Early Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cost-Effective Lifesaver

According to a new study by Stanford Medicine, screening all U.S. residents over the age of 35 for chronic kidney disease (CKD) would provide significant benefits, including increased life expectancy and a reduction in the need for costly dialysis or kidney transplants. The researchers also noted that this preemptive healthcare strategy would provide good value for healthcare spending.

CKD affects approximately 37 million people or about 15% of U.S. adults, with diabetes and high blood pressure accounting for two-thirds of these cases. With CKD often going undetected until it reaches its late stages, the implications of the disease can be both deadly and expensive. The study highlights that Medicare alone spends an estimated $87 billion annually on CKD, and an additional $37 billion is spent on kidney replacement therapy.

The Stanford Medicine researchers argue that early screening for CKD could provide a solution to this healthcare challenge. The early diagnosis and treatment of the disease would not only increase patients' life expectancy but also decrease the risk of the disease advancing to late-stage kidney disease, which carries both health risks and financial implications.

Screening for CKD primarily involves a test for albuminuria, a condition characterized by the presence of the protein albumin in urine, which is an indicator of kidney disease. Furthermore, the introduction of a new class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which slow the progression of kidney disease, is changing the dynamic of CKD treatment and prevention.

The Stanford Medicine researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to support their findings. They discovered that implementing a screening program, in conjunction with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors, could potentially prevent the need for dialysis or kidney transplant in as many as 398,000 to 658,000 individuals aged 35 to 75 years over their lifetimes.

While these preventative measures would increase total lifetime healthcare costs, the researchers believe that the financial increase is justified when considering the significant health benefits and the potential savings from reduced CKD treatment needs.

In summary, while early CKD screening represents a significant undertaking, this study underscores its potential to enhance health outcomes and deliver value for healthcare spending. The early detection and management of CKD not only reduces disease progression but also represents a cost-effective solution to manage this prevalent health issue.

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Reference

Screening everyone 35 and older for chronic kidney disease would save lives

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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