Toward a more collaborative federal response to chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem in the United States. However, data from the United States Renal Data System and other sources suggest that care for people with CKD does not meet recommended standards. The Federal government has developed the infrastructure to promote population-based interventions which have reduced the burden of other chronic illnesses. An effective, coordinated response by Federal health agencies to the public health challenge of CKD could have a significant effect on the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with CKD. In recent years, initiatives undertaken by three Federal agencies have made important advances in coordinating efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has begun to develop public health infrastructure for monitoring the burden of CKD. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has, through the successful Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI) and inclusion of CKD in the scope of work of Quality Improvement Organizations, promoted earlier diagnosis and treatment of CKD. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, through its National Kidney Disease Education Program, has reinvigorated and expanded the Kidney Interagency Coordinating Committee so that it is a robust vehicle to share information about activities, identify and disseminate promising practices and tools, and foster cross-agency collaboration. Collaboration among Federal health agencies has the potential to enhance efforts to reduce the burden of CKD.