The ABCDEs of CKD: a simple approach to early detection and management

National guidelines for identifying chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been widely adopted in primary care settings. UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and United Resource Networks (URN) collaboratively identified barriers to and established solutions for achieving the guidelines' outcome goals.

UHC/URN identified primary care physicians (PCPs) with a high proportion of patients at risk for CKD in their greater Atlanta network. Together with Amgen, they piloted an outreach and education program attended by approximately 300 healthcare professionals. Physician surveys provided pre- and postprogram qualitative measures of self-described PCP practice trends; postprogram quantitative medical practice measures were captured via claims and laboratory tracking data.

Participating PCPs expressed substantial interest in the program and indicated notable learning about the suggested CKD practices. Further, glomerular filtration rate requests and nephrologist referrals significantly increased following the program.

The one-hour targeted, interactive seminars improved CKD understanding in the medical practice of participating PCPs. Participant feedback has been incorporated into the next implementation phase, which will include additional case studies, more precise PCP-identification techniques, and more comprehensive quantitative follow-up measures.