For many individuals, the first time they learn they have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is in an emergency room, where they’re told they need dialysis right away. This is sometimes called “crash” dialysis and it’s exactly as overwhelming as it sounds. Research shows that patients who start dialysis this way tend to have worse health outcomes and face higher medical costs than those who had time to prepare (Wong et al., 2023). And beyond the medical impact, the sudden emotional, physical, and financial weight of that moment can make it nearly impossible to absorb information or feel like a partner in their own care.

That’s why early detection matters so much.

When chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caught early, everything changes. The care team has the opportunity to slow the progression by implementing strategies such as managing blood pressure and blood sugar. Individuals can then have something equally valuable: time. Time to understand their diagnosis. Time to learn about their options, including different types of dialysis and transplant. Time to prepare, ask questions, and make decisions that reflect what matters most to them.

That kind of informed, empowered decision-making the basis of what quality kidney care looks like, and it’s only possible when people know what’s happening in their bodies before a crisis forces the conversation.

References:

Wong, L. P., Ghosh, A., Li, J., Rizk, M. K., & Hohman, J. A. (2023). Dialysis costs for a health system participating in value-based care. The American journal of managed care, 29(8), e235–e241. https://doi.org/10.37765/ajmc.2023.89410

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