Skip Navigation

CKD Early Referral Workgroup

Description

The Early Referral workgroup has developed strategies toward improving vascular access through the focus on referring patients with CKD to nephrology early. They have concentrated on improving laboratory reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and primary care phsycian education to screen, treat, and refer to nephrology those patients at risk for CKD.

The Lab/GFR focus has gathered a list of all certified labs in Network 11’s five states. They developed a questionnaire that asked labs if they currently practice automatic calculation of glomerular filtration rates (GFR) when a serum creatinine is ordered by the physician as well as other GFR reporting practices. The group plans to use this information to inform labs within the region of current practices of GFR reporting as well as the spreading of lab best practices to increase automatic GFR reporting in Network 11 states. This strategy was piloted in Wisconsin (see report below) and is now being repeated in Network 11’s four other states.

The PCP Education focus has focused its efforts on evaluating and disseminating education materials for primary care physicians (PCP) on the care of patients with CKD. A collection of these materials can be found at www.medqic.org. This group has also developed a pocket guide and wall chart that is being distributed to PCPs in all Network 11 states this summer. The pocket guide contains education content the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative including, the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Clinical Action Plan, as well as the Clinical Interventions for Adults with CKD. The wall chart displays an algorithm for the assessment and identification of patients with CKD, as well as an algorithm for treating patients with CKD, in partnership with a nephrologist. Next, the group is working to develop a Webex presentation for primary care providers that will utilize champions for improvement of chronic kidney disease management in both nephrology and primary care. The Webex will be offered via live presentation and recording.

Documents

Get Adobe Acrobat Reader (Link to Adobe Web site opens in new window)

Presentation

Chronic Kidney Disease Evaluation and Treatment: A Primary Care and Nephrology Partnership. This Webex presentation is targeted at primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician extenders, physician assistants, and clinic staff on the early identification and treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease. Speakers Dr. Victor Rozas, Nephrologist, and Dr. Vicki Chessin, Family Practice Physician review the following learning objectives:

  1. Discuss the definition and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  2. Identify characteristics that place patients at risk for CKD.
  3. Identify methods and timeline to screen patients at risk for CKD.
  4. Cite strategies for treating patients with CKD that will delay CKD progression and complications.
  5. Identify strategies for partnering with a nephrologist to effectively manage patients with CKD.