INTEGRATED RENAL-DISEASE MANAGEMENT - A PROVIDERS RESPONSE TO CAPITATION AND AN EVOLVING MANAGED CARE MARKETPLACE

Historically, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been treated on an ep isodic, fragmented acute intervention basis. However the radical chang es that the U.S. healthcare environment have undergone in recent years have influenced all segments of our nation's healthcare delivery syst em, and ESRD is no exception. As a result, the traditional approach to ESRD tr no longer viable. A new model that focuses on provider integr ation, while adeptly balancing quality and costs, is needed to respond to today's challenges. This article outlines how one such integrated provider is developing this concept in California.