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dialysis

Top 5 Reasons To Refer Transplant Early

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According to Mayo Clinic, physicians should refer kidney patients for transplant when their GFR reaches 25 to ensure they are evaluated and listed in a timely fashion. The goal is get patients evaluated before their condition worsens, and ultimately avoid complications from dialysis that could effect transplant eligibility.

(Excerpts taken from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/transplant-medicine/news/top-5-reasons-to-refer-a-patient-early-for-kidney-transplant/mac-20575082).

Late Referrals:

1. Force transplant eligible patients on dialysis. Dialysis leads to a significant decline in the patient’s quality of life—and increases risks for infections, anemia and cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure and myocardial infarction.

2. Sabotage transplant opportunities as the patient’s health and independence declines, triggering disqualifying co-morbidities.

3. Rob eligible transplant patients from vital education that would otherwise prepare them for proactive self-advocacy, and a timely listing for the best outcome.

4. Stretch out “evaluation timelines” and disrupt the likelihood of underlying medical conditions getting evaluated beforehand.

5. Lead to unrealistic timelines for finding suitable living kidney donors. Much of this is due to poor education, and a lack of preemptive (live-donor) awareness and encouragement.

There are several resources available to help patients attract living kidney donors who can help them avoid (or eliminate the need) for dialysis. One such resource is the “Donor Seeker,” which inspires hopeful recipients talk-up, team-up and learn how to share their story to attract interested donors in less than 15-minutes.  “Donor Seeker” is a free download from Android and Apple app stores. Learn more here: https://transplantfirst.org/donor-seeker-how-to-find-kidney-donors/

 

Extending Transplant Immunosuppression Coverage Saves Money

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HHS reports a 73 Million Dollar Savings Over 10 Years, by extending immunosuppressive medication coverage for kidney transplant patients under Medicare

Kidney transplant recipients and donors reached a significant milestone with the release of new findings. On May 10, 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) released an analysis that estimates extending coverage for immunosuppressive medications (for kidney transplant patients on Medicare) would save $73 million over 10 years. 

This is monumental news for the kidney and transplant community. ASPE has confirmed (through this analysis) what we’ve long known to be true—extending Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive medications would prolong the viability of transplanted kidneys while also saving Medicare money.

Let lawmakers know that you support the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act—a bipartisan solution that protects and honors the organ donor’s gift and their recipient’s transplant, by extending drug coverage for the life of the transplant. Download PDF Fact Sheet.

Your voice can help extend immunosuppressive drug coverage.

Learn more now. Join Honor the Gift Campaign 

The Dialysis Dilemma

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Survive or Thrive?

Dialysis is an essential life-saving treatment for end stage renal disease (ESRD). The medical marvel of a mechanical device mimicking waste management functions of a human kidney is, indeed, remarkable. And while this brilliant technology helps its users survive, an better option could help ESRD eligible patients live an even better and longer life. A life where they can thrive, not just survive.  

The Hidden Opportunity

Thousands of transplant “eligible” dialysis patients are missing out on an opportunity to live a higher quality of life and most of them don’t even know it! Could you be among them? Have you considered your options? Perhaps you are in a comfort zone of sorts? After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it? Your life doesn’t have to be broken to make it better. What if there was a way to dream a bigger dream. What if there was a way to make that dream come true? What if that dream was your life without the machine? Do I have your attention?

Could you be transplant eligible? Could you be overlooking a better opportunity without even knowing it? Perhaps you think this doesn’t apply to you because you’re already wait listed for a deceased organ donor. Has anyone explained to you the risk in waiting and how a living donor can end your wait and extend your years of function? If not, you may be caught in the Dialysis Complacency Trap®.

The Dialysis Complacency Trap®

“You (consciously or unconsciously) remain on dialysis because

it’s your survival routine and preferred ‘Comfort Zone’—despite the fact

that your rarely describe dialysis as anything but comfortable.”

Your Fears and Hesitations

Are you hesitant to pursue transplant because you fear the surgery, immunosuppression drugs or the thought of putting someone else at risk for your own benefit? While these concerns are not uncommon, they pale in comparison to the benefits this life-altering experience can offer both you—and your living kidney donor.

Making Dreams Come True

Think transplant is an unrealistic fantasy due to the fact that there’s already nearly 100,000 people waiting ahead and alongside of you? While this unequivocal organ donor crisis has become a sad reflection of how supply cannot meet the demand, there is a way out. All you have to do is be willing to transform your passive “wait and see” postures into pro-active behaviors. How do you do this you ask? Through desire, intention and pursuing living kidney donor opportunities.

Unopened doors await you. Behind these doors you can potentially transform all your fantasies into ‘dreams come true,’ as you gain a fresh perspective on this untapped bundle of benefits.

But No One Cares Enough

Already feel defeated because you believe if someone really wanted to help you, they would have done so already? Know that these thoughts are coming from your frightened inner “Doubting Thomas” voice. These inner skeptics are trying to trick you into believing you are unworthy and that no one cares enough about you to get involved in your crusade.

The truth is, no one will ever offer to help you if they don’t sense your desire to live life more fully. It’s your belief that a better life is out there—and within arm’s reach, that will inspire others to lean in and step forward. You deserve it!

For more information visit:  www.transplantfirst.org