Original Paper

Disease Management Improves End-Stage Renal Disease Outcomes
Jeffrey J. Sands

Fresenius Medical Care, Celebration, Fla., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Blood Purif 2006;24:394-399 (DOI: 10.1159/000093682)

  Key Words

• Disease management
• End-stage renal disease
• Hemodialysis
• Cost control

  Abstract

Background/Aims: Renal disease management organizations have reported achieving significant decreases in mortality and hospitalization in conjunction with cost savings, improved patient satisfaction and quality of life. Disease management organizations strive to fill existing gaps in care delivery through the standardized use of risk assessment, predictive modeling, evidence-based guidelines, and process and outcomes measurement. Patient self-management education and the provision of individual nurse care managers are also key program components. Methods: As we more fully measure clinical outcomes and total healthcare costs, including payments from all insurance and government entities, pharmacy costs and out of pocket expenditures, the full implications of disease management can be better defined. Results: The results of this analysis will have a profound influence on United States healthcare policy. Conclusion: At present current data suggest that the promise of disease management, improved care at reduced cost, can and is being realized in end-stage renal disease.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Jeffrey J. Sands, MD, MMM
Fresenius Medical Care, NA
231 Celebration Blvd.
Celebration, FL 34747 (USA)
Tel. +1 407 566 0683, Fax +1 407 566 0676, E-Mail Jeffrey.Sands@fmc-na.com

  Article Information

Presented at the International Conference on Dialysis VIII, Las Vegas, Nev., January 2006.

Accepted: March 22, 2006
Published online: June 1, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 25