Nephrology Practices & Optimizing Performance
To help nephrologists determine whether compensation is the best it could have been this year, the Renal Physicians Association has published its biennial nephrology business survey results in an interactive tool. The tool “helps practices identify areas of excellence and those that can be improved upon in ways not previously available,” according to Nephrology News & Issues. The survey found many practices have seen an increase in patients and they rely more heavily on advanced practitioners to provide this care.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
DaVita Launches Joint Venture with Inspira Health Network
The partnership will expand dialysis services in southern New Jersey. Services will be provided at centers in Bridgeton, Millville and Vineland.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
Fresenius Partners with John Hopkins Hospital
The collaboration provides those with kidney failure access to dialysis and advanced kidney care treatments at eight new kidney care centers in Baltimore and surrounding areas. It also includes Maryland’s only center dedicated to treating children with chronic kidney disease.
Source: RenalWeb
A Multidisciplinary Team is Cost-Effective for Patients with CKD
Researchers found using multidisciplinary care for CKD patients remained below $35,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained compared with usual care. In addition, researchers noted that even if multidisciplinary care was deployed inefficiently, it would “be significantly cheaper than other interventions, largely because it alleviates the much larger cost of dialysis.”
Source: Renal & Urology News
A Daily Walk’s Benefits for Dialysis Patients
A study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found 20 minutes of walking per day at low to moderate speeds improved physical and mental functioning of dialysis patients.
Source: Renal & Urology News
Healthy Diet Can Reduce Mortality Rates in CKD Patients
An analysis of seven studies found a diet high in vegetables, fish, legumes, cereals, whole grain and fiber but low in refined sugar, red meat and salt reduced rates of early death. It also found that the dietary restrictions CKD patients are advised to follow — like restricting potassium, protein and sodium — surprisingly may have limited effects on reducing premature death.
Source: Nephrology News & Issues
