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House bill seeks to improve early detection, treatment of chronic kidney disease
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On Sept. 28, representatives introduced a bill, HR 3867, which would establish a Medicare pilot program to help improve care and outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease. The legislation seeks to demonstrate that early detection of CKD, combined with effective and coordinated care that engages patients in the decision-making process, can improve clinical results and lower health care spending.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Linda Sánchez, D-Calif, George Holding, R-N.C., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.
“Slowing the disease’s progression to end-stage renal disease will help keep people healthier longer and drive Medicare’s costs down,” said Sánchez. “I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so we can save lives and keep Medicare’s costs in check – at the same time.”
Read also: Can augmented care in CKD stages 4-5 change the path to ESRD?
The bill is the result of a multidisciplinary and collaborative effort that was initiated by National Kidney Foundation. The legislation would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to design a voluntary pilot program that ties Medicare payment to improvements in the early detection of chronic kidney disease and the care these patients receive, NKF said in a release. The pilot would be practitioner-led, and supported by a multidisciplinary health care team. - by Rebecca Zumoff