Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do with LGC?
I am the Provider Team Lead with LGC. I have been a nurse practitioner for a decade. Prior to that, I worked as a nurse in a surgery center that provided dialysis access care. We placed dialysis catheters for patients with end-stage renal disease and also maintained their fistulas and grafts with angiography and angioplasty procedures.
When I became a nurse practitioner I then joined the same kidney practice and treated patients in dialysis centers, nursing facilities, hospitals, and the office. I have a family history of kidney disease and my grandfather and uncle were both dialysis patients, my uncle later received a kidney transplant. My passion is educating on the importance of kidney health and optimizing other medical conditions that could otherwise worsen kidney health.
What is the connection between diabetes and chronic kidney disease?
Diabetes damages small blood vessels in the body over time. We have two kidneys on either side of our lower back. Each contains 1 million small blood vessels that act as a filter and sensor to eliminate waste products that we consume, such as water, food, and medications. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, and kidney function can decline. By keeping diabetes and blood sugar under control, we can keep the kidneys healthier for longer.
Why is it important to screen for patients with diabetes to screen for CKD?
Many people do not realize they have chronic kidney disease until the disease is in an advanced stage. Since diabetes can affect the blood vessels within the kidneys it is important to screen for chronic kidney disease annually.
Approximately 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which represents about 14% of the adult population. The HEDIS measure was introduced in 2020 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The intent is to identify decreased kidney function earlier to improve kidney health in the diabetic population and decrease long-term complications.
How does LetsGetChecked make it easy for health plans to meet the KED HEDIS measure?
The KED HEDIS measure assesses whether adults 18–85 years of age with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) received:
- an annual kidney health evaluation, including a blood test for kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and
- a urine test for kidney disease (urine albumin creatinine ratio [uACR])
LetsGetChecked offers 3 testing options to help meet your needs. Our test kits may include a dry blood spot card (DBS) and a urine collection tube. We offer Kidney Health Evaluation (KHE DBS) which tests uACR, Creatinine, eGFR, Kidney Health Evaluation + HbA1c DBS which tests uACR, Creatinine, eGFR, HbA1c, and Kidney Health - eGFR DBS which tests Creatinine, eGFR.
What role does the provider team play in LGC’s Kidney Health Evaluation Test solution?
Results are available 2-5 days on average after they are received in the lab. Our provider staff reviews the results for any critical concerns and relays them immediately to the member and client. Result calls follow with an introduction and greeting to the member informing them we are calling from LetsGetChecked on behalf of the payer program. Results are reviewed with the member and the member is provided with education. They advise the member to follow up with their PCP to discuss the results.
Close gaps in kidney care with LetsGetChecked
The burden of chronic kidney disease weighs heavily on individuals and healthcare systems alike. Better prevention strategies and kidney health testing programs are pivotal to improving screening opportunities and increasing timely diagnosis.
LetsGetChecked’s comprehensive healthcare solutions make it easy for health plans to leverage a kidney health screening program. We meet members where they are, empowering them to manage their health from the comfort of home and close gaps in kidney care. Together, we can meet the KED HEDIS measure to improve population health and impact Star ratings.
