Texas' Transitional Dialysis Program Led To Significant Decline In Utilization Of Emergency Dialysis

The costs of emergency dialysis is estimated to beryllium 8-times that of in-center dialysis. A caller study reveals that a transitional dialysis programme piloted successful Travis County (Austin, TX) resulted successful a important alteration successful emergency section visits and infirmary admissions for emergency dialysis by providing a pathway for outpatient dialysis in uninsured patients.

The findings were presented at ASN Kidney Week 2025, held November 5–9.

Central Health, an statement that provides wellness and wellness services for uninsured patients in Travis County, piloted nan transitional dialysis programme successful November 2022. The extremity was to supply in-center/outpatient dialysis for Travis County residents who lacked insurance coverage.

When investigators reviewed information from November 2022 to December 2024 connected nan 101 patients who enrolled successful nan program, they observed that location was a important diminution successful nan number of days patients utilized emergency dialysis successful nan infirmary anterior to uncovering an outpatient facility. Additionally, wrong 1 twelvemonth of starting dialysis, astir patients were capable to get imperishable dialysis entree pinch either an arteriovenous fistula or a peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Once accepted into nan program, Central Health provided an insurance plan to screen outpatient dialysis and transplantation. To date, 18 patients person been listed for kidney transplantation, and 2 person received surviving philanthropist transplants.

The programme has successfully facilitated dialysis entree placement and transplant evaluation. Since Texas has nary safety-net scheme for patients who do not suffice for Medicare aliases Medicaid, nan programme has nan imaginable to supply a cost-effective solution and alteration successful utilization of wellness attraction resources for those without aesculapian sum who create kidney failure. It tin beryllium a exemplary for different states and cities that besides deficiency information nett plans."

Michelle Lubetzky, MD, corresponding author, The University of Texas, Austin