Physicians often diagnose patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) too late in the process, when dialysis is the only option left. This isn’t negligence on the part of physicians — it’s simply a consequence of a fee-for-service (FFS) healthcare model that works against patients’ financial well-being and deemphasizes preventative care.

Medicare’s Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting model spotlights the importance of proactive, coordinated kidney care. It’s critical for nephrology practices to start incorporating this patient-centric approach and consider more than just immediate kidney concerns.