Hemodialysis

The kidneys are responsible for excreting waste from the body. They act as natural blood filters, removing water-soluble waste through urine. The kidneys also produce hormones and are responsible for reabsorbing water, glucose, and amino acids.

Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys fail to function properly due to various causes, leading to the accumulation of waste and fluid in the body. This results in symptoms such as decreased urination, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, paleness, dry and itchy skin, easy bleeding, swelling (edema) of the body and eyes, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), shortness of breath, inability to lie flat, and can lead to unconsciousness and death. Hemodialysis is one of the treatment methods for patients who have lost kidney function. It involves passing the blood through a dialysis machine to a filter membrane to remove waste. The filtered blood is then returned to the body. It is a renal replacement therapy for patients with acute kidney failure and end-stage chronic kidney disease.

The Importance of Pure Water for Hemodialysis Machines

The preparation of purified water for hemodialysis is extremely important. This is because the purified water, used as the dialysate solution, comes into contact with the patient's blood across the dialysis membrane, at a volume of up to 120 liters per session or 360 liters per week. Some of it may be absorbed into the patient's bloodstream.

"If the water quality is not sufficient, it can easily cause reactions in the patient's body. Complications arising from water impurities can occur in both the short and long term, and could even be fatal."

The Artificial Kidney Center at Khon Kaen Ram Hospital utilizes an internationally recognized water purification system: the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system. This system produces purified water that meets the quality standards of AAMI / ISO 23500:2014 (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation Standard for Hemodialysis Water). We monitor and inspect water quality and replace equipment on a regular schedule to maintain the constant purity of the RO water.

RO Water Purification System

Advantages of High-Efficiency Hemodialysis Compared to Standard Hemodialysis

1. Reduces mortality rate compared to standard hemodialysis when treated with an adequate dosage.
2. Removes large-molecule waste more effectively than standard hemodialysis, which helps improve appetite, reduce joint pain and stiffness, lessen skin darkening, and remove more phosphate, reducing complications from phosphate accumulation.
3. Improves anemia, reducing the need for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
4. Reduces issues with low blood pressure during dialysis due to more stable cardiovascular system function.
5. Improves quality of life by reducing neurological complications such as insomnia, itching, and others.

Reimbursement Rights

1. Government Officials can claim 2,000 THB per session, unlimited sessions.
   • Direct claim from the Comptroller General's Department
     • No advance payment required.
     • Requires a direct claim referral letter from the government system.
     • Present ID card for eligibility check and approval via EDC machine and the renal replacement therapy program.
   • Direct claim from Local Administrative Organizations (LAO)
     • No advance payment required.
     • Requires a direct claim referral letter from the government system.
     • Eligibility check via online program.
2. State Enterprise Employees can claim 2,000 THB per session, unlimited sessions as per government regulations. Patients must pay in advance and will be provided with documents to claim from their respective organization.
3. Social Security beneficiaries can claim 1,500 THB per session, not exceeding 3 sessions/week and no less than 2 sessions/week. The cost of erythropoietin injections is covered up to the median price set by law, depending on the brand or type of injection.
4. Contract Companies, e.g., BAAC, can claim unlimited costs for dialysis, oral medications, and injections, provided there is a referral letter from the organization according to the terms of the contract.

Appointments

• Chronic kidney failure patients will be given their next appointment after each session. If you are unable to make it, please call to reschedule 1-2 days in advance.
• If the Artificial Kidney Center has any service disruptions, we will call to notify you before your scheduled time to make a new appointment.
• Dialysis patients are requested to arrive on time for their appointments to avoid delays for other patients.

Book This Package

Note

• This is an outpatient price.
• In case of complications, additional charges will be based on actual costs.
• Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
• The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.

For More Information

• Artificial Kidney Center, 4th Floor, Building 2, Tel. 043 002 002 ext. 4709
• Health Information Center, ext. 1905