This has been a difficult year for the medical community as we do everything we can to combat the spread of COVID-19 while protecting the most vulnerable patients.
One especially vulnerable group right now is patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), in large part because they see so many different doctors. They need to regularly see a primary care physician and nephrologist, and go in for dialysis multiple times a week. Many also have other health conditions like diabetes alongside their kidney disease.
Unfortunately, these treatments often are not properly coordinated, meaning extra doctors’ appointments, higher costs, and sometimes even treatments that conflict with one another. Thankfully Congress is working on bi-partisan efforts like the BETTER Kidney Care Act, among other initiatives, that will allow ESRD patients’ doctors to better coordinate and make sure the patient is receiving the proper care.
Thankfully, Iowa has capable elected leaders who have strong records with regard to standing up and advocating for patients, like Iowa’s Sens. Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley, among others. I’m confident that lawmakers in Washington, D.C. will follow the lead of our elected officials here in Iowa and stand up for ESRD patients nationwide.
Marcia Ledvina, Avoca
