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Best Nephrologists for Hemodialysis in Chennai, India

This page lists 4 hemodialysis doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 4 hemodialysis doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Hemodialysis doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Hemodialysis doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. A R A Changanidi

MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Nephrology)
Associate Consultant — Nephrology · Specialty: Nephrologist
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India9+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 9+ years of experience in Nephrologist
  • Associate Consultant, Nephrology — Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, Chennai, India (Present)
  • Clinical training and experience — Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
Expertise & Procedures
  • Hemodialysis access assessment and management
  • Peritoneal dialysis initiation and training
  • Kidney biopsy interpretation and guidance
  • Pre-kidney transplant medical evaluation
  • Post-transplant nephrology follow-up
View all procedures →
Nephrologist Experience: 9+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
View Profile Book a Consultation
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Dr. Chandrasekaran Venkataraman

MBBS, MD, DNB, DM, Speciality Certificate in Nephrology
Visiting Consultant — Nephrology · Specialty: Nephrologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India22+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 22+ years of experience in Nephrologist
  • Visiting Consultant Nephrologist, Rela Hospital, Chennai (Present)
  • Consultant Nephrologist, Gleneagles Global Health City, Perumbakkam, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Live Donor Kidney Transplantation
  • Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation
  • Combined Liver-Kidney Transplantation
  • Hemodialysis Initiation and Management
  • Kidney Biopsy and Histopathological Analysis
View all procedures →
Nephrologist Experience: 22+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Kaaviya R

MBBS, MD, DM
Consultant — Nephrology · Specialty: Nephrologist
Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre Chennai, India14+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 14+ years of experience in Nephrologist
  • Consultant — Nephrology, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai (Feb 2025 – Present)
  • Senior Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem
Expertise & Procedures
  • Renal Transplantation — Living Related Donors
  • Renal Transplantation — Deceased Donors
  • Hemodialysis Initiation and Management
  • Peritoneal Dialysis Setup and Training
  • Arteriovenous Fistula Assessment
View all procedures →
Nephrologist Experience: 14+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Dr. Rela Institute & Medical CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
View Profile Book a Consultation
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Dr. Senthil Kumar S

MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Nephrology, ESENeph
Consultant Nephrologist — Nephrology · Specialty: Nephrologist
Rela Hospital Chennai, India16+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 16+ years of experience in Nephrologist
  • Consultant Nephrologist, Rela Hospital, Chennai (Present)
  • Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Percutaneous Renal Biopsy
  • Tunneled Venous Catheter Insertion
  • Non-Tunneled Central Venous Catheter Insertion
  • Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion
  • Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
View all procedures →
Nephrologist Experience: 16+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
View Profile Book a Consultation

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Gleneagles Global Hospital🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$1,200

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
HemodialysisNephrologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Hemodialysis
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Dr. A R A Changanidi
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$1,200

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
HemodialysisNephrologyCardiac SurgeryCardiology
3+
Doctors for Hemodialysis
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Chandrasekaran VenkataramanDr. Kaaviya RDr. Senthil Kumar S
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for kidney failure / esrd treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in which a machine filters waste products, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so adequately. It is typically performed several times a week and is often used either as a long-term maintenance therapy or as a bridge while a patient is evaluated for kidney transplantation. GAF Healthcare arranges dialysis sessions and transplant work-up packages at accredited Indian nephrology centers for international patients.

Who may be considered?

Hemodialysis may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

Standard hemodialysis performed under nephrology and dialysis nursing supervision using a low- or high-flux dialyzer, typically 3-4 hour sessions, 3 times a week.

2 approaches available for this procedure:

Conventional In-Center Hemodialysis

Most Common

Standard hemodialysis performed under nephrology and dialysis nursing supervision using a low- or high-flux dialyzer, typically 3-4 hour sessions, 3 times a week.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $150 - $400

CBC, kidney function tests (urea, creatinine), electrolytes, viral markers (HBsAg, HCV, HIV), chest X-ray, ECG, vascular access (fistula/graft/catheter) assessment

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $1,200 - $3,500

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~1-2 days
Hospitalisation: ~7-14 days (initial course, multiple sessions)
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~2-3 days between sessions
Total stay: approx 10-16 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Nephrology consultation
  • Pre-dialysis blood work
  • Dialysis sessions with dialyzer and consumables
  • Vascular access review
  • Nursing and monitoring during sessions

Usually Not Included

  • Vascular access surgery (fistula/graft creation) if needed
  • Erythropoietin and other injectable medications
  • Accommodation for accompanying attendant
  • Long-term maintenance dialysis beyond initial course

Recovery and follow-up

Patients typically feel fatigued for a few hours after each session and are advised to rest, maintain fluid and dietary restrictions, and monitor the vascular access site for signs of infection or clotting. Long-term care requires ongoing dialysis (in India or at home) along with regular nephrology follow-up and lab monitoring.

