Facility reimbursement: a critical comparison between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

The population of patients on dialysis in the United States is growing at between 8% and 9% annually. The increasing patient load places a burden on existing dialysis facility capacity and creates a challenge for physicians and administrators to meet patient demand in the future. Increasing costs, reductions in reimbursement, and volatile regulatory policy have increased the risks associated with operating and investing in dialysis facilities. It is important that administrators and physicians understand the economics associated with the modalities available to treat patients on dialysis and that they incorporate this understanding into their planning for the future.