(Excerpt from Network 5 Kidney End-of-Life Coalition Website)
“There are over 320,000 people receiving dialysis therapy in the United States and over 45% are over the age of 60. Despite many dialysis patients having significant co-morbid conditions that affect their care, they have a high quality of life and can be expected to enjoy extra years of life afforded by dialysis. However, this is not true for all patients. About 20% of patients withdraw from dialysis prior to death, and many die from heart disease, infections, and other causes while continuing dialysis. For these patients, end-of-life care is an important part of their treatment plan.”
Renal Physicians Association
National Kidney Foundation
Center to Advance Palliative Care
Renal Support Network
Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services