Marty
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 160
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2003 12:58 pm Post subject: Reminder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This months Nephrology News and Issues had an article on modalities. I am typing just a paragraph of the whole article. <
>All studies have shown that both short daily and long nightly hemodialysis are significantly better for ESRD patients than conventional thrice-weekly dialysis. The best argument for daily dialysis is that almost all patients who have experienced it want to continue despite the extra work involved. They write glowing testimonials about the benefits they have seen with this treatment. Interested patients, physicians and other staff should urge their Congressional representatives to join the growing list of cosponsors of H.R. 1004.
***********************************************************
Lin
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 337
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:52 am Post subject: TY!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know this is right. It isn't available to me, but even those of us in center, even those who don't think about doing home hemo should support this. I can manage in center, but they're are many who can't; many whose very life depends on home hemo/daily/slow nocturnal being available. They're bodies are fragile and they can't endure three txs. a week. Let's all support the changes necessary to
ing this about! Lin.
***********************************************************
jfwag
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:23 am Post subject: Re: TY!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will contact Represenative again, but I was under the impression that H.R. 1004 was dead for this year. It can't hurt for next year, however.
***********************************************************
looking at this
Joined: 19 Aug 2003
Posts: 3
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:02 am Post subject: RRIMBURSEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
are the name of the game. What was the response of INdustry to the GAO report? Just give us more remimbursements, of course. Yes, certainly all patients need proper care, but God forbid this law is passed without safeguards built in that patients really will get the care promised. Open your eyes--have you noticed the Industry's track record? Just increasng funds is not going to solve the problems. Did more funds solve the problems in our schools? Of course not! Have to get the corruption out, first.
***********************************************************
Marty
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 160
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:44 pm Post subject: Reality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, it is about reimbursement for extra treatments. Have you noticed that all the complaining being done about money hasn't done a thing. Have you noticed how CMS keeps trying to make cuts? The money issue will end up being a CMS decision. As much as the industry is despised and with good reason the fact will never change patients are dependent on the industry. If the industry does not go into some form of home hemo, daily or nocturnal only the patients will loose. What will you gain by not supporting this bill. The industry will not loose money because they simply won't start the programs. Its rather like being between a rock and a hard place. No one wants them to get more money, but if they don't get reimbursement for extra treatments only the patients will loose and the sickest patients will take the hardest hit.
***********************************************************
FYI
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 72
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 2:11 pm Post subject: Home hemo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The home hemo choice is one an important issue. It has been my understanding that wont happen. We are going elsewhere to secure this. A patient deserves a choice and should have it. <
>With all other issues we are working on, home hemo is one of the ones that needs to be addressed. I for one feel that should not be forgotten with all the issues we have been fighting for.
***********************************************************
ridgerunner
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 101
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 2:34 pm Post subject: more payments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the most important thing is time on the machine. you can paint it perfume it but it comes back to total time. the important thing is creatinine and phosphorus levels. a short jiffy lube daily does not cut it. go back to the way it was done in the starting of dialysis. the time has been cut to the point of just keeping the patient alive for a certain period of time.
***********************************************************
patient
Joined: 29 Oct 2002
Posts: 137
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2003 4:25 pm Post subject: time on machine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
i can assure you that more time on the machine does help patients feel better, home or clinic bound. although some nephrologist will not let their patients have more time on the machine due to budgets and other conflicts with clinics.
***********************************************************
jfwag
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:02 am Post subject: Home hemo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yey for Ridgerunner, your right on track. And as usual, keep fighting, wonderfuly said.
***********************************************************
jfwag
Joined: 11 Jan 2003
Posts: 140
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:09 am Post subject: To Marty
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
oopps! Forgot to mention that what Marty has said, as usual, makes all the sense in the world. This bill must be supported if only for the fact that it will give patients a CHOICE if approved by their doctors. There are groups out there, ie. Lynchburg that are eating the costs of extra TXs.
***********************************************************
EFFICIENT DIALYSIS
Joined: 24 Jun 2003
Posts: 5
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:20 am Post subject: More time
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is a valid choice for some. But efficient, short dialysis is another valid choice and for that it takes an efficient machine. I'd rather see a bill for CHOICE- choice of modality and choice of machine.
***********************************************************
Marty
Joined: 28 Oct 2002
Posts: 160
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 5:39 am Post subject: Bill for Modality Choice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't hold your
eath. It's in the standards of care but these are guidelines not mandatory.
***********************************************************
Standards of Care
Joined: 30 Jul 2003
Posts: 2
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2003 8:01 am Post subject: There are no standards of care
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
is it the DOQI? Those are only guidelines and were never set up to be standards. standards were never done.
