Services
Programs
Kidney Health
Improving the health and quality of life of individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) for over two decades.
About the Program
HSAG’s team of experts possess significant experience in quality improvement, data management, grievance investigation, technical assistance, and patient and professional education.
We work with dialysis facilities, organ procurement organizations, transplant hospitals, federal and state associations, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the care rendered to individuals with kidney disease. We also work directly with individuals with kidney disease and their families and caregivers to provide education, assist in their navigation of the healthcare system, and receive feedback from them to improve the work that HSAG conducts.
HSAG has held multiple national and local contracts to improve kidney health. Our approach to this improvement work includes convening coalitions and facilitating the formulation of data-driven action plans, employing evidence-based methods to attain measurable outcomes, implementing procedures to evaluate and resolve patient grievances, and analyzing data.
By the Numbers
Our Impact
825,000+
HSAG provides education, support, and technical assistance to 825,000+ individuals with kidney disease through national contracts
80+
HSAG partners with more than 80% of the organ donation and kidney transplantation community through the ESRD Treatment Choices Learning Collaborative
1/3
HSAG serves approximately 1/3 of the nation’s dialysis population through ESRD Network contracts
Our work focuses on cost-effectiveness, quality of care, and quality of life for individuals with ESRD.
Existing Relationships
HSAG has strong relationships with dialysis and transplant providers and patients across the country and with national experts and organizations.
Extensive Experience
HSAG provides one-on-one on-site and virtual technical assistance to providers to improve their performance and spread effective practices.
Data Expertise
HSAG has detailed knowledge of and experience with ESRD datasets (e.g., ESRD Quality Reporting System [EQRS], Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients [SRTR]) and related analysis.
Skilled Interdisciplinary Staff
HSAG employs a team of nephrology nurses, quality improvement managers, social workers, renal dietitians, facility administrators, transplant coordinators, and more for a well-rounded view.
Supported ESRD-Related Programs
HSAG’s kidney health work includes multiple CMS contracts.
ESRD Network Contractor
HSAG has been an ESRD Network since 2003 and currently serves 31 percent of the nation’s dialysis population. HSAG provides quality improvement, data management, grievance investigation, technical assistance, and patient and professional education services for dialysis providers and patients with ESRD. Activities are focused on promoting patient-centered care, as well as patient and family engagement at the provider level.
ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC)
HSAG supports the work of the ESRD Network Program by providing technical assistance to the 18 ESRD Networks nationwide. HSAG supports patient and family engagement, develops educational tools, and produces data to drive technical assistance and quality improvement.
Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER)
HSAG serves as the central point of contact for the dialysis community in emergency situations and other national crises that affect the well-being of patients receiving dialysis. HSAG leads the development and maintenance of a national-level emergency management infrastructure with the primary mission to coordinate access to and continuity of care and services for patients receiving dialysis.
Technical Assistance, Quality Improvement, and Learning
HSAG leads the national ESRD Treatment Choices Learning Collaborative (ETCLC), which includes more than 400 organizations, as well as organ donation and transplant professionals, patients, and donor families. HSAG works with national faculty and quality improvement coaches, provides technical assistance and conducts root cause analysis, engages with patients and donor families, and manages the Leadership Coordinating Council.
Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) Quality Intervention Project
HSAG supports OPOs that that are participating in the voluntary Quality Intervention Project to improve organ procurement and transplant rate outcome measures. HSAG conducts outreach and provides technical assistance and assists OPOs with identifying barriers that—when resolved—have the greatest impact on improving outcomes.
Locations
Areas We Serve
