Nephrologist

Evaluating nephrology opportunities and understanding physician contracts can be a daunting task. When looking for their first job with a nephrology practice, new graduates need an understanding of contracting nuances such as inpatient credentialing, working with a dialysis unit and inpatient calls, and joint ventures with large dialysis companies. They also will need to know the language used in contract evaluations and negotiations.

We sit at a tipping point in the history of kidney care. This moment in time shares similarities to the early days of dialysis in the United States just before Medicare guaranteed coverage to patients with ESKD in the early 1970s.

A published study found older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or ESKD, as well as their family members, lacked knowledge regarding alternatives to dialysis. According to the study authors, this lack of knowledge may limit the patient’s ability to make informed decisions about personal care.