End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

End-stage renal disease is a chronic, life-threatening condition that usually develops over a period of years. An end result of chronic kidney disease, ESRD occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function at a level that is necessary for day-to-day life and dialysis is required. Public and private spending for ESRD are in excess of $27 billion.

Program Goals

Because end-stage renal disease has a high mortality rate – 20 percent of dialysis patients – this program focuses on self-management and monitoring. ESRD staff also address participants' quality-of-life issues.

Services provided

Program components include:

Assessment and care planning with an interdisciplinary team
Education about kidney disease; when to report signs and symptoms; managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease; and medication adherence
Case management and coordination of services designed by a panel of nationally recognized nephrologists
Application of protocols and guidelines in efforts to address comorbid conditions

The bottom line

Results include:

Participants are 36 percent below national benchmark in length of stay
6 percent above the national benchmark for acceptable hemoglobin A1c levels

These programs and tools are not insurance products and are not guaranteed under any contract. Humana is not required to provide these services.

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