American Journal of Managed Care
Medicare Payment Rule Threatens Access to Life-Sustaining Kidney Care
January 23, 2024
Nationwide, the kidney care community faces myriad problems that are stretching resources thin and undermining patient access to care. As in many other health care sectors, the past several years have seen a growing workforce shortage among dialysis providers and nephrology registered nurses (RNs). High rates of burnout, an aging workforce, and the economic impact of the pandemic are all contributing factors to the dire situation kidney care professionals are confronting. Moreover, dismal reimbursement rates outlined in the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) payment final rule will only further stress an already fragile system of care.