How Much Evidence Will it Take to Change CMS Dialysis Policy?
With all of the talk about deep CMS cuts to dialysis reimbursement, some may be thinking, "Patients should be grateful for getting three treatments a week." I can't bring my head around to that point of view, though. Read the whole article
Satellite Opens Two New Clinics in California
Satellite Healthcare's new clinics will offer in-center and home dialysis, giving patients the opportunity to find treatment that fits their lifestyle. Read the story.
NN&I annual survey shows growth in PD and home HD
In 2013, Fresenius reported 15,434 total home patients (9.4%), up 1.5% from 2011. DaVita had 18,500 total home patients in 2013. Read the story.
Finally—what to do with PD solution after stopping PD
Clinics and manufacturers can't take back a prescription product. But, a patient shared this great idea: ask a local vet. A vet who offers dialysis for dogs or cats may be happy to take the solution and supplies. Give it a try!
Running low on access sites? New blood vessels may come to your rescue!
A new type of bioengineered vein made by growing human cells is now being tested in the first dialysis patient. Once done, the vein has no living cells, so it can't be rejected. Read the story, and listen to a "Medical Minute" report.
Congress opposes Medicare's deep dialysis cuts
A bipartisan group of 200 members of Congress have signed a letter asking Medicare to look at the impact on clinics before they decide how much to cut dialysis payments. Read the story. And, visit dialysisnow.com to send a letter to Medicare.
The art of making your fistula or graft last
You have been told that your access is your hemodialysis (HD) lifeline.
And, it's true! But each year, some people run out of access sites.
Taking steps to keep your fistula or graft healthy and working can help
you have a longer, better life with kidney failure.
Read this new Life@Home article by access expert Lynda Ball, MSN, RN, CNN
What's new in home dialysis research
Each month, we gather recent research abstracts about home dialysis. Visit our Journal Watch to learn more:
Featured Link: NEW BLOG!
Improve Lives: Optimize Dialysis"Adequacy" is so 1990s! If our kidneys failed, we'd want optimal dialysis—and that's what patients want, too. Follow our blog to learn how to think differently about dialysis and help patients live as fully as possible.
