Fistula First
In March 2005, the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in close
collaboration with
key stakeholders in the renal community, introduced an initiative
called “Fistula First”. Fistula First addresses the urgent need
for
patients who suffer from kidney failure (end stage renal disease or
ESRD) to have safer, higher-quality access to hemodialysis through a
fistula--a "connection" surgically created by joining a vein and an
artery in the forearm that allows blood from the artery to flow into
the vein for safe and easy access for dialysis.
At NDHCRI our goal is to increase awareness among providers about this
topic, and subsequently increase the number of fistulas being placed as
a means of
vascular access for dialysis patients in the state of North
Dakota. Under contract with CMS, we are collaborating our work with the
Renal
Network of the Upper Midwest and with four other Midwest states. Our
vision is that over time, our contributions in educating physicians
will
help to acheive the Fistula First national goals.
Chronic
Kidney Disease Diagnosis and Treatment webex
July 23, 2008
Brochure
TOOLS
Chronic
Kidney Disease Clinical Action Plan/Intervention Pocket Card
Chronic
Kidney Disease Assessment/Treatment Algorithm
Information about Fistula First can be found at:
Brochure
on Fistula First
www.fistulafirst.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Use Fistulas First
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