Abstract
Background: This study investigates provider practices regarding recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) dose when patient hemoglobin levels exceeded National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative target levels and reached 13 g/dL or greater (≥130 g/L). Methods: The study population (N = 167,796) was hemodialysis patients prevalent on January 1, 2003, who were on renal replacement therapy at least 90 days with Medicare as primary payer and rHuEPO claims in 2 or more consecutive months. Patient characteristics were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medical Evidence Report, and comorbid conditions were determined from Medicare claims. Providers and rHuEPO claims were linked by using CMS-assigned provider numbers and the CMS Annual End-Stage Renal Disease Facility Survey. Between-provider differences in patient characteristics were examined by using chi-square test, and provider effect on appropriate response, by using logistic regression. Results: DaVita's percentage of monthly claims for patients with hemoglobin levels of 13 g/dL or greater (≥130 g/L; 16.7%) and mean monthly rHuEPO dose (54,299 units) were highest. Dialysis Clinic Inc's percentage of such claims (2.0%) and mean monthly dose (38,687 units) were lowest. Dialysis Clinic Inc, Fresenius, and Renal Care Group had the highest percentage of recommended dose adjustments (mean, 70% of units); hospital-based units had the lowest (59%). By adjusted odds ratio, adjustments were 20% more likely for Dialysis Clinic Inc, Fresenius, and Renal Care Group compared with DaVita, National Nephrology Associates, hospital-based units, and independents (17% to 28% less likely). Conclusion: rHuEPO dose reduction practices are dependent on specific dialysis providers and whether units are hospital based or independent.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 135-142 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | American Journal of Kidney Diseases |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2007 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Support: This study was supported by an unrestricted research grant from Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA. Potential conflicts of interest: A.J.C. and D.T.G. have received consulting fees from Amgen. J.P.E., none.
Keywords
- Hematocrit
- hemodialysis (HD)
- hemoglobin
- recombinant human erythropoietin