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DPC Mourns Loss of Board Member
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On April 20th, long-time kidney community champion Beverly “Bev” Schroeder, of Edenton, N.C., passed away at the age of 76. After being diagnosed with kidney failure in 2004, Bev joined Dialysis Patient Citizens as a Patient Ambassador. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2006 and to Secretary of the Board in August 2010.
Bev will be remembered as an example that people who suffer from kidney failure can live full and rewarding lives. She inspired dialysis patients everyday to take control of their kidney health and to be grateful for life-saving care through dialysis.
>Read More
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DPC Comments on the National Quality Forum
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On April 11, DPC sent a letter to the National Quality Forum (NQF) , a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contracted health quality organization, to provide comment on the proposed measures to be included in the new Quality Incentive Program (QIP) for dialysis facilities. This program is the first of its kind within the Medicare program that will align payment with the quality of care that providers deliver. Facilities who do not meet Medicare specified quality measures will receive a reduction in reimbursement from Medicare.
Within the comments to NQF, DPC focused on ensuring the patient perspective is considered when determining which quality measures will be included in the program. We believe that the measures should above all be patient-centered, reflective of health outcomes for all dialysis patients regardless of the treatment modality they choose, and also target levels that will ensure patients are not just meeting adequate standards but are living high quality lives.
>Read the Full Comment Letter
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Patient Ambassador Profile: Dave Capper
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When Dave Capper’s mother was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2009, he did not know anything about dialysis. Overwhelmed with questions, he sought to find answers not only for himself but for others who are faced with the same diagnosis.
Dave gave up his 20 year career in commercial real estate in order to dedicate his time to taking care of his mother. Three days a week, they traveled from their home in Hope Hills, NC to St. Pauls, NC where Dave’s mother dialyzes.
Shortly after learning that diet was an important part of being on dialysis, Dave began researching to write a dialysis-friendly cookbook. It was through this research that he learned of Dialysis Patient Citizens. He wanted to join because he saw it as a way to help people and learn more about kidney disease.
>Read More
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Nominate a DPC Hero
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We all know that special someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. Within the dialysis community especially, heroes are all around us. That’s why DPC has launched the DPC Hero campaign to tell the many heartwarming stories about patients, their families and caregivers, and others in the community who make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients.
A DPC hero is anyone who is making a difference and helping others within the dialysis community. A hero can be a nurse or technician who goes the extra mile for patients, a local volunteer, a patient who is beating the odds, or a family member who is a constant cheerleader. DPC is counting on you to capture the good deeds you see every day and identify the heroes among us.
If you are interested in nominating a DPC Hero, click on one of the links below to access the nomination form, or call our office at 1-866-877-4242.
>DPC Hero Online Application
>DPC Hero Printable Nomination Form
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Reducing Health Disparities Among Minority Patients
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The month of April was National Minority Health Month, and in observance of its importance the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its HHS Action Plan to Reduce Health Disparities. The plan outlines the goals and actions HHS will take to reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
Minority communities are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). African American, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native adults all have an increased risk of having CKD or diabetes, which is the leading cause of CKD.
>Learn More
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Patient Connections
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Before DPC takes an official position on an issue that impacts dialysis and pre-dialysis patients and their families, we ask for our members’ feedback. The following coordinated care policy is available for DPC members to provide comments.
>Read and Comment on Proposed Policy on Care Coordination
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