Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is the slow, progressive loss of kidney function. One in nine adults in the U.S. has CKD, and another 20 million more are in a high-risk group – which includes those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.

Early detection and treatment can help prevent or delay the progression to kidney failure and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Program Goals

The CKD program uses a range of management approaches, from telephone contact with members to extensive and regular face-to-face contact, depending on member needs. The goal of the CKD program is to prevent or delay the progression of CKD to life-threatening ESRD.

Services provided

The CKD program focuses on:

Education on the progression of renal disease
Education on treatment options
Early referral to nephrologists
Appropriate placement of access in an outpatient setting
Education on the prevention and management of associated comorbid complications
Psychosocial support as the progression of the disease occurs

Health Service Coordinators (HSC) – field-based, experienced nephrology nurses – work with program participants and providers to accomplish the following:

A comprehensive, personal assessment of the participant’s current needs
A care plan through collaboration of the HSC and the primary care physician
A nephrology referral, if necessary
A collection of clinical indicators
Quarterly reports of outcomes

The bottom line

Past program results have shown:

43 percent decrease in length of stay
75 percent reduction in emergency room visits

These programs and tools are not insurance products and are not guaranteed under any contract. Humana is not required to provide these services.

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