Work

The Effect of Dialysis Chains on Mortality among Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between dialysis facility chain affiliation and patient mortality. STUDY SETTING: Medicare dialysis population. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) were used to identify 3,601 free-standing dialysis facilities and 34,914 Medicare patients' incidence to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2004. Mixed-effect regression models were used to estimate patient mortality by dialysis facility chain and profit status during the 2-year follow-up. DATA COLLECTION: USRDS data were matched with facility, cost, and census data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Of the five largest dialysis chains, the lowest mortality risk was observed among patients dialyzed at nonprofit (NP) Chain 5 facilities. Compared with Chain 5, hazard ratios were 19 percent higher (95 percent CI 1.06-1.34) and 24 percent higher (95 percent CI 1.10-1.40) for patients dialyzed at for-profit (FP) Chain 1 and Chain 2 facilities, respectively. In addition, patients at FP facilities had a 13 percent higher risk of mortality than those in NP facilities (95 percent CI 1.06-1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Large chain affiliation is an independent risk factor for ESRD mortality in the United States. Given the movement toward further consolidation of large FP chains, reasons behind the increase in mortality require scrutiny.

Source: Health Services Research

DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2010.01219.x

Authors: Yi Zhang, Dennis J. Cotter, Mae Thamer

Institution: Medical Technology and Practice Patterns Institute

Language: English

Topic: Dialysis and Renal Disease Management

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Vlaamse regering, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases