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ESRD
Patients
What
is End-Stage Renal Disease, "ESRD"?
ESRD
is irreversible kidney disease which requires treatment with an artificial
kidney (dialysis) or a kidney transplant for a person to maintain life
and health. ESRD is the only disease which entitles an individual to
Medicare benefits (with some minimum requirements).
Topics
in this section introduce subjects--including recommendations--that
may interest people with end-stage renal disease. Network #17 encourages
patients and their families to visit our "Web
site Links" page for more, general information on ESRD and
related health issues. In case of emergencies such as natural disasters
we encourage patients to review CMS Publication #10150 Preparing
for Emergencies (pdf 37 pgs) - En Espanol.
Most
importantly, we recommend that patients engage their care team (physicians,
nurses, social workers, dietitians, and technicians) in the decision-making
process, to steer a balanced and optimal approach to treatment.
Network
#17does not handle issues dealing with money, payment of bills,
or state or federal licensure or certification issues. Please visit
the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services Web site for more information about these kinds
of issues.
Patients
may call toll-free 1-800-232-3773 to speak to someone on the Network
#17 staff.
For
information about the national ESRD program please visit www.esrdnetworks.org.

505
San Marin Dr. Bldg. A, Suite 300, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: 415-897-2400
Administration Fax: 415-897-2422
Data Fax: 415-897-2443
Toll-free for Patients: 1-800-232-3773