plugger
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 236
Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 4:18 pm Post subject: Cosponsors for HR1004
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I got the following email from Dr. Christopher Blagg. They are looking for more cosponsors for bill HR1004. I still believe this bill has the potential to improve dialysis immensely! I've got support documentation and the Dear Colleague letter mentioned on my website which can be reached with the Support Documents and To write Congress links. <
>sky.prohosting.com/cschwab/<
><
>Dear Patients, Patient Relatives and Friends of Patients<
><
>NOW IS THE TIME!<
><
>Congress is in recess. There is probably no better time to get in touch <
>with your Congressman or Congresswoman at their local office and, if they <
>have not already done so, to urge them to sign on as cosponsors of HR1004, <
>the Kidney Patients Daily Dialysis Quality Act of 2003. Currently there are <
>about 20 cosponsors and these include both Republicans and Democrats - see <
>attachment. If your representative has already cosponsored the bill, thank <
>them for this. Our aim is to get 60 or more cosponsors to help get the bill <
>moving later this year.<
><
>Also attached is a copy of the bill and of the Dear Colleague letter that <
>Congressman Jim McDermott sent out when the bill was introduced. There is <
>also a sheet of information that you can use to leave for your <
>Representative and their staff and also a longer document that gives more <
>detailed information.<
><
>We hope to have legislation in the Senate soon after Congress reconvenes. <
>We will keep you informed about the progress of our and your efforts.<
><
>Thank you for what you have done already. Please continue to work on this <
>legislation that is important for patients, and ask your friends and <
>relatives to help you and us.<
><
>Please let us know of your experiences<
><
>If you have questions please contact us.<
><
>Christopher R. Blagg MD Robert S. Lockridge MD<
>Emeritus Professor of Medicine Nephrologist <
> University of Washington <
> Lynchburg, VA<
>Seattle, WA<
>206-234-8791 434-947-3954<
>blaggc@hotmail.com <
>rlockridge@lynchburgnephrology.com<
><
><
><
>
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John
Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2003 8:50 am Post subject: DEO's position
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What is DEO's position on this bill? Should people get behind it or not?
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plugger
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 236
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2003 11:47 am Post subject: endorsements
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John,<
><
>I don't know if DE is going to come out with an official endorsement or not. But here are a few others if you are interested:<
><
>HR 1004 is supported by the National Kidney Foundation and the American Nephrology Nurses Association. The Renal Physicians Association ?supports enactment of legislation requiring CMS to immediately provide reimbursement for more frequent dialysis sessions while waiting the results of clinical trials and/or demonstration projects in this area.? The American Association of Kidney Patients in its statement concerning daily hemodialysis options encourages ?the development of new treatment methods which will result in improved quality of care and clinical outcomes for kidney patients.? <
>
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John
Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2003 5:35 pm Post subject: this bill
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plugger, <
>I think you are a great guy for all you're doing, but all the groups you mentioned are the same ones that have done nothing to help the patients. I read on here they were sent the documents and shafted the patients. So, these groups are just after the reimbursements don't you think? I don't think DEO would say to support this bill as the companies can't be trusted to use the reimbursements as they are intended.
