Need some statistical data

[G]

Does any one know where I can find data on the differances in the costs for those on dialysis versus post transplant costs? I am very curiuos as to whether it would be economically feasible to alocate funds that would decrease the waiting time for a transplant. In another words: If employers were given economic insentives to encourage their employees to donate kidneys, would/could those costs be justifed by the money saved in the reduced time on dialysis? Getting people back into the work force would also be benificail to the economy. Does this make any sence?

[Rerun]

Dialysis is BIG Business.  That is one reason why they don't do a lot of transplants.  Transplants are big "drug" business.  Transplants would still save Medicare money if they would do more.

The Federal Government gives their employees 30 days paid Administrative Leave for donating a kidney.  There are lots of thoughts on this subject.  I personally think that making the purchase of kidneys for transplantion legal would be a great answer.

[petey]

I personally think that making the purchase of kidneys for transplantion legal would be a great answer.

I agree!

[G]

That is good what uncle sam does for it's employee's. What I am talking about is economic incentives, through tax breaks, etc., for (private) employers to educate their employee's on what it takes to donate, give them paid time off and generally encourage kidney donation for the good of the community and the economy.  Obviously I am showing my naivety here. I can not believe this has not been looked in to. If so, what was the outcome. Is the private dialysis lobby so large and powerful that they steamroll any legislation that can bring these ideas to fruition? I have asked these same questions of the NKF and have yet to receive a specific responce. What gives??  Where does a simpleton like me begin to stir this pot? I sent an e-mail to the chairman of the National Kidney Caucus in DC and have yet to hear from him. Does/has anyone here initiated any sort of national/local legislation (of any form) and if so, show me how? Please? These emoticons are too much

[Zach]

Here's a video that addresses the question of paid donors:

http://reason.tv/video/show/333.html

[Meinuk]

G,

There is a lot of information out there.  Filtering through the information, well that is a full time job.  I admire anyone who takes CKD advocacy on.

Here are some good places to start:

NKF’s Legislative Action Center  http://capwiz.com/kidney/home/

Bill Peckham has a Dialysis Industry blog and his links page is pretty comprehensive.  http://www.billpeckham.com/from_the_sharp_end_of_the/2008/05/ckd-links-and-1.html

There are also other posters here on IHD who are active in Advocacy either on their own or via groups that they belong to.

Best of luck,

Anna

[G]

Thank you Anna and Zack! I watched the film Zack. Makes a lot of sense. I live in Oregon, where the average wait time for a cadaver kidney is 18 months. Allegedly, we are the second shortest list in the nation! One of my pet peeves is the only time you hear about a transplant is when it's a celebrity. And then they make it sound so quick and easy. like: "oh-yeah, the doctors said I need a kidney, so I had a transplant." If the populous only See's this version, how can they understand the REAL NEED? I have to go do more looking. I'll be back!