Lawmakers fear new payments could hurt dialysis patients

A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday urged the CMS to reconsider its proposed pay model for end-stage renal disease, warning it could prevent patients from choosing the care they want. While the 74 representatives support the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation's proposed End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices Model and its effort to change kidney care delivery, the current plan may be too broad and affect too many providers. As it stands, the pay model would affect half of the ESRD patients and could significantly disrupt care, as well as prevent patients from choosing the right type of care. The model doesn't account for patients' interest or ability to use home dialysis, the letter said.--> READ MORE