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Nephrologists, patients team up for advocacy
On May 30, 2014, the American Association of Kidney Patients teamed with the Renal Physicians Association to advocate and educate Congressional leaders on kidney disease.
The participants, which included patients and health care providers, asked for support to extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients for the life of the transplant; provide funding for the development of quality measure for use in the Medicare program; implement a payment system that is fair to physicians and ensures the long-term viability of the Medicare program; and authorize Medicare coverage for dialysis for acute kidney injury, non-ESRD Medicare beneficiaries in outpatient dialysis facilities.
“These issues have a direct impact on health care quality, patient outcomes and quality of life - especially among kidney patients who care for families and those with a need and or desire to work,” stated Paul T. Conway, AAKP Vice President and Chair of Public Policy.
Image: AAKP Member Roberta Wager (second from the left) with members of the Renal Physicians Association in Washington, DC.