Thank you to everyone who submitted letters to their state representatives regarding the proposed Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) education legislation. Our voices were heard and we are excited to announce very positive results! The final bill, Kidney Disease Education (KDE), went into effect January 1, 2010, and includes much needed benefits for both patients with Stage 4 kidney disease and health care providers.
The legislation states that Medicare will cover up to six one-hour face-to-face pre-End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) education sessions concerning modality choices. This legislation is designed to ensure that patients will have the opportunity to actively participate in their choice of therapy. In particular, the sessions should be designed to provide comprehensive information regarding:
* The management of comorbidities, including delaying the need for dialysis
* Prevention of uremic complications
* Options for renal replacement therapy (including peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, in-center hemodialysis, as well as vascular access options and transplantation)
The KDE bill also allows for health care providers to be reimbursed for providing CKD education to Stage 4 CKD patients. Health care providers will be reimbursed at a rate of approximately $108* per individual session (HCPCS code G0420). Group sessions (between 2-20 people) will be reimbursed at a rate of approximately $26* per person (HCPCS code G0421).
Together, we were able to ensure this landmark legislation became law and help over 900,000 people in the United States with Stage 4 kidney disease. Now, more than ever, patients will be empowered to select a therapy option that best meets their needs and lifestyle.
If you would like to learn more about the new Kidney Disease Education (KDE) bill and how Baxter can assist with your education program, please contact your local sales representative at 1-888-736-2543, option 4.
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