Partnership for Quality Measurement Endorses NKF for Better Kidney Health Detection
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recently made an important announcement regarding its efforts to improve the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) has officially endorsed NKF's Rate of Annual Kidney Health Evaluation measure, an initiative aimed at tracking and enhancing kidney assessments for adults at high risk of CKD. This measure specifically focuses on individuals aged 18 to 85 who are afflicted with diabetes and/or high blood pressure.
The endorsed measure monitors the proportion of at-risk adults who receive two key tests within the measurement year: the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) urine test. Together, these tests offer a comprehensive overview of an individual's kidney health, enabling healthcare professionals to identify CKD more effectively and evaluate the potential for disease progression and associated cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at NKF, emphasized the necessity of early detection. He highlighted that too many individuals remain unaware of their kidney disease until it reaches a critical stage. By embedding kidney health evaluations into routine medical care, the partnership aims to ensure that those at heightened risk are consistently monitored.
It is astonishing that approximately 37 million adults in the United States are living with CKD, yet about 90% of them do not realize their condition. The primary risk factors contributing to CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, and unfortunately, the testing rates for these conditions remain disappointingly low. The newly endorsed measure seeks to rectify this gap by promoting annual kidney health evaluations for patients suffering from either ailment.
Medical guidelines from reputable organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology strongly advocate for kidney health assessments utilizing both eGFR and uACR tests for individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. The current endorsement builds upon NKF's prior Kidney Health Evaluation for People with Diabetes measure, introduced back in 2020, by also considering individuals with high blood pressure.
Elizabeth Montgomery, the National Vice President for Clinical Innovation and Population Health at NKF, noted that the extension of the measure opens avenues to detect more early cases of CKD—an important progression in healthcare. By connecting patients with timely treatment, healthcare providers can help safeguard not only kidney function but also overall heart health.
The growing concern over CKD's impacts on public health cannot be overstated. Associated with increased risks of heart disease, hospitalization, premature death, and ever-worsening healthcare expenses, CKD necessitates urgent attention. Medicare's expenditure for CKD and end-stage kidney disease was over $196 billion in 2023 alone, representing a staggering 36% of total Medicare fee-for-service spending. Thus, proactive measures for identification stand to transform the management and treatment landscape for millions.
As it stands, CKD is an underappreciated health crisis, affecting one in seven American adults, with a shocking 90% unaware of their status. Risk factors span across various demographics, including those with a history of heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney conditions. Underrepresented groups — including Black or African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian populations — exhibit higher CKD rates, with Black individuals being up to four times more likely to face kidney failure than their White counterparts.
The NKF is dedicated to transforming the fight against kidney disease and pushing for systemic change to combat inequities in kidney care, transplantations, and other related spheres. By raising awareness about CKD and fostering early detection efforts, the NKF strives to not only save lives but also to restore dignity and health to many affected individuals. For deeper insights or more information, interested parties can visit www.kidney.org.
Understanding the Measure
The endorsed measure monitors the proportion of at-risk adults who receive two key tests within the measurement year: the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) urine test. Together, these tests offer a comprehensive overview of an individual's kidney health, enabling healthcare professionals to identify CKD more effectively and evaluate the potential for disease progression and associated cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at NKF, emphasized the necessity of early detection. He highlighted that too many individuals remain unaware of their kidney disease until it reaches a critical stage. By embedding kidney health evaluations into routine medical care, the partnership aims to ensure that those at heightened risk are consistently monitored.
The CKD Epidemic
It is astonishing that approximately 37 million adults in the United States are living with CKD, yet about 90% of them do not realize their condition. The primary risk factors contributing to CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure, and unfortunately, the testing rates for these conditions remain disappointingly low. The newly endorsed measure seeks to rectify this gap by promoting annual kidney health evaluations for patients suffering from either ailment.
Medical guidelines from reputable organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology strongly advocate for kidney health assessments utilizing both eGFR and uACR tests for individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. The current endorsement builds upon NKF's prior Kidney Health Evaluation for People with Diabetes measure, introduced back in 2020, by also considering individuals with high blood pressure.
Elizabeth Montgomery, the National Vice President for Clinical Innovation and Population Health at NKF, noted that the extension of the measure opens avenues to detect more early cases of CKD—an important progression in healthcare. By connecting patients with timely treatment, healthcare providers can help safeguard not only kidney function but also overall heart health.
Innovative Solutions for CKD Detection
The growing concern over CKD's impacts on public health cannot be overstated. Associated with increased risks of heart disease, hospitalization, premature death, and ever-worsening healthcare expenses, CKD necessitates urgent attention. Medicare's expenditure for CKD and end-stage kidney disease was over $196 billion in 2023 alone, representing a staggering 36% of total Medicare fee-for-service spending. Thus, proactive measures for identification stand to transform the management and treatment landscape for millions.
As it stands, CKD is an underappreciated health crisis, affecting one in seven American adults, with a shocking 90% unaware of their status. Risk factors span across various demographics, including those with a history of heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney conditions. Underrepresented groups — including Black or African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian populations — exhibit higher CKD rates, with Black individuals being up to four times more likely to face kidney failure than their White counterparts.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The NKF is dedicated to transforming the fight against kidney disease and pushing for systemic change to combat inequities in kidney care, transplantations, and other related spheres. By raising awareness about CKD and fostering early detection efforts, the NKF strives to not only save lives but also to restore dignity and health to many affected individuals. For deeper insights or more information, interested parties can visit www.kidney.org.
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