Important Resources for You

Some information in this website is provided by various information suppliers that are independent of Medigroup, Inc. From time to time Medigroup, Inc. may place links to other websites on this website. Medigroup, Inc. has no control over any other website and is not responsible for the content on any site other than this one. Users assume all responsibility when they go to other sites via the links on those independent web pages.

In conjunction with our mission, Medigroup’s website contains hyperlinks (‘links’) to external, third-party websites which may be of relevant interest to renal healthcare professionals.  Those external websites, their content, and their providers, are the sole responsibility of independent third parties, and your use thereof is solely at your own risk.

Patient Education

Fresenius
www.ultracare-dialysis.com
The patient-support website of Fresenius Medical Care.  FMC has more than 127,000 patients being treated in more than 1,700 facilities nationwide.  Information is provided regarding kidney disease, treatment options, and clinic locations for patients and caregivers.  The website includes testimonial videos from current patients, a dialysis center locator, and nutrition information for PD patients, plus much more.

Baxter
www.renalinfo.com/us
Resources, Support, and Treatment for Everyone Affected by Kidney Disease:  Baxter’s website for patient- and care-giver support.  Includes information on kidney disease, treatment options, living and coping with CKD, and much more.

DaVita
http://www.davita.com/home/
http://www.davita.com/home-dialysis/c/peritoneal-dialysis
The website of DaVita and its dialysis clinics, providing kidney disease and dialysis information for patients and caregivers.  The website includes discussion forums, a dialysis center locator, and a GFR calculator, plus much more.

American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
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www.aakp.org
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is a national non-profit organization founded by kidney patients for kidney patients.  AAKP strives to educate and improve the health and well-being of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, those on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplant recipients.  AAKP has been dedicated, for more than 35 years, to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease.  The programs offered by AAKP, including their website, inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.

American Kidney Fund (AKF)
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www.kidneyfund.org
The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts.  AKF provides direct financial assistance, comprehensive educational programs, research grants, and community service projects for the benefit of kidney patients.

Renal Support Network (RSN)
www.rsnhope.org
The mission of RSN is to provide nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). The RSN is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that strives to help patients develop their personal coping skills, special talents, and employability by educating and empowering them and their family members to take control of the course and management of the disease. A vital role of the RSN is to provide lawmakers and policymakers with the patients’ perspective on the needs and capabilities of people with CKD.  RSN publishes several newsletters and other publications: RSN brochure; Live and Give (newsletter); weKan (Wellness and Education Kidney Advocacy Network) postcard; renALERT (breaking news from the RSN); 14 Ways to Help Fellow Patients; Kidney Talk promotional items; patient directory.

General

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  A good overall resource for patients and caregivers with information of kidney failure, renal replacement therapy treatment options, links to patient organizations, and other services and information resources.  Educational materials about kidney disease, its causes, prevention, and treatment are available free or at little cost.

National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKEDP)
http://nkdep.nih.gov/
The National Kidney Disease Education Program encourages people to get tested for chronic kidney disease (CKD).  It also educates those with CKD and their health care providers about ways to delay or prevent kidney failure.  The mission of NKDEP is to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by kidney disease and its complications. The NKDEP aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of kidney disease, the importance of testing those at high risk—those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure—and the availability of treatment to prevent or slow kidney failure.  Educational materials about kidney disease, its causes, prevention, and treatment are available free or at little cost.  NKDEP is an initiative of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).

PD History, Education and Information

Fresenius
www.fmcna.com
www.kidneyoptions.com/index.html
www.kidneyoptions.com/peritoneal.html
Kidney Options is an educational resource for people who have or know people who have kidney disease.  Kidney Options is also a resource for health care professionals who guide patients and their families to the best treatment option for them.  This information will empower patients with knowledge they need to make an informed decision about their kidney healthcare.  Kidney Options is supported by Fresenius Medical Care of North America.

www.advancedrenaleducation.com
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FMC's Advanced Renal Education Program offers renal healthcare professionals access to renal information online.  Free educational materials and training tools are available, including reference-based information on renal replacement therapies, downloadable staff and patient training resources, and up-to-date information on PD access products.

Davita
www.davita.com
www.davita.com/physicians/
Specific dialysis information from DaVita, specifically for nephrologists and their practices
www.davita.com/home/physicians/
Information about home dialysis options for physicians

Professional Societies & Conferences

American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology  (ASDIN)
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www.asdin.org
The mission of the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology is to promote the appropriate application of new and existing procedures in order to improve the care of patients with kidney disease.  Founded in 2000, ASDIN is a professional society of physicians and nurses that works 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.  ASDIN publishes Seminars in Dialysis, and hosts an annual conference every February.

