How We Support Nephrologists

Patient Care You Can Trust

As a kidney expert, you play an integral role in the diagnosis and care of people with kidney disease. With your expertise, your patients can achieve better health outcomes and live a life beyond their expectations. That’s why we’re committed to partnering to support your patients with educational materials, classes, and resources, so you can continue to focus on providing quality care to your patients.

You’re a core player in your patient’s care team

While every patient’s needs are unique, we encourage primary care physicians to refer their CKD patients to a nephrologist by stage 3b—or once their GFR is between 30–44—even if dialysis is not yet needed.

Some patients may not realize how impactful it is to their kidney health to start seeing a nephrologist earlier in their diagnosis. Your expertise can provide an in-depth look at a patient’s unique condition—something they can’t always receive from their PCP or other specialists. With your knowledge and earlier intervention, you can help slow the progression of the disease, reduce hospitalizations, and ensure your patients are prepared for an optimal start to their treatment.

Dr. Prayus Tailor, MD, on the importance of treatment education

According to Dr. Tailor, early education can help patients gain the knowledge and confidence to make well-informed decisions about treatment, including home dialysis.

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Early intervention improves outcomes

As you know, early intervention is the best way to help CKD patients prepare for an optimal start to treatment and work toward improved health outcomes. The accurate diagnosis of an underlying disease by a nephrologist is crucial for a patient to take control of their health. Studies show that patients who see a nephrologist early in their CKD journey-before needing dialysis-may have a reduced need for urgent-start dialysis or temporary dialysis catheters. They may also have a longer time delay before reaching ESRD and starting dialysis. And patients can learn about kidney transplantation or home dialysis as initial treatment options before their condition is urgent and options become limited.

We know your time and expertise are imperative for patients who are in later stages of kidney disease or on dialysis. By accepting early referrals, you can help people with kidney disease understand how to maintain their kidney health and help slow the progression of their disease.

Why accept early referrals?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCB1)¹, timely referral to outpatient nephrology care can:

How we support your patients

Our teams are dedicated to supporting your patients across the entire spectrum of management and care—from diagnosis of kidney disease through dialysis—to help your patients stay healthier longer. Our education and resources are designed to support the conversations you’re already having with your patients.

Referring your patients to our free kidney disease education class will reinforce your recommendations for a kidney-friendly diet, the importance of taking medications as prescribed, and learning about treatment options, including kidney transplant and home dialysis.

47% reduced mortality for patients who received pre-education. Early education is associated with lower mortality rates in the first 120 days on dialysis. Includes patients who started dialysis in an outpatient setting with similar results for patients starting in an inpatient setting.

Refer your patients to our website to explore:

How we help your patients achieve an optimal start

Patients tell us that their nephrologist is integral in preparing for an optimal start to treatment. To supplement your work, we’ve developed extensive educational resources and support programs to ensure your patients are prepared and informed when beginning treatment, including:

Transplants—When possible, transplants are the best option. Our educational materials can help your patients register to get on the kidney transplant waitlist, understand the transplant process, and learn how to find a donor match.

Kidney Transplant Resources

Home dialysis—If and when your patients start dialysis, our team of specially trained home dialysis nurses can help them know what to expect and prepare them for treatment—so they can maintain their independence.

Home Hemodialysis Resources

More knowledge means better results

Studies show that patient education is associated with better patient outcomes—and is supported by international guidelines and organizations as a critical component of care.¹

References

¹ Lonnemann G, Duttlinger J, Hohmann D, et al. Timely Referral to Outpatient Nephrology Care Slows Progression and Reduces Treatment Costs of Chronic Kidney Disease; National Center for Biotechnology Information. October 2016.

²Revirlego-Mendoza M, Jiao Y, Larkin J, et al. Options Education Before Initiation of Dlalysis is Associated with Improved Hospitallzation and Mortality Rates. Abstract presented at: American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2017; New Orleans, LA.