How Much Does a Dialysis Machine Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Home hemodialysis was developed in the early 1960s, and at first, the machines were large and difficult to use.

Things have changed, however.

With new technological advances, a dialysis machine, designed for home usage, has become more reliable and much easier to use.   These machines are easier to clean, disinfect and offer a comfortable experience for those who use one, similar to one found at a local dialysis center.

A home dialysis machine, just like the ones found at a local hospital, will remove waste and fluids from the kidneys when they no longer work well enough to keep the body healthy.

 How much does a dialysis machine cost?

The cost of a dialysis machine will depend on the model and where you purchase it.  From what we witnessed, the average dialysis machine, designed for home usage, can cost anywhere from as little as $3,000 used to more than $45,000 for a brand new high-tech at-home portable unit.  These prices are for those who don’t have a health insurance policy.  Keep in mind that, at the time of this writing, only two machines are currently approved by the FDA:  the Aksys Ltd.’s PHD System and NxStage Medical’s portable System One.

On this forum thread at HomeDialysis.org, a member asked what a portable dialysis machine designed for home usage could cost.  According to most, the NxStage System One, a popular at-home portable brand that’s approved by the FDA, was said to be in the $15,000 up to $42,000 without the necessary supplies.

CTV News Montreal said the average dialysis machine can cost $30,000; however, a teenager, located in Montreal, Canada, created a machine that cost $550 to build.

What are the extra costs?

A dialysis machine, as you may or may not know, is pointless without the necessary supplies in order to run the machine effectively.  Aside from purchasing the machine, you also need to budget for the reoccurring supplies such as the catheters, syringes, home scale, tubing, bandages, antiseptic and/or tubing.

In some cases, a dialysis machine for home use may mean you have to modify your plumbing and/or electrical setup to accommodate the machine.

To protect the water supply coming into the home, the incoming water line that’s connected to the dialysis machine will need a back-flow preventer installed.  A waste line will need to be connected as well, and according to The American Association of Kidney Patients, this can cost $750 to $1,500.

Most at-home machines will also require a dedicated 20 amperes GFI circuit.  Electricians often charge $500 to $1,000 to install this type of circuit.

Your water and electricity bills will increase.

Some people will need a helper to help assist with the process.  To hire a trained individual to help run the machine, this could cost an additional $35 to $50 per session.

Tips to know

Two machines, at the moment, are FDA approved for daily use, according to NBC News:   The Aksys Ltd.’s PHD System and NxStage Medical’s portable System One.

How can I save money?

Check with a medical wholesaler to save up to 40 percent off a brand new machine.

Always check with your health insurance provider as the supplies are often covered, even if you’re receiving treatment at home.  Medicare will always pay for dialysis, regardless of the patient age.

Talk with your utility company and explain your situation.  Some electric companies do have reduced rates for dialysis patients.  You can even talk with a social worker at your local hospital to see if they can point you in the right direction.

On eBay, for example, there were a variety of used dialysis machines, with prices ranging from as little as $400 to more than $6,000.  The costs of a used dialysis machine would depend on the model, the software, the hours and the condition.


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