Hemodialysis (HD) (Health Care) Law and Legal Definition
Hemodialysis (HD) refers to the treatment done in a dialysis facility by removing blood from the body and circulating it through special filters outside the body. It can be done at home with the proper training and supplies. HD uses a dialyzer or artifical kidney to clean blood. The filter is connected to a machine. The blood then flows through tubes across a filter, along with solutions that help remove toxins, wastes and extra fluids. Then the newly cleaned blood is returned to the body. HD is performed three times a week requiring an average time of three to four hours for single dialysis. Most insurance pays for home dialysis and training. Sometimes a prior authorization is required by some managed care organizations. Where a home dialysis is not approved by the insurance, the beneficiaries shall opt for clinic dialysis.
