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Upper Midwest Fistula First Coalition
Background
In 2005, Network 11 invited members of the renal community to convene a coalition that focused on improving arteriovenous fistula (AVF) prevalence rates within Network 11’s five states. Providers, state survey agencies (SSA), quality improvement organizations (QIO), and Network 11 met August 12, 2005 to start the Upper Midwest Fistula First Coalition. Since that initial meeting, workgroups have formed that continue to work on developing initiatives that will improve vascular access care for patients in the areas of chronic kidney disease (CKD) early referral to a nephrologist, CKD Management, and end stage renal disease (ESRD). The coalition now includes over 40 members from over 25 organizations working to improve vascular access care for patients in Network 11. The coalition meets face-to-face once a year and monthly by conference call.
Workgroups Projects
Follow the links below to view more information on coalition projects and resources available.
Primare Care Physician Education
- PCP Education Resources.
- PCP Letter.
- PCP pocket guide.
- PCP wall chart and algorithm.
- 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:
- Discuss the definition and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Identify characteristics that place patients at risk for CKD.
- Identify methods and timeline to screen patients at risk for CKD.
- Cite strategies for treating patients with CKD that will delay CKD progression and complications.
- Identify strategies for partnering with a nephrologist to effectively manage patients with CKD.
GFR Reporting
CKD Clinic Resources
- Role of Nephrologist PowerPoint presentation.
- Role of Physician Extender Power Point presentation.
- Tools for CKD clinics.
For computers that do not have PowerPoint installed, Microsoft has made available this free PowerPoint Viewer.
Dialysis Facility Tools and Resources
- Brochure: A Provider’s Guide: Preparing for the Vascular Access Portion of your Medicare Survey.
- Pocket guide: Talking to ESRD patients about Fistula First.
- "Ask me about Fistula First" badge.
- Final Report: Vascular Access Coordinator Project.
Members of the Coalition
| Organization | |
|---|---|
| ANNA | Centracare Dialysis |
| Consumer | DaVita |
| Fresenius Medical Care | Great Lakes Renal Network |
| Great Lakes/Regional Dialysis | Greenfield Health Systems |
| Gundersen Lutheran | Mayo Health Systems |
| Metastar | Midwest Nephrology |
| Minnesota Department of Health | MPRO |
| NKF Minnesota and Dakotas | NKF Wisconsin |
| North Dakota Department of Health | North Dakota Health Care Review |
| Q & R Clinic | Renal Network of the Upper Midwest, Inc. |
| South Dakota Foundation. for Medical Care | Stratis Health |
| VA Medical Center | WI Dialysis, Inc. |
| Wisconsin Department of Health | |

Fistula First Vascular Access
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