Aug 31
Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative to encourage home dialysis and transplant for people living with kidney failure. As the agency prepares to roll out final payment models under this new program, it will be yet another step toward a paradigm shift in kidney care. It’s a shift that industry leaders like Fresenius Medical Care have long embraced, having already invested billions of dollars toward supporting home dialysis, improving outcomes, and reducing total cost of care.
Of the approximately 800,000 Americans currently living with kidney failure, about a third are living with a kidney transplant, the best option for treatment. While the vast majority of those not receiving a transplant will receive dialysis in-center three times a week, a growing number of patients are performing dialysis in their own home. It’s a treatment option that can provide more independence, higher quality of life, and better health outcomes. Now, with more support and training, and better technology and connected health options, home dialysis should really be considered the first choice, after kidney transplant, for all patients. Medicare spends $36 billion a year to care for those living with kidney failure. We strongly believe home dialysis offers a lower-cost-of-care setting while improving patient outcomes.