Policy and Politics News

California voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether a physician needs to be present during all dialysis treatments in an outpatient clinic operating in the state.

CMS released the final version of its ESRD Treatment Choices payment model today, aimed at incentivizing dialysis providers to place more patients with end-stage renal disease on home dialysis or refer them for a kidney transplant.

At the virtual Innovations in Dialysis: Expediting Advances Symposium, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., assured the audience that Congress continues its efforts to improve care for patients with kidney disease.

CMS has confirmed vascular access procedures for patients with end-stage kidney disease are an essential service after dialysis providers reported they were having difficulty getting the surgeries scheduled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 10, 2019, launched Advancing American Kidney Health.

Proposed changes to the Medicare Fee Schedule for 2021 would boost fees for office visits and monthly capitated payments for nephrologists.

Changes proposed to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for next year include making permanent certain telehealth and workforce flexibilities provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS announced in a press release.

Legislation that would provide lifetime immunosuppressive drug coverage for patients who receive a kidney transplant regardless of age is heading for a House vote.

Dialysis Patient Citizens is suing HHS and CMS over policy language that may limit those with end-stage renal disease who want to join a Medicare Advantage plan to certain dialysis clinics.

CMS has proposed a $16.26 increase to the Medicare composite rate for dialysis treatments in 2021 to help cover the inclusion of calcimimetics in the payment bundle.