Fellow physicians,

I’m writing this post today to encourage you to join me and show your support in helping stop proposed Medicare Advantage cuts.

As early as February, Congress is expected to craft a longer-term solution for a Medicare payment system based more on quality and value than on the current fee-for-service system. Medicare Advantage (MA), one of the programs undergoing increased scrutiny, has allowed physicians to provide far better overall care to patients. Currently, almost 15 million seniors and people with disabilities rely on the care and benefits provided by MA plans. Over the next 10 years, Washington plans to cut $200 billion from these plans, which may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, limited choice in physicians, fewer plans for managing chronic conditions and increased hospital readmission rates. While this cut does not directly affect dialysis patients, it has the potential to impact patients on a Medicare Advantage plan who are currently in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease.

“If implemented, the proposed funding cuts could affect millions of Americans.”

When we learn of legislative proposals that could affect vulnerable patients, we want to make sure that members of the physician community are aware of them and have the opportunity to voice concerns.

How can you help?

Tell Congress to stop cuts to MA. It takes only one minute to help protect patients across the nation.

• Go to ProtectYourMA.com
• Provide your zip code
• Use the message template to contact your legislator

Show your support now >>

Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring quality healthcare options for all.

Sincerely,

Allen R. Nissenson, MD, FACP
Chief Medical Officer

I’ve written before about Twitter accounts to follow for dialysis patient resources, and now I’d like to share a few accounts I think my fellow nephrologists will be interested in. With content ranging from tweets during recent events like ASN Kidney Week to links to articles and even nephrology humor, these accounts can’t be missed. The number of nephrologists and nephrology fellows on Twitter has certainly increased in the last few years and there are many great accounts to follow. In fact, I created a nephrologist list on Twitter where you can find more. Read more…

It’s the beginning of a new year, and that means medical professionals are setting goals to further improve health outcomes for their patients. This is particularly important for patients who suffer from complex, chronic illnesses.

I’ve compiled a list of trends that I predict will play a large part in shaping kidney care during 2014, with a focus on patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Working patients. This was a hot topic closing out 2013 and will continue to gain attention throughout 2014. Admittedly, for some patients there are medical reasons that prevent them from  working when on dialysis; however, I foresee the kidney care community turning its focus toward the education of patients, employers and the public about the benefits of continuing to work despite being on dialysis. A key part of this educational effort will be an emphasis on treatment options for patients who can continue working. For such patients, the use of home dialysis modalities is particularly helpful. Read more…