Email - Advocate, Inform, Motivate - February, 2011

Medicare Implements Changes to Dialysis Payments

In July 2010, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued a final regulatory rule on the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Payment System. The rule changes the way that dialysis services are paid for. In the past, Medicare paid dialysis facilities a base rate for dialysis treatment and then paid the facilities separate payments for services such as treatment supplies, certain ESRD-related drugs, and ESRD-related laboratory tests. The new rule establishes a bundled payment system resulting in one payment for all dialysis services, with the exception of certain oral medications. The new payment system went into effect January 1, 2011. Find out how the new bundled payment system will impact patients.

	AKF Testifies at FDA Meeting on Anemia Treatment
On October 18, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee (CRDAC) held a meeting to consider the results and analyses of a study to determine the impact of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) on cardiovascular health. Read More

	Anemia Management Resource Available
The Food and Drug Administration is requiring all drugs called Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) to be prescribed and used under a risk management program, known as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), to ensure the safe use of these drugs. As part of the REMS, a Medication Guide explaining the risks and benefits of ESAs must be provided to all patients receiving ESAs. Read More

Patients and Lawmakers Honored at AKF’s
2nd Annual Gala, The Hope Affair

This past fall, AKF held its second annual gala, The Hope Affair, to raise awareness of kidney disease and honor heroes in the kidney care community.

The Hope Affair was held at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, to celebrate inspiration among those fighting kidney disease. This black-tie event brought together 400 guests, including Members of Congress and leaders from the renal and business communities. The American Kidney Fund successfully raised approximately $800,000 for its programs and services. Read More

	AKF Provides Screenings at CBC Spouses Health Fair and Breakfast
This fall, AKF provided free kidney health screenings to hundreds of individuals at the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Breakfast and Health Fair. The breakfast was held as part of the 40th Annual Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Read More

	Make Your Voice Heard During World Kidney Day
March is National Kidney Month, and World Kidney Day will be celebrated on March 10, 2011. These annual celebrations focus on the importance of our kidneys and increasing awareness of kidney disease. During the month of March, AKF will be engaged in several activities to promote prevention and awareness of kidney disease. Read More

Upcoming Events

Kidney Health Fair on the Hill
March 3, 2011
Hosted by the American Kidney Fund and the Congressional Kidney Caucus
Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

To commemorate National Kidney Month, the American Kidney Fund will partner with the Congressional Kidney Caucus, American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association to bring awareness about kidney disease and its risk factors to policymakers and their staff.

World Kidney Day
AKF Advocate Washington DC Fly-In
March 9-10, 2011

In recognition of National Kidney Month, the American Kidney Fund will host its 2nd annual Advocate Training and Fly-In to raise awareness among lawmakers about kidney disease and prevention.

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