Home dialysis takes a step forward in the new QIP final rule

The Quality Incentive Plan news isn't happy for most dialysis providers. Spreading out a 12% drug use cut over 3-4 years is less painful than doing in it one—but no one likes a pay cut. Home dialysis came out a winner, though! The new rules add a 50% increase in payment for home dialysis training, for PD and home HD. Since the prior rate was about right for babysitters in the 1980s, this boost may help more clinics decide to start home programs. Happy day!

How do you choose the right treatment option for you?

Hint: This video interview with MEI Executive Director, Dori Schatell--produced by the Bay Area Association of Kidney Patients--will tell you all about it. And, if you have CKD, are a dialysis consumer, or you are a renal professional, you need this book!

KidneyViews Blog Topics

• R.E.S.P.E.C.T – By Dori Schatell, MS – 12/06/2013
• Happy Thanksgiving – By Beth Witten, MSW, ACSW, LSCSW – 11/27/2013
• That Darned Chocolate in Candy Crush Saga – By Dori Schatell, MS – 11/21/2013
• How Can We Tell if We Are Delivering Good Dialysis? – By Dr. John Agar – 11/14/2013
• Patient-Centered Care: Reducing Needle Pain and Fear – By Beth Witten, MSW, ACSW, LSCSW – 11/7/2013

Patient Advocacy

• You won't believe how this UK clinic makes self-cannulation easier!

Home Dialysis in the News

• New research suggests a heart benefit for this treatment option
• How do Jack & Patty make home HD work for their family?
• Learn which treatment makes Ian Hazel's busy life possible.

Industry Updates

• A DCI home program won a national award for quality. Do YOU go there?

What's New in Home Dialysis Research

Each month, we gather recent research abstracts about home dialysis. Visit our Journal Watch to learn more:

• Urgent-start PD: A how-to guide
• PD fluid: Does less sugar lead to better outcomes?
• Ultrathin silicon membranes for wearable dialysis
• Home HD: A good start's the key

Featured Links

• Our Facebook discussion group has more than 600 members. Are YOU one of them? If not, join today!
• See the history of dialysis come to life!
• At Satellite, more than 20% of people dialyze at home—find out how they do almost three times better than the national average!
• HOME for the holidays? Check out the Ultracare approach, and be sure to watch the video of Vanessa.
• DaVita has active home dialysis forums – see what folks say about their lives with home treatment.