Blogs

March 6, 2017 Kelley Reeser, R.D. L.D.N. C.D.E.

Statistics on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) That May Shock You

Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans each year.

It’s estimated that 31 million people in the United States have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).  It’s the 8th leading cause of death in our country. In 2009, Medicare spent $29 billion (6.7% of its total budget) on kidney failure. The savings to Medicare for each kidney disease patient who does not progress on to dialysis is estimated to be $250,000.

Now that you know these startling statistics, you can understand why Medicare pays 100% for patients with CKD to see a Registered Dietitian.

Working with a registered dietitians is critical to managing kidney disease. A Dietitians at Home dietitian will create an individualized eating plan and set agreed upon attainable goals that address the patient’s specific stage of CKD.

The keys to our success with working patients with CKD

Please note that Medicare B covers our service 100% if the patient has Chronic Kidney Disease but is not on Dialysis.  If patients are on dialysis they should be receiving Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Dialysis Center. Click here for more information on Medicare coverage for CKD.