Research Updates in Kidney and Urologic Health
What's New in CHID?
Each quarter, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
adds about 150 items to the kidney and urologic diseases subfile of the
Combined Health Information Database (CHID). This database contains abstracts
and ordering information on professional resources and patient education
materials—such as books, pamphlets, videos, journal articles, and manuals—dealing
with a variety of kidney and urologic topics. CHID Online can be accessed
at http://chid.nih.gov on the Internet.
Among the recent additions to the subfile are booklets from the American
Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and the Health Care Financing Administration
(HCFA).
AAKP Patient Plan
 The
American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) describes its new Patient
Plan series as a "roadmap" to guide those living with kidney failure
on their journey to improved health and quality of life. The four-phase
series was released on a monthly timetable this fall, beginning in August
with Phase One: Diagnosis to Treatment Choice.
The 50-page book and introductory newsletter deal with the initial physical,
mental, emotional, and financial challenges that a diagnosis of kidney
failure brings. After a brief description and illustrations of the structure
and function of the urinary system, information on what things are most
likely to go wrong is provided.
A section on treatment options presents the pros and cons of transplantation
and each type of dialysis. The book also outlines the purpose of each
medication commonly prescribed for patients with end-stage renal disease
(ESRD). This section includes a warning about the use of some over-the-counter
drugs, food supplements, and alternative medicine practices.
The final section addresses the financial concerns of patients with kidney
disease by explaining the role of the Medicare program in helping pay
for treatment. Other financial resources are also discussed.
Throughout the process, patients are strongly encouraged to be actively
involved in understanding their disease and in making treatment choices
that best fit their lifestyle and values. Each section is sprinkled with
insights from other patients.
A team of health professionals and patients collaborated with the writers
to produce this valuable resource, which was underwritten by several health
care corporations.
Patients, family members, and professionals can obtain an introductory
brochure on the plan by contacting the AAKP national office at 1–800–749–2257 or through email at aakpnat@aol.com.
This brochure provides a simple outline of the program and includes a
form to request the first phase.
Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and
Kidney Transplant Services
 The
Health Care Financing Administration has revised the Medicare Coverage
of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services booklet. Written
in an easy-to-read format, the guide explains the basics of Medicare and
the fundamentals of kidney dialysis and transplantation. It also distinguishes
between kidney treatment services that are covered by Medicare and those
that the patient is responsible for.
This revised guide highlights resources available through the Medicare
Internet site (www.medicare.gov),
including a detailed listing of Medicare-certified dialysis centers nationwide
with information about location and size, as well as how long each facility
has been in operation. If patients need help interpreting this information,
the guide includes a number of resources, including alternate forms of
insurance, phone numbers for the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
(SHIPs) and ESRD networks across the country, as well as several kidney-specific
organizations.
This guide to Medicare is a helpful tool for patients with kidney failure
and their health care providers alike. This publication is also available
in Spanish. To order a free copy, call 1–800–MEDICARE (1–800–633–4227)
and request publication no. HCFA-10128.
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