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Encouraging Kidney Disease Screening through American Diabetes Month Mailing
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, NKDEP collaborated with Aetna to increase chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening for patients with diabetes. In November, Aetna sent a mailing to 10,000 primary care physicians (PCPs) in their network. Mailings were focused in the ten regions or states with the lowest CKD screening rates. The mailing outlined the latest American Diabetes Association recommendations for CKD screening, including both microalbuminuria and estimated GFR.
Among other items, the package contained samples of educational materials available for diabetes patients and providers. The materials NKDEP included were:
- Make the Kidney Connection brochure
- Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
- Understanding GFR tear sheet for patients
- CKD Quick Reference Card for providers
- Rationale for Use and Reporting of Estimated GFR
These materials can be found on the NKDEP (www.nkdep.nih.gov) or NKUDIC (http://catalog.niddk.nih.gov) websites.
For more on the latest clinical practice guidelines for Nephropathy Screening, visit the NKDEP site at www.nkdep.nih.gov/professionals/clinical_practice_guidelines.htm.
New Versions of GFR Calculators for PDA Download
NKDEP has improved our free PDA-downloadable GFR Calculators. Calculators for adults—both the Original and IDMS-Traceable MDRD Study equation calculators—and a Schwartz Formula calculator for children are available in improved PDA-appropriate formats for use on Palm and Windows Operating Systems. The new versions can be found on the NKDEP site: www.nkdep.nih.gov/professionals/gfr_calculators/index.htm.
Survey of Laboratory Reporting Underway
Using the NIH’s Evaluation Set-Aside Program funding awarded earlier this year, NKDEP began fielding a nationwide survey of U.S. clinical laboratories to assess current practices related to reporting estimated GFR. Surveys were mailed in late October, and we anticipate reporting the results by mid-2007.
Creatinine Standardization Program Update
The NKDEP's Laboratory Working Group (LWG) continues its work in facilitating a global creatinine standardization effort. Two LWG subcommittees are currently addressing standardization as it relates to non-adult patients as well as measurement of creatinine using whole blood devices.
If you are interested in receiving periodic email updates about the Creatinine Standardization Program, contact us at csp@info.niddk.nih.gov or sign up on the Laboratory Professionals page of the NKDEP website (www.nkdep.nih.gov/labprofessionals).
Reminder: Free Brochure for People with Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
NKDEP continues to promote its new Make the Kidney Connection brochure. Written at the 8th grade reading level, this free patient education brochure encourages people with diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading risk factors for kidney failure, to talk to their health care provider about getting tested for kidney disease. View or download at www.nkdep.nih.gov/resources/index.htm#patients.
If you are interested in ordering large quantities of the brochure, or promoting it within your organization, please contact Christen Horn at 202-729-4245 or email us at nkdep@info.niddk.nih.gov.
NKDEP Coordinating Panel Annual Meeting
The NKDEP Coordinating Panel met in Bethesda, MD, on October 20. More than 30 members attended the meeting. NKDEP reviewed its current activities and future plans, and spoke with members about various ways their organizations can collaborate with NKDEP. Minutes from the meeting are now available on the NKDEP site at www.nkdep.nih.gov/about/panel.htm#meeting.
Happy Holidays!
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