For Providers

2018 Performance Guidance

Network 13 Performance Guidance is intended to provide guidance for dialysis provider delivery of care to patients on chronic dialysis therapies. Annually, the Network 13 Performance Guidance is reviewed by the Network 13 Medical Review Board for continuity with the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP), as well as with other established, evidence-based guidance and recommendations. Simultaneously, the Network Standards, Grievance and Sanction Policies are annually reviewed and updated, using available clinical resources and expertise in conjunction with the Network-specific analyses and their knowledge specific to our service area. The Performance Guidance is applicable to adult and pediatric ESRD patient populations and is current as of February 2019.

Network 13 Grievance Poster for Oklahoma Facilities

This poster should be prominently posted in your facility to assist patients with understanding the basic steps that need to be taken if they have concerns about their care.

Network 13 Grievance Poster for Louisiana Facilities

This poster should be prominently posted in your facility to assist patients with understanding the basic steps that need to be taken if they have concerns about their care.

Anticipating Violent Behavior and De-escalation Techniques (PDF)

This presentation can assist with teaching facility management and floor staff to:

• Identify contributing factors and indicators significant in patients or caregivers who may become difficult or violent.
• Use measures, techniques, and effective communication skills to decrease the likelihood of violent behavior from occurring and to de-escalate or defuse an explosive situation.
• Improve staff knowledge and skill in communicating with and caring for the difficult and/or potentially violent patient or caregiver. 

Managing Patients' Challenges at Dialysis

This presentation by Kristin Kuntz, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Ohio State University, provides an overview of the psychological challenges of dialysis and identifies interventions to support patients’ mental health. 

Conditions for Coverage

The Survey and Certification Program certifies end stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities for inclusion in the Medicare Program.  This page includes links to applicable laws and regulations, and provides resources to support and assess compliance with Federal regulations.

Healthcare-Associated Infections

The ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC) is leading an initiative to support the 18 ESRD Networks in the elimination of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in the ESRD population. This page will provide access to the national educational offerings that are being developed and offered by this team as well as access to tools and resources for your use in the field to eliminate healthcare associated infections.

CMS Memo: Clarifying PY 2020 Performance Period for ESRD QIP NHSN Personnel Influenza Vaccination Reporting Measure

As a part of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) PPS proposed rule released in May 2017, CMS proposes to correct the performance period for the NHSN Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Reporting Measure for Payment Year (PY) 2020.

ESRD Quality Incentive Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP) to promote high-quality services in outpatient dialysis facilities treating patients with ESRD. This page includes FAQs, milestones, and program details.

Annual Reports

A library of Annual Reports for ESRD Network 13.

ESRD Network 13 Hemodialysis Vascular Access Management Trends Report May 2019

This is a comparative report supplied to give providers a sense of their performance relative to the performance of other facilities and organizations, both locally and regionally.

Model Policy for DNR Orders in Dialysis Facilities

Developed by the ESRD Peer Workgroup of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Promoting Excellence in End-of-Life Care Program and endorsed by the RPA/ASN Quality Patient Care Committee.

Caring Information

This Web site is an initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and provides a wide range of free materials about end-of-life care including State Specific Advance Directive Documents.

Quarter 3 2020 Provider Newsletter

The Quarter 3 newsletter provides important information on COVID-19 response, hurricane Laura, the role of the Network, Medicare Part D, patient participation in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), smoking cessation, diabetic foot checks, flu and pneumococcal vaccinations, data...

Quarter 2 2020 Provider Newsletter

The Quarter 2 newsletter provides important information on COVID-19 response, preparing for all hazards emergencies, fluid management, engaging patients via virtual options, data management, and ESRD Quality Incentive Program updates.

Dialysis NHSN Helpdesk: Newsblast Archive

Newsblasts are simple and short articles that address important issues currently trending in the Dialysis Helpdesk inbox. In February 2015, the Dialysis Helpdesk began disseminating newsblasts on a monthly basis, towards the end of each month. Refer to the newsblast archive for answers to frequently asked questions, deadline reminders, and breaking news that you may have missed. 

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to ensuring that every kidney patient has access to health care, and that every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. The site offers patient programs, kidney disease education, and professional education.

American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)

The mission of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is to promote excellence in and appreciation of nephrology nursing so we can make a positive difference for people with kidney disease.

ICH CAHPS

The official website for news and information about the ICH CAHPS Survey.

ICH CAHPS: It's All About You!

This informational one-page provides a simple overview of the ICH CAHPS survey process. English Spanish

American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) Support Group Guidebook

The Community Patient Support Group Guidebook is a resource to help facilities and patients to form independent patient support groups.

Patient support groups consist of an assembly of people with a similar disease/condition who meet on a regular basis to exchange mutual support and discuss how better to cope with their disease. Attending a patient support group can be one of the initial steps toward accepting and understanding the conditions and effects of kidney disease.

Dialysis Patient Responsibilities Poster

Please be sure to prominently display a copy of these Patient Responsibilities in your facility where it can be seen and read by patients, family members, and caregivers.