ESRD
Networks
Under
the direction of CMS, the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network
Program consists of a national network of 18 ESRD Networks,
responsible for each U.S. state, territory, and the District
of Columbia. ESRD Networks service geographic areas based on
the number and concentration of ESRD beneficiaries.
ESRD Networks
work with consumers and ESRD facilities and other providers
of ESRD services to refine care delivery systems to make sure
ESRD patients get the right care at the right time. For more
information, visit the ESRD Network Organizations Overview at
http://www.cms.gov/ESRDNetworkOrganizations/
How
KCER Works For Networks
Under
contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS), the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition
conducts activities to support ESRD Networks for disaster preparedness
and response.
In
order to accomplish this objective, FMQAI: The Florida ESRD
Network (Network 7) serves as the administrative support for
the Coalition. KCER provides resources, expertise, educational
materials, and technical assistance to ESRD Networks.
In
the event that a crisis requires assistance outside of an ESRD
Network’s capacity, KCER resources are available.
Visit
the links on this site to access resources or request technical
assistance.
Contract
Number HHSM-500-2006-NW07C.
Quick
Links:
Available
Resources and Types of Technical Assistance
There
are many types of KCER technical assistance available, including:
TOLL
FREE INFORMATION LINE
- NKF hosts
a kidney community toll-free emergency hotline for patients
/ providers at 888-33-KIDNEY (888-335-4363).
- In the
event of a disaster, this hotline would serve to connect dialysis
patients, their families, and healthcare providers with kidney
care resources.
EMERGENCY
INFORMATION SHARING
- In the
event of a large-scale emergency/disaster, Networks can share
information through targeted Response Team listservs and with
KCER volunteers and interested parties. Information is also
provided to the Communications Response Team, which manages
the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) patient hotline.
KIDNEY
COMMUNITY CONFERENCE CALLS
- The KCER
Coalition can host conference calls for national emergencies
and large disasters. Notices and dial-in information will
be posted on the website and on the KCER Hotline.
- The KCER
Hotline is 866-901-ESRD (866-901-3773). During non-emergency
times, a recorded message is available.
- This
conference line is also available for use by individual Networks
for coordinating pre-disaster preparedness, emergency response
and recovery activities.
OPEN
/ CLOSED FACILITY STATUS
- KCER
is available to help Networks post the open / closed status
of facilities to www.dialysisunits.com.
- KCER
can also assist Networks in communicating provider operational
status to State Agencies, CMS and other appropriate stakeholders.
OTHER
RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE
- Help
identify “lessons learned” and share best practices.
- Provide
assistance with continuous quality improvement techniques
to address and update internal and community practices for
disaster readiness and response.
- Provide
emergency management education and training.
- KCER
has two traveling exhibit booths available for meetings/events.
