Petition for Every-Other-Day Dialysis

 

In the United States, Medicare currently reimburses patients with stage 5 kidney disease for three dialysis treatments per week, for a total of 156 treatments per year. This reimbursement policy leaves patients with a long weekend during which they become more uremic as toxins build up in their systems. Sudden death has been associated with the longer weekend interval between treatments. 
 

The Every-Other-Day-Dialysis Petition to the Congressional Kidney Caucus seeks to increase Medicare’s reimbursement policy to allow for dialysis every other day, for a total of 183 treatments per year. With just 27 more treatments per year, patients can dialyze every other day, which will result in a better quality of life and fewer complications. 
 

“Studies show that those who dialyze more frequently feel better and live longer,” says Northwest Kidney Centers President and CEO Joyce F. Jackson. “We believe those with kidney failure should be able to lead the most productive and healthy lives possible; therefore, we support this petition.” 
 

To sign the petition, click here.