On August 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a progress report and related press release on the Advancing American Kidney Health (AAKH) Initiative that was first announced in July 2019. The report highlights the public awareness activities launched by HHS relating to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the voluntary kidney payment models for managing persons with late stage CKD and ESRD. With regard to the mandatory ESRD Treatment Choices (ETC) model, the progress report simply notes that the proposed rule was released in July 2019.
Category: Home Dialysis
Mac Toolkits; Transplant, Transitions, Medications
The National Forum of ESRD Networks has introduced or updated several Medical Advisory Council (MAC) Toolkits. Two new Kits include the Transplant Toolkit and the Medication Conversion Toolkit. The Transitions of Care Toolkit was updated in mid-April. Find them all at http://esrdnetworks.org/resources/toolkits/mac-toolkits-1, along with the existing Home Dialysis Toolkit, Medical Directors Toolkit, QAPI Toolkit, Medication Reconciliation Toolkit, Catheter Reduction Toolkit, Vaccination Toolkit, and Assurance of Diabetes Care Coordination Toolkit.
Telehealth for Home Dialysis
Beginning January 1, 2019, a new law allows Home Dialysis patients, after their first three months at home, to be covered by Medicare when they communicate with their nephrologist via telehealth, an audio-visual internet link. For a good summary of the new law, including a list of advantages and disadvantages, see https://homedialysis.org/news-and-research/blog/288-telehealth-for-home-dialysis.
January 2019 Learning and Action Network (LAN) Webinars
The ESRD National Coordinating Council will host four January webinars to introduce 2019 QIA projects, all to be held 3-4 PM EST. Find more information and register at the links provided:
- BSI January 8, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/bsi-qia-lan/.
- Home Dialysis January 15, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/home-modality-qia-lan/.
- Transplant, January 22, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/transplant-qia-lan/.
- Patient Experience of Care, January 23, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/patient-experience-of-care-peoc-lan/.
National QIA Webinars
The ESRD National Coordinating Council will host four January webinars to introduce 2019 QIA projects, all to be held at noon PST. Find more information and register at the links provided:
- BSI January 8, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/bsi-qia-lan/.
- Home Dialysis January 15, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/home-modality-qia-lan/.
- Transplant, January 22, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/transplant-qia-lan/.
- Patient Experience of Care, January 23, 2019, https://esrdncc.org/en/events/2019/january-2019/patient-experience-of-care-peoc-lan/.
New Resources About Home Dialysis
Dispelling myths and providing concrete information regarding home modalities is often a challenge for in-center chairside dialysis practitioners. Another ESRD Network organization (HealthInsight ESRD Alliance Network 16 and 18) has created materials that help patients distinguish between myth and fact in an easy FAQ format. We hope these materials, which can be found at the links below, provide resources for you to offer your patients when they are considering whether home therapy is right for them.
My Choice, Home Dialysis – MYTH VS. REALITY
- Practical Matters: https://www.nwrn.org/images/pdf/qia2018/Myth-Practical-Matters-Final.pdf
- Hemodialysis (HD): https://www.nwrn.org/images/pdf/qia2018/Myth-Hemodialysis-Final.pdf
- Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): https://www.nwrn.org/images/pdf/qia2018/Myth-Peritoneal-Final.pdf