What are dialysis facilities?

Dialysis facilities provide life-sustaining treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) whose kidneys can no longer adequately filter waste from the blood. These Medicare-certified centers offer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis under medical supervision, typically requiring treatment three times per week.

What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a machine to filter blood outside the body at a dialysis center or home, typically taking 3-5 hours per session. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood internally and can be done at home, often overnight. Your nephrologist will recommend the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and preferences.

Does Medicare cover dialysis?

Yes, Medicare covers dialysis for people with ESRD regardless of age. Medicare Part B covers 80% of dialysis costs after you meet the deductible. Most patients become eligible for Medicare within 3 months of starting dialysis. Supplemental insurance or Medicaid can help cover the remaining 20%.

How do I evaluate dialysis facility quality?

Look at the CMS star rating (1-5 stars), which measures patient outcomes, safety, and clinical care quality. Key metrics include infection rates, dialysis adequacy, hospitalization rates, and transplant waitlist management. CareListings provides CMS quality data to help you compare facilities.

Find Dialysis Facilities Near You

Search 7,071 Dialysis Facilities across the United States

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The National Landscape

Understanding Dialysis Facilities across the United States

7,071

Dialysis Facilitys Nationwide

Data from CMS Dialysis Facility Compare (Dataset 23ew-n7w9), updated quarterly.

Understanding Dialysis Facilities

Types of Dialysis

In-center hemodialysis: 3x per week at a clinic, typically 3-4 hours per session. Staff manages everything.
Home hemodialysis: More frequent, shorter treatments at home. Requires training and a care partner.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD): Done at home using the abdominal lining. Can be done overnight while sleeping.
Nocturnal dialysis: Longer, gentler treatments while you sleep—at home or some centers.

Life on Dialysis

Schedule impact: In-center dialysis is a major time commitment—plan for 12-15 hours/week including travel
Diet restrictions: Limit potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluids. A renal dietitian can help.
Working while on dialysis: Many people continue working. Home dialysis offers more schedule flexibility.
Transplant is an option: Dialysis can be a bridge to transplant or long-term treatment.

Key Quality Metrics

Star rating: CMS rates dialysis facilities 1-5 stars based on outcomes and patient experience.
Kt/V: Measures how well dialysis cleans your blood. Higher is better (target: 1.2+).
Infection rates: Lower is better. Fistulas/grafts have lower infection risk than catheters.
Hospitalization rates: Fewer hospital admissions indicates better care.

Choosing a Dialysis Facility

Check the star rating: CMS rates facilities based on mortality, hospitalization, infection, and patient experience. 4+ stars indicates strong performance.

Consider shifts: "What shifts are available?" Early morning, daytime, evening, and sometimes nocturnal. Choose what fits your life.

Location matters: You'll go 3x per week. A facility close to home or work reduces the burden significantly.

Visit the facility: Is it clean? How do patients seem? Is staff attentive? Do they offer home dialysis training?

How Dialysis Is Covered

Medicare (ESRD Entitlement)

Nearly everyone with kidney failure qualifies for Medicare, regardless of age. Coverage starts month 4 of dialysis (or month 1 for home dialysis training).

Employer Insurance

If you have employer coverage, it's primary for 30 months after Medicare eligibility. Then Medicare becomes primary.

Medicaid

Can cover Medicare premiums, copays, and deductibles for those with limited income. Apply through your state.

Medigap/Supplemental

Helps cover the 20% coinsurance. Note: People under 65 may have limited Medigap options depending on state.

Browse Dialysis Facilities by State

Select a state to find Dialysis Facilities in your area

Alaska 9 Alabama 178 Arkansas 69 Arizona 121 California 645 Colorado 79 Connecticut 48 District of Columbia 21 Delaware 29 Florida 450 Georgia 358 Hawaii 29 Iowa 68 Idaho 28 Illinois 308 Indiana 166 Kansas 55 Kentucky 121 Louisiana 175 Massachusetts 84 Maryland 161 Maine 16 Michigan 213 Minnesota 122 Missouri 165 Mississippi 89 Montana 14 North Carolina 217 North Dakota 16 Nebraska 38 New Hampshire 18 New Jersey 175 New Mexico 53 Nevada 50 New York 289 Ohio 336 Oklahoma 86 Oregon 70 Pennsylvania 309 Rhode Island 15 South Carolina 150 South Dakota 27 Tennessee 185 Texas 642 Utah 45 Virginia 191 Vermont 8 Washington 93 Wisconsin 123 West Virginia 43 Wyoming 10

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Complete Coverage

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Official Data

Our data comes from CMS and state licensing databases. The same sources hospitals and discharge planners use.

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