General Medical/Health Resources

American Medical Association

The AMA is an organization committed to medicine and professionalism. The AMA works as the patient's advocate and the physician's voice. As the voice of the American medical profession, the AMA develops and promotes standards in medical practice, research and education; serves as an advocate on behalf of physicians and patients; and provides timely nformation on health matters.

American Medical News (AMNews) is now available on personal digital assistants (PDAs) or via your wireless Internet connection. This mobile edition keeps physicians wired into medical news. For more information on the growth of PDAs and a list of hand-held resources, visit the AMNews Web site at http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/amnews/pick_01/tesa0730.htm

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

AAMI is the primary source of consensus and timely information on medical instrumentaion and technology, and is the primary resource for the industry, the professions, and government for national and international standards. AAMI provides multidisciplinary leadership and programs that enhance the ability of the professions, health care institutions, and industry to understand, develop, manage and use medical instrumentation and related technologies safely and effectively.

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) announced the release of a new product for dialysis professionals -- a complete collection of current dialysis standards, technical information reports and monographs on CD-ROM. AAMI Standards on CD - Dialysis contains the newest AAMI/American National Standards for dialysis and is a must for any dialysis professional, facility or manufacturer of dialysis equipment. To order your new AAMI Standards on CD - Dialysis please call 1-800-332-2264 (ext.217) or visit http://www.aami.org, http://www.aami.org/publications/CD/index.html for more information.

Government Funded Agencies

Agency for Health Care Research and Quality

AHRQ, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce its costs, improve patient safety ,decrease medical errors, and broaden access to essential services. AHRQ sponsors and conducts research that provides evidence-based information on healthcare decisionmakers-patients and clinicians, health system leaders, and policymakers-make more informed decisions and improve the quality of healthcare services.

CDC's Campaign to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance in Heatlhcare Settings

A resource for clinicians and patients to download or order fact sheets, posters, slide sets, and other information about preventing antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) formerly known as HCFA

CMS provides health insurance for over 74 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program(SCHIP). The majority of these individuals receive their benefits through the fee-for-service delivery system, however, an increasing number are choosing managed care plans. Visit our web site to learn about CMS activities and initiatives.

Fistula First

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in close collaboration with key stakeholders in the renal community, announced the launch of Fistula First, to achieve breakthrough improvements in the use of safe vascular access and promote the placement of AV Fistulas in all suitable hemodialysis patients.

Medicare Information -- The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare

This Medicare beneficiary website offers several new publications: a brochure about the website itself, Choosing a Doctor; Choosing a Hospital, Choosing Treatment, Medicare and Other Health Benefits, Your Guide to Who Pays First, and the Spanish Preventive brochure. New and improved publications are also available on the site including Medicare Fraud and Abuse, Understanding Your Medicare Choices, and Medicare Coverage for Second Surgical Opinions.

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an independent federal body that advises the U.S. Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program. It was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33), which merged the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC) and the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC). - Charged with reviewing payment policies under Medicare and making recommendations to Congress. -Last report out in August 1999 on teaching hospitals and GME

National Institute Of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports basic and clinical research through investigator-initiated grants, program project and center grants, and career development and training awards. The Institute also supports research and development projects and large-scale clinical trials through contracts.

United Network For Organ Sharing (UNOS)

The transplant community is joined under a nationwide umbrella: the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS. UNOS, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a private, not-for-profit, membership corporation qualified as a charitable organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the IRC. UNOS administers the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the U.S. Scientific Registry on Organ Transplantation under contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Scientific Registry is the most complete medical database in the world, tracking all solid organ transplants since October 1, 1987.

United States Renal Data System (USRDS)

The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) is a national data system which collects, analyzes, and distributes information about end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States. The USRDS is funded directly by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in conjunction with the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA).

Nephrology Information Resources

AAMI Dialysis Standards

The 2001 edition of AAMI Standards and Recommended Practices for Dialysis is an indispensable reference for: doctors, nurses, technicians, manufacturers, government agencies, and patient organizations specializing in nephrology. Complete collection of 10 dialysis standards and reports from AAMI, including six American National Standards for hemodialyzers, hemodialyzer blood tubing, reuse of hemodialyzers, and hemodialysis systems; two 1998 monographs on current concepts in hemodialyzer reprocessing and water quality for dialysis; and two other related reports.

Cybernephrology

A major nephrology portal representing the cyberNephrology initiative of the National Kidney Foundation as well as related activities of the International Society of Nephrology Commission on Informatics. Recent activities are under the "What's New" icon at upper left and include free access to the five volume Schrier Atlas of Diseases of the Kidney with all graphics and associated Powerpoint files.

