Company Educates Public About Kidney Disease and Treatment Options

Fresenius Medical Care North America, operator of the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, is hosting over 100 free Treatment Options Program (TOPs) education classes about chronic kidney disease (CKD) next week. TOPs sessions will be held in numerous locations across the country, including major cities such as Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Pittsburgh, in observation of the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association’s (ANNA) Kidney Disease Awareness and Education Week, Aug. 10 -14.

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive, usually permanent loss of kidney function that affects over 20 million Americans. Fresenius Medical Care's TOPs program provides information free to the public about kidney disease management and the treatments available when CKD leads to kidney failure, or end stage renal disease (ESRD).

TOPs classes are especially targeted to late stage CKD patients and their families. The information helps patients actively participate with their physician in preparing for the progression of the disease and selecting a type of treatment.

The majority of people with ESRD are in-center hemodialysis patients who go to a dialysis facility typically three times a week for three to five hours at a time. TOPs sessions include a focus on home therapies because only 6 percent of ESRD patients dialyze at home,* despite evidence that shows health, lifestyle and cost benefits.

"Since Fresenius Medical Care launched TOPs in 2007, more than 20,000 people have attended, and according to patient data we've collected, TOPs participants are at least five times more likely to choose home dialysis treatments," said Debra Mollicone, director of Fresenius Medical Care's TOPs program.

TOPs classes emphasize that people with CKD and ESRD have choices — such as their treatment modality — that can directly improve their quality of life. Many patients can continue to work, exercise and enjoy the same activities they did before starting dialysis.

"We're pleased that Fresenius Medical Care is committed to CKD education, and is hosting events in recognition of Kidney Disease Awareness and Education Week," said Donna Bednarski, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, CNN, CNP, president of ANNA.