Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 - 4
Chronic kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. It affects 11% of the U.S. population over the age of 65, and those affected are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Ethnic minority populations are more likely to develop kidney failure, particularly African-Americans (four times more likely than Whites), Hispanics (two times more likely than Whites), and American Indians (three times more likely than Whites).
Early manifestation of CKD in individuals with diabetes is often underdiagnosed due to the absence of an annual urinary microalbumin test to identify kidney damage. While early kidney disease has no symptoms, if left undetected, it can progress to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or transplant.
Primary Care Providers & Hospitals
Consider getting started with the following changes:
Change Concept 2 - Timely referral to nephrologist
Change Concept 12 - Modify hospital systems to detect CKD and promote AV fistula planning and placement
Educational Materials
The following tools are designed for primary care providers to enhance their understanding of CKD.
Fistula Preservation, Development, and Maintenance Policy and Procedure (revised copy coming soon)
CKD Stage 4 AV Fistula Planning Algorithm
PICC Line Recommendations
Vein Preservation and Hemodialysis Fistula Protection Recommendations
Vein Preservation Tools
Educational Teleconference
Powerful CKD Management: Promoting Best Practice in Maximizing Outcomes for Fistulas
http://www.fmqai.com/CKD-ContinuingED.aspx - Under Teleconferences Select Open Door Forum