Kidney Transplant Waitlisting Tied to Dialysis Center Quality 
Patients are more likely to be placed on the kidney transplant waitlist if they receive care at a dialysis center that is highly rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a new study finds. Compared with 1-star rated facilities, those with 4 to 5 star ratings had a 42%-47% better chance of waitlisting patients. Increases in nurse-to-patient and social worker-to-patient ratios also resulted in a decrease of the likelihood of waitlisting.
Source: Source: Renal & Urology News
SHPT Drugs Tied With Better Survival in the HD Population With COVID-19
Improved survival for HD patients with COVID-19 was associated with treatment using paricalcitol and/or calcimimetics.
Source: Renal & Urology News
COVID-19 Takes Toll of Recruitment of Renal Fellows
The pandemic has impacted the way residents are recruited. The 2021 class was limited on how and if they could attend interviews, and those who were interested in joining a private practice, found it difficult to identify and interview for positions.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Dialysis Facility Closures Linked to Higher Hospitalizations and Death
A new study shows that displaced dialysis patients are more likely to experience hospitalization or death after their facility has closed compared to patients whose center remained open. Researchers found that patients whose center closed were 7%-9% more likely to be hospitalized. They were also 8% more likely to die within six months.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Legislators Introduce Bill to Fund Home-Assisted Dialysis
Bipartisan legislation was introduced in late September that would fund staff assistance for patients on home dialysis. The Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act, introduced by Reps Bobby L. Rush, D-IL, and Jason Smith, R-MO, would “provide Medicare reimbursement for trained, professional staff to visit home dialysis patients and assist them with their home dialysis treatments.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Care for Chronic Kidney Disease Differs by Race
CKD patients not dependent on dialysis who were racial or ethnic minorities were more likely to receive guideline-directed care than white patients. Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to have their blood pressure and diabetes under control, according to a new study.
Source: Renal & Urology News
Physical Activity Reduces Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
A new study found that physical activity, defined as "participating in lifestyle activities such as work, household chores, travel, or leisure," reduces cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. Study authors noted that even low levels of physical activity appeared to be beneficial.
Source: Renal & Urology News