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New survey reveals kidney patients' concern
about Medicare policies
GLENDALE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Over 800 patients with
chronic kidney disease (CKD) responded to a survey conducted by the Renal
Support Network, a non-profit organization.
The survey focused on current issues that
affect the care of patients with CKD,
including Medicare policies on anemia
management, patient education, reimbursement
for transplant medications and dialysis
services.
The survey explored patient preferences for administering anemia
management drugs called erythropoiesis
stimulating agents (ESAs). For almost 20
years, these drugs have been administered
through the tubing of the dialysis machine,
which provides an effective and painless
method of receiving treatment via already
established intravenous route (IV).
During a recent testimony at the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on
health, it was stated that patients on
hemodialysis would not mind receiving ESA
therapy by the subcutaneous (SC) route --
which would mean that patients would have to
receive the medication via an
oftentimes-painful injection in the skin.
The results of the survey revealed that 85% felt that the decision on how
to administer medications should be made by
the patient and their physician, and should
not be dictated by government policy. On a
related question, 84% of patients prefer
having ESAs administered in the tubing of
their hemodialysis machine.
RSN included some questions in the survey about the administration of
ESAs because numerous patients contacted
them after viewing the testimony at the
health subcommittee, baffled by statements
that patients wouldn't mind additional
subcutaneous injections.
Survey comments illustrated how strongly most patients objected to
subcutaneous administration of ESAs. For
example, Kathe LeBeau, a patient on
dialysis, said, "I resent the implication
that no kidney patients mind additional
needle sticks. With all
the tests and medications and invasive treatments commensurate with that,
even one more needle stick a week is very
much an affront to me."
Results of the survey also showed that 62% of patients are concerned
about their ability to obtain the
immunosuppressant medication to prevent
organ rejection. Medicare currently pays for
36 months of treatment, and patients are
then forced to find alternative methods of
paying for these medications if they are
unable to obtain health insurance.
"Since Medicare pays for kidney transplants for most patients, it
doesn't make sense for the government to spend tens of thousands of
dollars for a kidney transplant, and then
not pay for the ongoing treatments that are
necessary to ensure that the transplant
continues to work," stated Lori Hartwell,
Founder and President of Renal Support
Network.
In summarizing the results of the survey, Hartwell observed that many
patients with chronic kidney disease are
very involved in their own care and work in
partnership with their medical team.
"We will continue to help patients raise their voices about government
policies that affect our quality of life,"
stated Hartwell.
Renal Support Network is led by kidney patients to instill health,
happiness, and hope through education, advocacy, and awareness... one
person at a time. Full results from the
survey are available at
http://www.RSNhope.org.
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