Electronic Dialysis & Nephrology clinical and billing service.

Improve your billing efficiency. National Billing Associates offers complete billing solutions for dialysis centers and nephrology practices.

Foundation Physician Staffing

Foundation Physician Staffing specializes in providing physician staffing solutions for nephrology practices.

HDCN

Hypertension, Dialysis, and Clinical Nephrology, a site posted by the ASN and RPA and updated weekly, is aimed primarily at physicians and nurses who treat patients with renal disease. It provides selected information on renal disorders and their treatment (such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and about hypertension, dialysis, and clinical nephrology topics. Users should be aware that certain portions of the site may only be accessed for a fee.

Home Dialysis Central

Dedicated to raising awareness and use of home dialysis therapies (both PD and home hemo), Home Dialysis Central is a clearinghouse of information, offering resources and support for both professionals and patients. Features include accurate reimbursement information, message boards, a Legislative Action Center, a database of clinics offering home dialysis, patient stories, links, and more.

iKidney.com

iKidney.com is an ever-growing gateway to the worldwide kidney community which is created and enhanced by the community itself. Ikidney.com seeks to share information that is relevant to the kidney disease community in a format that is accessible to patients, family members and caregivers alike. The goal is to create a place where all people involved in kidney care, wherever they are located, may receive, share, and participate in the exchange of, information that enhances kidney patients' quality of life -- and the quality of care provided to patients.

Kidney School

Orient your new nephrology nurses, social workers, and technicians, and educate your patients with this free, interactive, on-line kidney learning center in 16 30-minute modules.

KTV: Free dialysis adequacy software

This site is a free KT/V dialysis adequacy calculator for hemo and peritoneal dialysis, with built in warnings for modeling errors and recirculation.

National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants

NSCHBC offers an annual regional and national overhead statistics report for small private-practice nephrology and most other specialties of health care. A directory of consultants is also available.

Nephrology News and Issues (NNI)

Nephrology News & Issues, Inc. (NN&I) incorporated in 1986 and debuted its first issue in February 1987, its goal to provide the best professional forum for the exchange of ideas in renal care. It is NNI's goal to facilitate communication among the professional caregivers in Nephrology.

Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission

The NNCC site has information regarding credentialing nurses working with patients with kidney disease.

Nephrology Social Work Archive

A collaborative archive for renal social work professionals, Nephrology Social Work Archive makes available many documents and links useful to practitioners of Medical Social Work and other professionals.

NephrologyUSA

NephrologyUSA is a nationwide recruitment and consulting firm specializing in the field of Nephrology. In addition, Nephrology USA provides consultation services in succession planning, medical compensation, medical practice valuations, recruitment issues and partnership options. The site also provides information on our services, articles relating to Nephrology Manpower needs and the recruiting process.

Nephron Information Center

The major portal for the renal community: physicians, patients, nurses, technicians, dietitians, and social workers. Includes news events updated daily, a search engine for dialysis units, as well as links to FDA drug alerts, current congressional activity renal organizations, NIH grants, clinical trials, calculators, guidelines, government agencies and many resources for pre ESRD and ESRD management. From this site one can directly search Medline, Uptodate, and GSM pharmacology database, a statistical dictionary and transplant centers in the USA. One can also check e-mail directly from the site while traveling. The site also includes NEPHROQUEST, a question and answer center for kidney patients

Nephrotogo

NephroToGo is a comprehensive nephrology handbook for hand held computers that use the Palm operating system. The handbook can be downloaded free of charge at www.nephrotogo.com.

NextLevel Medical Billing Services

NextLevel MBS specializes in billing & reimbursement management solutions for Nephrology healthcare professionals. Our team of physicians, financial managers, and billing / coding experts offer over 20 years experience dealing with payer-specific rules for nephrology practices. Our solutions are powered by OwlMD, a state-of-the-art, practice management system designed specifically to meet the modern challenges facing today's nephrology professionals. Whether you are considering an outsourced billing service or a new software system to manage your billing internally, NextLevel MBS powered by OwlMD can fit your needs.

PAHCS

The Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists was founded for the explicit purpose of providing a support system to medical coders in specialty environments. Effort is focused on opening the communication links between specialties and among each other as well as other health care providers such as hospitals, medical associations, medical societies, vendors and so forth. The purpose and the overriding long term strategic goal of PAHCS is the continuous improvement of coding knowledge, processes, and systems within healthcare practices.

