle needs, are what you’ll find when you begin PD treatments with DaVita®.
Find a DaVita PD program
Are you interested in finding a PD program near you? Call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0582 or find a center with a home dialysis program nearest you.
Training on PD
Once you and your doctor have determined that PD is right for you and you have identified a DaVita program near you, a PD nurse will take you through a comprehensive training program tailored to your specific medical and learning needs. The program will provide the education, tools and support needed to stay healthy and safe while enjoying the many benefits of PD.
Your PD nurse will personalize your training program to suit your unique treatment and training needs. During training, you will learn all the skills and procedures required to perform your frequent treatments independently. The wide range of topics will include how to:
- Use your equipment
- Create a hygienic environment
- Manage supplies
- Keep an organized log of your treatments
The length of training programs varies, but most people usually learn how to perform their own PD safely within a couple of weeks. The majority of training for home treatments is done at dialysis centers.
Transitioning from in-center dialysis to PD
Many people who start in-center hemodialysis transition to a home dialysis therapy. You will have more freedom and flexibility but you certainly won’t be alone. You’re only a phone call away from a highly trained home dialysis clinical team that’s dedicated to delivering superior care and making your experience as comfortable as possible.
DaVita dialysis treatment options
If you want to learn more about dialysis, explore DaVita’s treatment options:
For more information, call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0582.
Learn more about PD
Get Free Kidney-Friendly Cookbooks
Explore Home Dialysis Options
Get to know the many benefits of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD).
Kidney Care Begins with Kidney Smart®
Learn more and get your questions answered in a no-cost kidney education class.
Find a Dialysis Center
Call 1-800-424-6589 now to talk to one of our placement specialists.
