Every effort should be made to delay or prevent individuals from needing dialysis. Following the identification of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) many things can be done to delay the onset of dialysis and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes if the patient requires dialysis. Early educational sessions with nephrologists, nurses, social workers, dietitians or other health care workers can provide CKD patients with valuable information that can be utilized by patients to increase their quality of life and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Examples of education sessions include, but are not limited to, dietary education, dialysis treatment options and vascular access education.

Educating patients not only improves their quality of life but saves healthcare dollars. Medicaid and Medicare should provide an education benefit for CKD patients to delay the onset of dialysis.