Renal Cancer Watch

Latest evidence-based research on renal cell (kidney) cancer treatment; commentaries by Constantine Kaniklidis medical researcher

RenalNet

RenalNet was created by Drs. Dugan and Frank Maddux, nephrologists in Danville, Virginia, to provide a clearinghouse for historical information on the cause, treatment and management of kidney disease and ESRD.

RenalWEB

RenalWEB is the daily newspaper of the dialysis world. Features include constantly updated news, the Dialysis Yellow Pages, links to hundreds of resources, and discussion boards for patients, nurses, techs, and administrators.

RenalWorld

A major resource base for the international renal community. Contains information about disaster relief, and arranges links by continent. This site links extensively into the Nephron Information Center as well as to many major resources worldwide.

Sovereign Medical & Dental Billing

With our vast experience in Nepgrology billing, we understand the unique issues you face in trying to capture your monthly dialysis visits. SMDB will design a system to help track your progress throughout the month, therefore allowing for accurate billing of those services.

Training Modules for Dialysis Patient Care Staff

Five 45-minute in-service training modules designed to build staff communication skills to promote better customer service and patient satisfaction (Mid-Atlantic Renal Coalition).

World Kidney Fund

The World Kidney Fund was established by the National Kidney Foundation Singapore to assist non-profit kidney organization in establishing and developing their renal programs and facilities.

Renal-Related Organizations

American Association Of Kidney Patients(AAKP)

Founded 30 years ago, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) exists to serve the needs, interests and welfare of all kidney patients and their families.

American Kidney Fund (AKF)

The American Kidney Fund is a national voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the daily lives of people with chronic kidney disease.

American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)

Established as a nonprofit organization in 1969, the American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) has a growing membership of nearly 10,000 nephrology professionals. ANNA operates under a constitution and bylaws and serves its members through a national structure, four regions, and over 100 local chapters. Registered nurses and other healthcare professionals with varying experience and expertise in such areas as conservative management, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapies, and renal and extra-renal transplantation comprise its membership. The American Nephrology Nurses' Association as a professional organization has the obligation to set forth and update high standards of patient care, educate its practitioners, stimulate research, disseminate new ideas through the field, promote interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, and address issues encompassing the practice of nephrology nursing.

American Society for Artificial Internal Organs

To advance the research, development and medical application of bionic technologies.

American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology

The American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology was founded in 2000 to promote the proper application of new and existing procedures in the practice of nephrology with the goal of improving the care of nephrology patients. These procedures include, but are not limited to insertion of tunneled hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis catheters, endovascular procedures, and diagnostic sonography. Activities of the Society include the establishment of practice standards, certification of physicians in specific procedures, accreditation of training programs in specific procedures, development of training tools and techniques, sponsoring symposia and training courses, and the dissemination of information through periodic meetings and through print and other media. The Society organized its first program in New Orleans. It also organized its first annual scientific meeting in Phoenix, AZ in February 2005 which was met with overwhelming success. The Society is working closely with other societies and with nephrology training programs to achieve its goals.

ASN

American Society of Nephrology

ASPN

American Society of Pediatric Nephrology

DaVita

The premiere source for kidney disease and dialysis information on the web.

DaVita Patient Citizens

DPC is a non-profit patient organization dedication to improving the quality of life for dialysis and pre-dialysispatients.

ESRD Networks

End Stage Renal Disease Forum of Networks

Foundation for Children with Atypical HUS

Foundation for Children with Atypical HUS as well as the Maryland Patient Advocacy Group (MPAG) are both 501c3 non-profit agencies dedicated to finding the cause, better treatment and cure for atypical HUS and advocating for the needs of ESRD patients.

ITCWP Kidney Center

Ittefaq Traders Community Welfare Programme (ITCWP) is a registered NGO that is engaged in carrying out free kidney dialysis of the poor and helpless people from the entire NWFP including tribal areas. Since 1999, ITCWP has spent an amount of above or below Rs. 91 Million on Free Dialysis, Transplants, General OPD, academic scholarships for needy and talented students, distribution of consumption, free medical camps and vaccination. A 50 bedded Kidney Hospital has been completed in Gulbahar, No. 1, Peshawar, on a two canal prime plot donated by Governor NWFP, in recognition of the genuine and transparent activities and achievements of ITCWP. President of Pakistan has also generously granted Rs.1Million for this project with the promise to provide every possible support to ITCWP in future. This project has been completed with the total financial outlay of Rs.2.5 Million, out of which about 10 Million is being generated through donations from the philanthropists belonging to ITCWP.