The American Society of Nephrology  (ASN)
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www.asn-online.org
The American Society of Nephrology was founded in 1967 to enhance and assist the study and practice of nephrology, to provide a forum for the promulgation of research, and to meet the professional and continuing education needs of its members.  ASN’s members – more than 11,000 physicians and scientists – are committed to working to prevent kidney disease, to make life better for patients, and to work together toward these goals.  Whether providing expert care to patients, performing cutting-edge medical research, or training the next generation of kidney experts, ASN-member nephrologists change lives.  Through advocacy, ASN informs policymakers about issues of importance to kidney doctors and their patients.  ASN also funds research, convenes world-renowned meetings and generates educational tools that enable nephrologists to be most effective.  ASN publishes two peer-reviewed journals: the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology; ASN hosts its Renal Week conference every fall.

Annual Dialysis Conference
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http://som.missouri.edu/dialysis/
This annual conference is designed for renal health professionals: physicians, fellows, nurses, dietitians  and social workers.  Here, US and international practitioners and researchers gather to discuss current developments in the field of dialysis. The conference is designed for health professionals involved in established dialysis programs, as well as those working in new and developing programs.  Both researchers and clinicians will find sessions of interest to them.  Extensive commercial exhibits give participants a chance to see for themselves what is new in PD and HD products.  Selected conference articles and abstracts are published in Advances in Peritoneal Dialysis.

International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis  (ISPD)
www.ispd.org
ISPD is a large professional organization of PD physicians, nurses, fellows, etc., and which is dedicated to knowledge of peritoneal dialysis and to promote advancement of such knowledge through international scientific meetings and scientific publications.  ISPD publishes Peritoneal Dialysis International, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on peritoneal dialysis access and treatment.  ISPD also periodically issues recommended treatment guidelines – “best practices” – for various aspects of PD access and treatment.

The International Society of Nephrology  (ISN)
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www.isn-online.org
Founded in 1960, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) works for the worldwide advancement of education, science and patient care in nephrology.  ISN represents a wide network of international members, and provides an efficient platform for timely scientific exchange, debate and dissemination between healthcare professionals around the world regarding the research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney disease.  ISN has over 9,000 professional members from more than 126 countries.  In addition, ISN closely collaborates with over 70 national and regional nephrology societies around the world, representing about 20,000 professionals.  ISN works through conferences, collaborative partnerships, journals, and other initiatives, to reduce the incidence and impact of kidney disease worldwide.  ISN publishes Kidney International and Nature Reviews Nephrology, and is the sponsor of the annual World Kidney Day.  The ISN also sponsors several professional meetings:  ISN Forefronts Symposia, held three times every 2 years; the World Congress of Nephrology, held every other year; and ISN Bench to Bedside meetings, held annually.

National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
www.kidney.org
www.kidney.org/professionals/
The National Kidney Foundation works to enhance the lives of everyone with, at risk of or affected by kidney disease.  Working as a voluntary nonprofit health organization, NKF is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.  Through more than 50 local offices nationwide, the NKF provides patient and community services, public and professional education, patient advocacy through legislative action, and kidney research to identify new treatments.  The NKF publishes several journals and newsletters for both the healthcare professional and kidney disease patient:
Peer-reviewed Journals:  Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy; American Journal of Kidney Diseases; Journal of Renal Nutrition; Journal of Nephrology Social Work;
Newsletters:  CNSW Newsletter, CNNT Newsletter, CRN News and Briefs, Family Focus, For Those Who Give and Grieve, Transplant Chronicles;
And other patient and public education materials.

American Nephrology Nurses’ Association  (ANNA)
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www.annanurse.org
Established as a nonprofit organization in 1969, the American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) has a growing membership of over 11,000 nephrology professionals.  ANNA works to advance nephrology nursing practice and positively influence outcomes for individuals with kidney disease through advocacy, scholarship, and excellence.

