Straube recommended that for the next five to 10 years the NRAA and non-LDO dialysis organizations need to focus on identifying current unmet needs.
"I think that the niche here gets back to reimbursement argument that we need to make to the Hill in terms of being careful of further reimbursement charges," Straube said. "You can't protect everybody and the government can't be in the business insuring 100 percent of all players."
Focusing on patient-centered care is an important factor to focus on for the future, he added. Improving quality of life, rehabilitation and getting patients back on their feet and to work are some things that clinics should focus on.
"Those facilities that have inefficiencies and aren't doing quite as well, helping them to try to do better," said Straube.
Identifying unique models, not only focusing on the typical in-center model, is important for the future, Straube said. Increasing HHD patient rates, partnering with accountable care organizations (ACOs), building joint ventures (JVs) and opening smaller dialysis centers are some various options clinics may have to do this.
Straube closed by added that building on the health information exchange (HIE) is a huge focus for the next 10 years. In addition, transitioning, using and maintaining electronic health records (EHRs) will be vital in order to implement a quick and efficient way to keep patient files organized and provide the necessary data needed by CMS moving at a faster rate.