KDOQI

The Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiatives created by the National Kidney Foundation have been placed online in HTML format for easy and quick access. These K/DOQI Guidelines have been established to assist health care professionals in early identification and mangement of kidney disease, with the intent of helping to improve clinical outcomes for individuals with kidney disease at all stages.

Kidney & Urology Foundation of America

A leader in its field for over 50 years, the Kidney & Urology Foundation of America is dedicated to helping the more than 70 million Americans who suffer from the debilitating effects of kidney, urologic, and related diseases, and to fostering ground-breaking research that will result in new and better treatments.

Life Options Rehabilitation Program

Since 1993, the Life Options Rehabilitation Program has been exploring ways to help people on dialysis live long and live well.

Lifelink Foundation

LifeLink Foundation is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of an increasing number of high quality organs and tissues for transplant therapy. The Foundation attempts to work sensitively, diligently, and compassionately with donor families to facilitate the donation of desperately needed organs and tissues for waiting patients.

NANT

National Association of Nephrology Technicians

National Anemia Action Council

The National Anemia Action Council (NAAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising the awareness of health care professionals and the public regarding the prevalence, symptoms, consequences, and undertreatment of anemia.

First convened in November 2000, NAAC is comprised of more than 20 leading health care providers who are experts in identifying and treating anemia. Their specialties include hematology, nephrology, oncology, cardiology, critical care, rheumatology, gastroenterology, surgery, internal medicine, and nursing.

NAAC’s Web site, www.anemia.org, is the repository of the latest knowledge available on anemia, with special emphasis on the anemia associated with chronic disease. Unique features include an anemia reference library linked to PubMed, practice questions answered by anemia-expert physicians, and free online CME courses.

National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP)

NKDEP was created by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to close the gap between evidence and practice. Working through a Steering Committee, Work Groups and private and public partners, NKDEP aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from kidney disease by raising awareness about the seriousness of the problem and the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate management.

The program will initially target primary care providers and people at highest risk for kidney disease--particularly African Americans with diabetes, hypertension and/or a family history of kidney failure--in four pilot cities: Baltimore, MD; Atlanta, GA; Jackson, MS; Cleveland, OH.

National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation, Inc. (NKF) is a voluntary health organization that seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. The NKF web site focuses on 4 groups: 1) the Health Care Professional, 2) Organ and Tissue Donors and Recipients, 3) Patients, and 4) the General Public. The NKF web site is clean and well organized. Of particular interest is CyberNephrology, the NKF's forum for discussion groups, archivals of renal meetings, continuing education programs, and an on-line journal club. iKidney encourages members of the community to visit this web site.

National Org. for Renal Disease (NORD)

Licensed, health agency that produces health events/expos yearly in the Southern California area. Licensed, health care professionals oversee and provide health screenings. Target high-risk communities predisposed to developing kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Provides some related educational materials-including nutrition and diet. All services are free of charge. Volunteer driven. Target population: Latino, African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander and seniors.

National Renal Administrators Associations (NRAA)

The National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA) is a voluntary organization representing professional managers of dialysis facilities and centers throughout the United States. Our members manage approximately two-thirds of the dialysis services to a majority of Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease SRD) patients. From a few charter members in 1977, the NRAA has become the largest national association representing renal administrators and managers. The NRAA fulfills the diverse needs of both hospital-based and freestanding facilities. Through education, networking, information, and governmental representation, NRAA aims to maintain competence and enhance professionalism throughout the renal community.

Nephroworld

The Virtual Community and Marketplace for Professionals, Patients, Organizations and Companies related to Nephrology.

Northwest Kidney Centers (NKC)

NKC provides outpatient dialysis, home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and support services to patients with kidney failure. Services include: In Center Dialysis, Home Dialysis, Acute Dialysis ServiceL Pharmacy, Nutrition Services, Patient Finance Services, and Social Services.

St. Clair Specialty Physicians

St. Clair Specialty Physicians, P.C. is a nephrology group with offices across the greater Metro-Detroit area. We provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care.

The PKD Foundation

The PKD Foundation is the only organization, worldwide, devoted to determining the cause, improving clinical treatment and discovering a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

The Renal Physicians Association of Michigan (RPAM)

The Renal Physicians Association of Michigan

Ultracare-dialysis.com

An educational resource for patients at all stages of ESRD, their families, friends, and caregivers. Including information on kidneys and kidney disease, options for treatment, and living a healthy lifestyle on dialysis.