Primaris fights a worldwide health problem in Missouri

 

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Recognizing the worldwide significance of kidney disease as a public health problem, the fifth annual World Kidney Day will be observed on March 11, Primaris announced today. World Kidney Day is designed to build awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and educate those at risk about the importance of early detection. Primaris is improving the quality of life for people with CKD by partnering with local and national organizations to promote evidence-based care.

 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 20 million Americans – including 53,000 in Missouri – and is now the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is growing at a steady and alarming rate, doubling every ten years. Each year the cost of managing CKD in the U.S. exceeds $32 billion in public and private spending.

 

“World Kidney Day is a perfect time to call attention to the fact that most people who have kidney disease don't know it,” said Anne Carpenter, Primaris’ program manager for CKD. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure, both of which are very serious conditions that can lead to poor health and death. People who have high blood pressure may also be at risk for CKD.

 

She explained that most people do not have outward symptoms early on. In fact, many do not have symptoms for many, many years.

 

“The only way to know if you have CKD is to get some simple medical tests,” said Carpenter, who urged people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure to ask their doctor about these tests:

·         Blood pressure check

·         Urine Test (microalbumin)

·         Blood test (for eGFR - estimated glomerular filtration rate)

CKD is treatable if detected early. There is now strong scientific evidence that early detection, altering lifestyle factors and aggressively controlling blood pressure slow down the progression of CKD to kidney failure and significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease that leads to premature death.

 

 “If you do not have a doctor you see regularly, you should look for free kidney screenings in your community,” said Dr. Sharon Hoffarth, medical director for Primaris. “The sooner kidney disease is found, the sooner you can take steps to begin treatment and keep your kidneys healthier longer.” Patients interested in local screening locations should contact the National Kidney Foundation at 1-800-622-9010 .

Primaris targets clinical topics, like CKD, where changing processes of care can yield significant improvements in quality, potential reduction in costs, and overall increase in health value.

 

For more information – along with free resources for patients and doctors – please visit www.primaris.org/CKD.

 

About Primaris

Primaris is a nonprofit, health care consulting firm and contracts with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to serve as the Quality Improvement Organization for Missouri. Primaris’ mission is to improve health care delivery and outcomes by promoting excellence, advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions for physicians, other providers, businesses, government, patients and consumers.

 

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