Risks

Potential risks include low blood pressure during dialysis, muscle cramps, infection or clotting at the vascular access site, and imbalances in electrolytes or fluid levels; these are closely monitored and managed by the dialysis care team.

Alternatives

Alternatives to hemodialysis include peritoneal dialysis, which can be performed at home, and kidney transplantation for eligible patients, which offers a more definitive long-term solution.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Recent kidney function tests (urea, creatinine, eGFR)
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and electrolyte panel
  • Viral markers (HBsAg, HCV, HIV)
  • Vascular access details (fistula/graft/catheter) with any imaging
  • ECG and cardiac evaluation report
  • History of dialysis sessions and frequency
  • List of current medications and comorbidities
  • Nephrologist's referral letter or treatment summary

Patient information needed

  • Current dialysis schedule and duration of ESRD/CKD
  • Underlying cause of kidney disease (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
  • Type and location of vascular access
  • History of blood transfusions or clotting disorders
  • Any known allergies to medications or heparin
  • Cardiac or blood pressure conditions
  • Nutritional and fluid intake status
  • Availability of an accompanying attendant during travel

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Hemodialysis) and procedure (Hemodialysis) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Hemodialysis in Chennai, India

What is Kidney Failure / ESRD?
Kidney failure (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, in which the kidneys retain less than approximately 15% of their normal filtering capacity and can no longer sustain life without renal replacement therapy or a transplant. It is a permanent condition, though its progression and management vary considerably between individuals.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Kidney Failure / ESRD?
People with kidney failure may experience persistent fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, shortness of breath, reduced urine output, difficulty concentrating, itching, nausea, and muscle cramps — symptoms that often worsen as kidney function declines further. Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, and because some individuals have few noticeable symptoms even at advanced stages, symptoms alone are never sufficient to establish a diagnosis.
How is Kidney Failure / ESRD diagnosed?
Kidney failure is assessed through a combination of blood tests — most importantly serum creatinine and the calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is used to stage chronic kidney disease from Stage 1 (mild) through Stage 5 (ESRD, GFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m²) — alongside urine tests to detect protein or blood, imaging such as renal ultrasound, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to identify the underlying cause. A full medical history including duration of diabetes, hypertension, or other kidney-affecting conditions is a critical part of the evaluation. The specific staging and pattern of findings guide both urgency and treatment planning.
How is Kidney Failure / ESRD treated?
Treatment for ESRD depends on the individual's overall health, the rate of disease progression, personal circumstances, and preferences, and is determined through careful clinical assessment rather than a single standard protocol. Renal replacement therapy — in the form of haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation — is required to sustain life once kidney function falls below a critical threshold. In carefully selected cases where decline is very slow and the person is older or has significant comorbidities, a conservative (non-dialysis) management approach focused on symptom control and quality of life may also be discussed.
Can Kidney Failure / ESRD be treated without a procedure?
Prior to reaching ESRD, earlier stages of chronic kidney disease may be slowed through medical management: optimising blood pressure control, managing blood sugar in diabetic patients, dietary protein and sodium modification, and medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or newer agents like SGLT2 inhibitors. Once true ESRD is established, there is no non-procedural pathway that replaces kidney function — dialysis or transplantation becomes necessary for survival, though conservative palliative management remains a legitimate, patient-centred option for those who choose not to pursue dialysis.
When is Hemodialysis considered for Kidney Failure / ESRD?
Hemodialysis may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Kidney Failure / ESRD?
ESRD is primarily managed by a nephrologist — a physician specialising in kidney disease — who oversees disease monitoring, dialysis prescription, and medical optimisation. When kidney transplantation is being considered, a transplant surgeon and a multidisciplinary transplant team (including a transplant nephrologist, immunologist, and specialist nursing staff) become central to care.
How do I choose a doctor for Kidney Failure / ESRD?
When comparing providers, look for a nephrologist with documented experience managing ESRD and a dialysis unit accredited to recognised standards, as well as clear pathways to a transplant centre should a transplant become appropriate. Continuity of care, access to a multidisciplinary team (including dietitians, social workers, and vascular access specialists), and transparent follow-up arrangements across borders are particularly important for medical-tourism patients.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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