Webinar - January 29, 1PM ET: Increasing Preemptive Kidney Transplants and Optimal Starts

Wednesday, January 29, 2024 at 1:00pm ET

Patients impacted with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) face many complex treatment options as their kidney function declines. The preferred option is a preemptive kidney transplant; however, the referral and evaluation process are all too often onerous, and waiting times can, in some regions, extend over 5 years. That is a long time to live in limbo hoping for that lifeline which can return day-to-day life to a near normal state.

The good news is that we have an increasing number of interventions proving effective at slowing CKD progression. This work provides the extra time many patients need to properly evaluate which treatment option best suits their wants and needs. Achieving an Optimal Start, defined as transitioning from late-stage CKD to either receiving a pre-emptive kidney transplant, or starting dialysis at home or incenter with a permanent dialysis access and not an indwelling dialysis catheter, is associated with better quality and financial outcomes. Success requires time, education, and care coordination as delivered by value-based care payment models.

During this discussion:

• Learn new strategies from leading nephrologists ensuring more patients can be referred, waitlisted, and even transplanted prior to needing dialysis.
• Understand the role of embedded renal care coordinators who help support physicians to improve the chances of a better outcome for patients.
• Hear how value-based care models support early education, care coordination and other interventions which in turn are increasing transplant waitlisting and optimal starts.

Our experts for this discussion:

Dr. George Hart, Chief Medical Officer, Interwell Health

George brings a 30-year career in nephrology and as a practicing physician to his role as Chief Medical Officer. He first joined Interwell Health in 2020 serving as co-Chief Medical Officer before moving full-time to his new role in late 2022. Most recently, he served as President of Metrolina Nephrology Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina where he led a practice of 80 providers, while also serving as a medical director for Fresenius Kidney Care. George has specialized in transplant nephrology and previously served as the medical director for the kidney and pancreas transplant programs at Carolinas Healthcare system (now Atrium Health) and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill. He earned his MD from Wake Forest University.

Dr. Heather Jones, Eastern Nephrology Associates

Heather Jones, MD is a nephrologist at Eastern Nephrology Associated in Greenville, NC and the medical director of the kidney transplant program at East Carolina University. She has over 13 years of experience, especially focused on efforts to help patients receive a transplant before the need for dialysis. She graduated from Wake Forest University in 2005. She is affiliated with ECU Health Medical Center.

Kathy Galloway, Renal Care Coordinator, Interwell Health

Kathy Galloway is a Renal Care Coordinator (RCC) with Interwell Health, working for the past three years to support patients in value-based care programs at Eastern Nephrology Associates in Greenville, NC. She has 25 years of experience in the renal and dialysis field having worked as a registered nurse, clinic manager, and kidney care advocate for Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Health Partners. She holds an Associate Degree in Nursing from Beaufort County Community College. Kelly is passionate about improving the lives of her patients and is deeply committed to her family, including her husband of 34 years, two children, and three grandchildren.