American Kidney Fund releases report to support measures for improved diagnosis, treatment
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Key takeaways:
- The American Kidney Fund recommends making screening and testing more accessible.
- The organization also suggests expanding education about kidney disease treatment options.
The American Kidney Fund released a report urging policymakers and advocates to support kidney care measures to improve diagnosis and treatment, according to a press release.
"Kidney disease continues to take a tremendous toll on far too many people in the [U.S.], many of whom have significant issues accessing quality care," LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of the organization, said in the release. "We are resolute in our commitment to elevating awareness of this serious disease and strongly advocating for policies that will improve patients' access to treatment."
The report titled, "A Call for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease," summarizes highlights from the American Kidney Fund (AKF) Patient Access Initiative Summit in April 2023. The summit gathered patients, allies and industry leaders for panels on patient-caregiver burden, regulatory challenges and health insurance design.
Developed as part of the multi-year Patient Access Initiative of the AKF, the report also recommends finding opportunities for supporters to weigh in on kidney care policies.
According to the release, four action points include the following:
- Make screening and testing more accessible, and with clearer guidelines. In addition, the AKF proposes calling on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to make recommendations on CKD screening and support legislative action for direct Medicare reimbursement to genetic counselors
- Expand education about kidney disease treatment options. Allies may consider partnering with community organizations to develop culturally competent education and navigation resources for health care providers and patients.
- Pursue improvements to FDA review and approval, such as adding nephrology-focused professionals to advisory committees, and bolster the patient voice.
- Call for comprehensive coverage and value-based payment models for commercial insurers, including approaches such as value-based payment models.
Reference:
American Kidney Fund renews calls for early diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease in new report. https://www.kidneyfund.org/article/american-kidney-fund-renews-calls-early-diagnosis-and-treatment-chronic-kidney-disease-new-report#:~:text=ROCKVILLE%2C%20Md.,through%20earlier%20diagnosis%20and%20treatment. Published Nov. 30, 2023. Accessed Dec. 8, 2023.
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