Dialysis Facility Report Cards MUST Be Posted

[Meinuk]

We all know that we can get indepth information on dialysis facilities at propublica (see my signature line)

BUT Medicare has instituted a new regulation that dialysis facilities MUST post a "Report Card" for everyone to see starting in 2012 (actually, they must be posted within 5 days of a facility being notified that they are available.  They should be starting to be posted NOW).  It does not have as much information as the pro publica data base has, but it is a start.

A lot of the info that is being published is debateable (see anemia management) It is sometimes frustrating, and often maddening that we cannot change the industry overnight. BUT, it is better than what we had when my facility was closed by the State of New York.  These are baby steps in making things better, but at least they are in the right direction!

Now that the technology and delivery system is in place, let's lobby for a grading system, just like we have in restaurants.  We are at baseline now, let's build on that.

Go for it, look for the DRF certificare at your facility. If you don't see it, ask the administrator WHY.  (you could even offer to print out a copy for them to post)

Check out your facility's certificate here (you can find it when you search your facility, it is a link at the bottom of the facility listing): www.medicare.gov/dialysis