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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, three 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 in Minneapolis, as well as two times a year by conference call. The three workgroups also meet at least monthly by conference call.

Workgroups

Follow the links below to view more information on each workgroup and the products they have developed.

CKD Early Referral: Focused on the development of strategies to improve vascular access outcomes through education of primary care physicians referring patients with CKD to a nephrologist early.

CKD Management: Focused on developing resources for nephrologists, nephrology physician extenders, nephrology clinic staff, and acute dialysis nurses to improve practices in early referral to surgeon for vascular access placement.

ESRD: Focused on the development of dialysis facility staff and patient education to improve vascular access outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

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