The management of Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) is a serious concern for many Americans. Early detection of this condition may occur during routine physical exams. The condition may be prevented or delayed through early intervention such as patient education, counseling and treatment. Early identification of the condition can greatly reduce the costs of providing care for this disease.

Symetra’s Medical Risk Consultants (MRCs) — a team of registered nurse professionals – work together with our Third Party Administrator partners to help manage and contain costly kidney disease claims.

Did you know:

• Nearly 1 in 6 adults has chronic kidney disease.¹
• Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure is number two.
• Over 82,000 people with kidney failure die each year.
• There are about 470,000 people relying on dialysis or kidney transplants to keep them alive.
• Over 70,000 patients are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, but only 17,000 will get a new kidney this year.

Kidney disease versus kidney failure
Mild kidney (or "renal") disease is often called renal insufficiency. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys partly or completely lose their ability to carry out normal functions. Chronic kidney disease occurs when one suffers from gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time. This happens gradually over time, usually months to years.

Until recently, there was no uniform classification of the stages of chronic kidney disease. In 2002, the National Kidney Foundation published guidelines and stages on chronic kidney disease to facilitate the application of clinical practice guidelines, clinical performance measures and quality improvement efforts to the evaluation, and management of the disease.

The stages of kidney disease as defined by the National Kidney Foundation are:

Stage 5 chronic kidney failure is also referred to as end-stage renal disease, wherein there is total or near-total loss of kidney function and patients need dialysis or transplantation to stay alive. Chronic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. Only lab tests can detect any developing problems. Anyone at increased risk for chronic kidney disease should be routinely tested. These tests are used together to develop a picture of the nature and extent of the kidney disease.

TPAs and Symetra working together
MRCs at Symetra oversee the management of ongoing catastrophic medical claims and work with underwriters in the risk assessment process of new and renewal business. MRCs act as a liaison between TPAs and our partner vendors’ managed-care programs. Our goal is to work together to promote the delivery of quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes. Contact  your regional MRC for assistance.

For more information about kidney disease and its prevention, visit or contact:

American Kidney Fund
http://www.akfinc.com
866.300.2900

National Kidney Foundation
www.kidney.org
800.622.9010

Lily Willson RN, BSN, CCM, ARA, ACS is a medical risk consultant (MRC) for Symetra Life Insurance Company. She has more than 23 years combined experience in the medical field and health insurance industry. She holds a LOMA Associate in Reinsurance Administration certificate.

Delois Howell, RN, BSN, CCM, LHRM, is a medical risk consultant (MRC) for Symetra Life Insurance Company. She has more than 25 years combined experience in the medical field and health insurance industry.