ESRD NETWORK 6 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

OverviewThe Network meets the expectations of Goal 2 through provision of technical assistance andeducational outreach, providing educational materials to ESRD patients and their families toempower them to make informed and educated choices about their rehabilitation, treatment,including modalities and improve their quality of life. Additionally, the Network aspires to work intandem with the facilities to supplement their own patient and staff education to improve patientcare. The Network conducts the following activities to meet the educational needs of ESRD 6patients:I. New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP)II. Patient Education CalendarIII. Transplant CoalitionIV. Patient Ambassador ProgramV. Community Partnerships, Activities and ProgramsThe Network met the expectations of Goal 2 through program development, communitycollaborating, and educational outreach. The Network participated in several community eventsto promote awareness of kidney disease; partnered with organizations, locally and nationally,that promote the beneficiary as their own best advocate; collaborated with related organizationssuch as ANNA and KCER to increase awareness about kidney disease; and held variousworkshops and trainings throughout the calendar year to address needs within the ESRDpopulation.Further details on each project under Goal 2 are provided in the following pages.New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP)CMS has established a clearinghouse to send a New Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP) to allpatients for whom facilities have submitted a CMS form 2728. In 2011, 8531 new patients inNetwork 6 received a NEPOP. For any packets that were returned (17 due to death and 399due to invalid address) the Network follows up to validate addresses and to ensure all newpatients receive the information. The NEPOP mailing includes the following resources:A Medicare beneficiary letter from the CMS administratorA letter from ESRD Network 6 Executive Director including:o Network 6 contact informationo Network’s toll-free number for patientso The Network’s grievance procedureo Services and assistance offered by Network 6o ESRD related patient careo Treatment optionso State Survey Agency contact informationMedicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services (CMS booklet)Preparing for Emergencies: A Guide for People on Dialysis (CMS booklet)You Can Live (CMS booklet)People Like Us (National Kidney Foundation [NKF] brochure)P a g e | 53