New Kidney Care Rule Continues Implementation of Complex ESRD Payment Overhaul

Still Absorbing Cuts, Changes from 'Bundling' Rules, Community Urges Stability

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kidney Care Partners (KCP), a broad-based coalition of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers and manufacturers working together to improve quality of care for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), commended the Administration for the latest round of federal regulations implementing the massive overhaul of the Medicare ESRD benefit but cautioned against additional changes until the overhaul is complete. 

In 2011, CMS created the first value-based purchasing program in Medicare and began implementing a new ESRD bundled payment system that cut rates by 2 percent and dramatically changed the way the system works. 

"While the new system is generally working well thus far, we are still in the midst of implementation and remain committed to ensuring that the changes imposed can be made seamlessly without negatively affecting our patients," said Ron Kuerbitz, KCP Chairman. "Any attempt by Congress to disrupt implementation of ESRD payment reforms would be harmful to the community and to vulnerable patients."

KCP acknowledged that there are still unresolved issues that must be addressed, and the community hopes the Administration will address these issues to ensure the continued delivery of quality care for all dialysis patients.

KCP said it appreciates the efforts of CMS to work with the community in implementing the ESRD PPS and looks forward to working with the Agency to finalize implementation in the coming years.

About Kidney Care Partners

KCP is an alliance of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers and manufacturers dedicated to working together to improve quality of care for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

To learn more about Kidney Care Partners, visit http://www.kidneycarepartners.org.

SOURCE Kidney Care Partners

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