Combating a Worldwide Public Health Problem in Florida:FMQAI Urges People with Diabetes and/or High Blood Pressure to Be Tested

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 9, 2010 -- CKD affects 20 million Americans—including more than 2 million in Florida—and is now the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. It is growing at a steady and alarming rate—doubling every 10 years. In excess of 4,900 deaths in Florida annually are related to CKD and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

“World Kidney Day is a perfect time to call attention to the fact that most people who have kidney disease don't know it,” said Laura Gamba CKD Project Director at FMQAI. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure, both of which are very serious conditions that can lead to poor health and even death. People who have high blood pressure may also be at risk for CKD.

Gamba explained that most people do not have outward symptoms early on. In fact, many do not have symptoms for many years.

“The only way to know if you have CKD is to get some simple medical tests,” said Mark Michelman, MD, MBA, and FMQAI Clinical Director, who urges people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure to ask their doctor about these tests:
• Blood pressure check
• Urine test for microalbumin
• Blood test (for eGFR—estimated glomerular filtration rate)

CKD is treatable if detected early. There is now strong scientific evidence that early detection, altering lifestyle factors, and aggressively controlling blood pressure not only slow down the progression of CKD to kidney failure but can also significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease that leads to premature death.

According to Laura Gamba, “If you do not have a doctor you see regularly, you should look for free kidney screenings in your community. The sooner kidney disease is found, the sooner you can take steps to begin treatment and keep your kidneys healthier longer.” The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®) offers free screening for those at risk—anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. It is designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information, so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed. Florida’s next KEEP is scheduled to be held in Tallahassee on March 20, 2010 (at the Old Health Department Building at 872 W. Orange Ave.).

Each year the cost of managing CKD in the U.S. exceeds $32 billion in public and private spending. FMQAI targets clinical topics, like CKD, where changing processes of care can yield significant improvements in quality, potential reduction in costs, and overall increase in health value.
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FMQAI is Florida’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) and the ESRD Network of Florida. As the Medicare QIO for Florida and ESRD Network 7, FMQAI is under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).


This material was prepared by FMQAI, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization and End Stage Renal Disease Network for Florida, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. FL2010F73T1ABC2011667

chronic kidney disease     diabetes     End Stage Renal Disease     hypertension