[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE KIDNEY DISEASE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS ACT OF 2002

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                          HON. PHILIP M. CRANE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today with 15 of my 
colleagues to introduce the Kidney Disease Educational Benefits Act of 
2002. This legislation is designed to improve patient outcomes by 
providing appropriate education before Medicare eligible kidney 
patients undergo dialysis.
  Each year, approximately 80,000 Americans develop chronic kidney 
failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD), and require either regular 
kidney dialysis treatments or a transplant to survive. Medicare covers 
dialysis for most Americans and requires that kidney patients receive 
information on treatment options, but not until the patient is under 
the care of a dialysis clinic. Studies have shown that earlier access 
to information about kidney failure and treatment options can reduce 
complications associated with dialysis and can improve patient outcomes 
and potentially reduce costs over the long term.
  The Kidney Disease Educational Benefits Act provides reimbursement 
for up to six educational session performed by kidney care 
professionals. These educational sessions will consist of an overview 
of kidney function and complications that accompany kidney failure; 
information on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation; 
discussion of payment for dialysis treatment and transplantation; and 
information regarding vascular access options.
  Providing earlier access to educational services by qualified kidney 
care professionals will help ensure that Medicare eligible kidney 
patients receive critical information prior to undergoing dialysis or 
transplantation. This will improve the lives of those suffering from 
kidney disease. Mr. Speaker, I ask for my colleagues for their 
consideration and support of the Kidney Disease Educational Benefits 
Act.

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