Frequency of Hemodialysis

Medicare covers conventional hemodialysis provided three times per week for beneficiaries with ESRD; routine payment is for 3x/week (13–14 sessions/month). Additional sessions beyond 3/week may be covered for specific clinical indications (e.g., metabolic derangements, refractory volume overload, pregnancy, heart failure, pericarditis, incomplete dialysis from hypotension or access issues) but require appropriate documentation, use of the KX modifier when applicable, and adherence to POC and adequacy standards (hemodialysis Kt/V ≥ 1.2). Sessions that are planned short/inadequate, provided for convenience, or not supported by documentation will be denied and repeated additional sessions without corrective actions may trigger medical review.

"Medicare covers conventional hemodialysis (HD) provided 3 times per week (conventional treatment usually 3–5 hours per session) for beneficiaries with end stage renal disease (ESRD)."