Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that involves a gradual loss of kidney function. While an estimated 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease, more than 90% are unaware that they have it [1]. Proper kidney functioning is essential for maintaining health as they filter waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure and early cardiovascular disease.
Since there are usually no symptoms of chronic kidney disease until it advances, routine testing is crucial for people at high risk. One in three American adults is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, with risk factors including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more [2]. Fortunately, LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test can help at-risk health plan members monitor their kidney function, enabling early intervention and cost-effective disease management.
A HEDIS measure to improve kidney health
In 2020, a HEDIS measure was introduced to improve kidney health in the United States, especially for those most at risk. The Kidney Health Evaluation for Patients with Diabetes (KED) measure aims to close gaps in care and improve kidney disease testing in people with diabetes, which is a key risk factor. The KED measure tracks the percentage of adults with diabetes between 18 and 85 who have received an annual kidney health evaluation, using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR).
While people with diabetes should receive routine testing for kidney disease, fewer than 50% of this population receive it [3]. An annual evaluation provides critical insights into kidney health, so health plan members can engage in proactive health care and reduce expenses by managing conditions. LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test can help health plans meet the KED HEDIS measure and ensure their members receive the appropriate preventive care and quality chronic condition management with continuous testing.
Benefits of meeting the kidney health HEDIS measure
With LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test, health plans can provide quality preventive care that impacts Star Ratings and HEDIS measures to improve member retention, satisfaction, and expansion. These preventive tests can help members manage their chronic condition, driving down medical expenses and allowing better health outcomes. By using at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Tests, health plans can help their members engage in preventive care from the comfort of their homes.
Providing members with quality care for chronic kidney disease also has significant financial implications. LetsGetChecked’s at-home testing solution can help health plans close care gaps and provide preventive care that improves Star Ratings, leading to quality-based financial incentives. A Star Rating of 4 or higher receives a 5% bonus payment and rebates, with 4.5 and 5-star health plans receiving the highest rebates. Additionally, meeting the KED measure can improve HEDIS scores and a health plan’s potential to earn additional revenue through pay for performance models.
LetsGetChecked’s Kidney Health Evaluation Test
LetsGetChecked is focused on raising awareness about the importance of kidney health and the recognition of chronic kidney disease as a major public health issue. Our at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test indicates how the kidneys are functioning by measuring the levels of creatinine, uACR, and eGFR. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles that measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. The uACR detects abnormal protein levels in urine, and the eGFR measures creatinine levels to provide an accurate kidney function measurement. An eGFR >90 indicates normal kidney function.
LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test is convenient and straightforward to use, producing timely and accurate results. To drive utilization, LetsGetChecked deploys a multi-channel engagement strategy that reinforces the kit’s ease of use and the value of its health insights. Test kits are delivered directly to members’ homes, removing traditional barriers to engagement such as location and transportation. After collecting their finger prick and urine samples, members will use the prepaid shipping label to send them to our CAP-accredited, and CLIA certified laboratory for processing. Confidential results are available within two to five days.
Provide quality kidney health evaluations with LetsGetChecked
Chronic kidney disease is a leading public health problem, costing Medicare beneficiaries over $80 billion or $23,700 per person [4]. LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Health Evaluation Test can help health plans combat this issue by providing quality preventive care to the members that need it most.
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