New to dialysis
The first few months of dialysis treatment represent a challenging time. Use our checklist as a guide as you create your new normal.
- Medically reviewed by
- Shahzia Lakhani
- Last updated
- March 4, 2026
Starting dialysis means creating a new normal for you and your family. There's a lot to think about, from choosing a treatment option, finding new ways to enjoy your favorite activities, to managing a new eating plan. The FIRST30 program is all about helping you through this period of adjustment. Here, you'll find videos featuring people like you, who were new to dialysis, as well as a checklist of important questions to ask your health care team.
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a procedure that filters your blood to get rid of any waste products or extra fluid. It’s used when your kidneys no longer work.
Dialysis only filters 10-15% of what your kidneys would, which is why it must be done multiple times a week.
There are two types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis: uses a machine to clean your blood
Peritoneal dialysis: uses fluid in your belly to filter out waste products
Before you start dialysis, you will need to have vascular access created. Vascular access is where the dialysis machine will connect to your bloodstream. There are multiple types of vascular access, including an artery vein (AV) fistula, AV graft, and a catheter. It’s important to know what kind of vascular access you have and how to take care of it.
Everyone's experience starting dialysis is different. This checklist is meant to help you navigate conversations with your care team as you begin the dialysis journey. If you have additional questions, use the space at the end of the guide to write them down and bring with you to your next appointment.
Watch
What to expect when starting dialysis
Learn how to stay focused during your dialysis treatment, overcome fears and misconceptions, acquire good habits, stay on schedule and ask for help when needed.
Who is on a dialysis care team?
Dialysis involves many medical professionals to make sure all aspects of your health are being taken care of, including your physical and mental health. Your dialysis team may include:
- Nephrologist: a kidney doctor, responsible for creating your treatment plan which will include how often you have dialysis and prescriptions for any other medicines you may need to take.
- Nurse(s): responsible for executing your treatment plan including administering your dialysis and other parts of your treatment and checking in with you frequently to see how treatment is working and how you are feeling.
- Social worker(s): responsible for helping you with logistical and emotional aspects of your care, including connecting you with resources for transportation or food, can also connect you with mental health providers
- Dialysis technician (s): responsible for making sure the machinery involved in dialysis is running correctly
- Dietitian: responsible for putting together a tailored eating plan for you and helping you navigate dietary guidance from other care team members, like your nephrologist
These providers are commonly a part of dialysis care teams, but you may have additional providers, such as a therapist, endocrinologist, or cardiologist.
Learn more about kidney care teams
Questions to ask your nephrologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
Dialysis
- What is dialysis?
- What happens during dialysis and how will I feel afterward?
- How often and how long will each dialysis session be?
- What are the different types of dialysis?
- Which type of dialysis is best for my lifestyle?
Medicine
- What new medicines will I need to take?
- Do I need to stop or adjust any medicines prescribed by my other doctors?
- What about over-the-counter medicine?
Transplant
- What is the process of getting a kidney transplant?
Vascular Access (the process of gaining entry to your bloodstream to administer dialysis)
- What kind of vascular access do I currently have, and will that change in the future?
- How do I take care of my vascular access and prevent infection and clotting?
- Is there anything available to protect my catheter between dialysis sessions to reduce the risk of infection and clotting?
Questions to ask your social worker
Coping and Support
- Where can I find support for adjusting to life on dialysis?
- What mood changes should I watch out for?
Insurance and costs
- What does my health insurance cover?
- What programs can help pay for my living expenses?
Transportation
- Can I drive myself to dialysis?
- What are other transportation options?
Travel
- How can I arrange dialysis if I travel?
- Will my insurance cover dialysis treatments at a different clinic?
Questions to ask your dialysis technician
- Are there any rules I need to know about the dialysis clinic?
- What can I do to keep busy during my dialysis sessions, and can I have visitors?
- How can I reschedule if I miss a treatment session?
Dialysis Treatment:
- What should I wear for treatment?
- Can I eat or drink during dialysis?
Questions to ask your dietitian
Healthy Eating
- What changes do I need to make to what I eat and drink?
- How much fluid can I have each day?
- Are there tools or apps that can help me keep track of what I eat and drink?
Cooking
- Where can I find kidney-friendly recipes?
- What seasonings can I use? Which ones should I not use?
Potassium and Phosphate Binders
- What are "binders" and what do they do?
- What kinds of binders do I need to take and when do I take them?
- What happens if I forget to take my binders?
Be your own kidney care advocate
Taking an active role in your dialysis care can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. Learn how to speak up, ask questions, and partner with your healthcare team to get the care you deserve.
Watch
The Importance of Family Support
A family that offers full support and stays positive can be vital for someone who is new to dialysis treatment.
Watch
Free webinars
AKF hosts free, monthly educational webinars to help kidney patients and their loved ones learn more about living well with kidney disease. These webinars are free and open to everyone.
Additional resources for dialysis patients
Blogs
Read our latest blogs
Kidney Today from the American Kidney Fund brings you voices from the fight against kidney disease—patients, their loved ones, renal professionals, and many others.
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