All new ESRD patients receive the New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This packet contains information that can assist new patients with understanding their disease and guide them to resources that can assist them with their care. The resources included in the NEPOP can be found on the ESRD National Coordinating Center’s website.

In order for these new ESRD patients to receive this education it is important that their contact information in CROWNWeb be accurate and up to date. The Network recommends reviewing and confirming contact information with new patients before the entry is made in CROWNWeb to ensure that they receive these educational resources.

After beginning hemodialysis treatments, all new end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receive a mailing from CMS, the federal agency that administers the Medicare program. The New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP) is distributed through a collaborative effort among CMS, the 18 ESRD Networks, and the ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC).

The NEPOP includes materials to help new patients understand and manage their plan of care. One way for patients to feel better and be healthier is to learn as much as they can about their illness. Materials included in the NEPOP are valuable resources to help people living with ESRD obtain the information needed to make informed choices about their care.

The ESRD Network and each state’s Survey Agency (SA) can also help patients find services, solve care-related problems, and obtain educational information.

To learn more about NEPOP or access the packet enclosures, please visit the ESRD NCC website at:
http://www.esrdncc.org/en/resources/patients/starting-treatment/