Renal Physicians Association (RPA)
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www.renalmd.org
RPA represents and serves nephrologists, practice managers, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants in their pursuit of quality renal health care.  RPA members are engaged in diverse activities including practice of medicine, research, teaching, and are all committed to improving the care of patients with renal diseases and related disorders.  RPA’s mission is to promote optimal care utilizing the highest standards of medical practice for patients with renal and related diseases, to promote and protect the professional status of the discipline of nephrology, and to serve as a resource for the development of national health policy affecting renal physicians and their patients.  RPA publishes several newsletters and other publications:  RPA News (free bimonthly member newsletter); clinical practice guideline on adequacy of hemodialysis; Shared Decision Making in the Appropriate Initiation of and Withdrawal from Dialysis; Appropriate Patient Preparation for Renal Replacement Therapy; ESRD in the Age of Managed Care: A Primer on Capitation; The Renal Physicians’ Guide to Nephrology Practice; Capitation Models for ESRD: Methodology and Results.

American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO)
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www.asaio.com
The mission of ASAIO is to promote the development, application, and awareness of organ technologies that enhance quality and duration of life, which includes renal replacement therapies.  ASAIO publishes ASIAO Journal, a bi-monthly peer-reviewed journal.

American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN)
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www.aspneph.com
The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology is an organization of pediatric nephrologists and affiliated health care professionals.  The mission and primary goal of ASPN is to promote optimal care for children with kidney disease through advocacy, education and research; and to disseminate advances in clinical practice and scientific investigation.

International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA)
www.ipna-online.org
The mission of IPNA is to disseminate knowledge about kidney diseases in children all over the world.  IPNA published two peer-reviewed journals: Pediatric Nephrology, and European Journal of Pediatrics and International Urology and Nephrology.

Medical Education Institute (MEI)
www.meiresearch.org
www.lilfeoptions.org
www.kidneyschool.org
www.homedialysis.org
The mission of MEI is to help people with chronic diseases learn to manage and improve their health.  MEI publishes In Control—formerly Renal Rehabilitation Report—through Nephrology News & Issues.  MEI sponsors several CKD and dialysis-related websites for patients, care-givers, and healthcare professionals:

Life Options
(www.lifeoptions.org) is a program of research, research-based education, and outreach founded in 1993 to help people live long and live well with kidney disease.  A national panel of doctors, researchers, patients, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and ESRD Network directors reviews all Life Options materials and helps guide research.  Life Options offers free materials for download or ordering hard-copies; message boards; and additional links and resources for information about CKD and treatment options.

Kidney School (www.kidneyschool.org) is an online, interactive education program, with modules on subjects such as coping, sexuality, and nutrition.  MEI also offers free booklets for dialysis patients and professionals about encouragement, employment, exercise, and education.  Resources for healthcare professionals include a staff idea guide and assessment manual for the dialysis unit; teaching tools with patient interest checklists, goal-setting worksheets, and fact sheets; audiotapes; videos; and posters.

The Home Dialysis Central website (www.homedialysis.org) provides information about all types of home dialysis, including a database of U.S. clinics that offer home treatments.  It is a one-stop, online source of up-to-date, unbiased information about home dialysis—in all its forms—for people with kidney disease, their families, and the healthcare professionals who provide kidney disease care.

National Association of Nephrology Technicians and Technologists (NANT)
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www.nant.biz
The mission of NANT is to promote the highest quality of care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through education and professionalism by providing educational opportunities for the technical practitioner and other members of the integrated care team, representing the technical professional in the regulatory and legislative arena, developing technical professionals in leadership roles, achieving recognition for the role and significant contribution of the technical practitioner to the total care of the ESRD patient, and serving as a resource for the ESRD community to accomplish each of these goals.  NANT publishes a bimonthly newsletter; educational and technical manuals; and conducts regional educational meetings.

Journals & Magazines

Seminars in Dialysis
http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0894-0959
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291525-139X
Seminars in Dialysis is a bimonthly publication focusing exclusively on cutting-edge clinical aspects of dialysis therapy, published in association with the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology.  Besides publishing papers by the most respected names in the field of dialysis, the Journal has unique useful features, all designed to keep you current: dialysis clinic, dialysis rounds, hemodialysis citations, editorials, opinions, brief notes.

Peritoneal Dialysis International
www.pdiconnect.com
The journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis; Peritoneal Dialysis International (PDI) is an international publication dedicated to peritoneal dialysis. PDI welcomes original contributions dealing with all aspects of peritoneal dialysis from scientists working in the peritoneal dialysis field around the world.

Advances in Peritoneal Dialysis
www.advancesinpd.com
Advances in Peritoneal Dialysis is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes selected papers which were presented at the Annual Dialysis Conference.  First published in 1985, one issue is published per year, and full articles are available online at no charge.

Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
http://cjasn.asnjournals.org/

 

 

 

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