End-stage renal failure (stage 5 CKD) is the ninth-leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately half-a-million Americans suffer from stage 5 CKD: 400,000 are on dialysis, the remainder have received kidney transplants. Each year, nearly 100,000 people are diagnosed with renal failure; another 60,000 die of renal failure. The number of Americans diagnosed with CKD (all stages) is doubling every decade, due largely to the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. It is estimated that more than 600,000 people in the U.S. will require renal replacement therapy by the year 2010. This will put added pressure on the renal care community, which is already seeing a shortage of nephrologists, nephrology nurses, and donor organs.

Unlike any other time during the 35-year history of the Medicare ESRD Program, lawmakers and CMS are interested in hearing from people with ESRD whenever input on renal-related issues is sought. Patients are seen as credible spokespersons advocating not only for a better quality of life, but for life itself on behalf of the thousands of people across the U.S. who live with CKD.

If people with CKD do not have a solid platform from which to speak about their needs and the needs of others, governing bodies will continue to consider and/or implement policies that may adversely impact patient care. With an active voice and increased knowledge, the patient will not only be able to advocate for themselves, but for the many thousands of patients destined to follow.