Concerns of Proposed CMS Cuts to Dialysis Patients

There is an estimated 20 million Americans who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), including 400,000 individuals who are undergoing treatment for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure. Most commonly caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, kidney failure is expected to affect more than 2 million people by 2030! <—-WOW

Without a form a renal replacement therapy, dialysis or a kidney transplant, patients suffering from kidney failure will not survive. Since  transplant organs are in short supply, most patients must endure a form of  dialysis, either at home on in a dialyis center. Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney by filtering body wastes and extra fluid from the blood stream.

Reimbursement for dialysis services under the ESRD Prospective Payment System(PPS) has been reduced numerous times in recent years, prior to the additional sequestration‐related cuts implemented earlier in 2013. Further cuts on the scale of those outlined in the proposed rule will not only compromise the ability of most dialysis facilities to maintain the staffing levels necessary to provide appropriate care to Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD, but will also
increase the likelihood that some dialysis facilities will be forced to close their doors.
Additionally, the reductions are likely to have a disproportionately negative impact on rural communities and efforts to address health care disparities in the ESRD patient population.

As a kidney patient and advocate, it is necessary to protest against these proposed cuts. Battling kidney disease is already a challenge in itself. Having to worry about ADEQUATE AND SAFE care is something patients should not have to worry about. It is very disappointing to know that some centers may be shut down, patients who have a hard time as is getting transportation will suffer more and that most people are not aware of how prevalent  kidney disease is in the Unite States.

Tagged: #ESRD #kidney #meshiashope