End stage renal disease (ESRD) is irreversible kidney disease which requires treatment with an artificial kidney (dialysis) or a kidney transplant for a person to maintain life and health. In 1972, legislation was passed to extend Medicare coverage to virtually all people with ESRD. Network 15 is one of 18 Networks under contract with CMS to oversee the ESRD program. Network responsibilities include:
- Assuring the effective and efficient administration of benefits
- Improving quality of care for ESRD patients
- Collecting data to measure quality of care
- Providing assistance to ESRD patients and providers
- Evaluating and resolving patient grievances
Network 15 covers six states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. There are over 300 dialysis and 14 transplant facilities within Network 15. These facilities serve over 20,000 dialysis and 1,000 transplant patients each year.
Learn about who Network 15 is, what the Network does, and its focus on quality improvement and helping you by watching Getting to Know Network 15. Use this video as a training aid for staff, or even for patients who just want to know more about what the Network does.
Network 15 Goals
In accordance with the legislative mandate for the ESRD Network Program; to assist CMS in meeting Agency goals (e.g., ensuring the right care for every person every time); and in keeping with sound medical practice, the strategic goals of the ESRD Network Program are to:
- Improve the quality and safety of dialysis related services provided for individuals with ESRD.
- Improve the independence, quality of life, and rehabilitation (to the extent possible) of individuals with ESRD through transplantation, use of self-care modalities (e.g., peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis), in-center self-care, as medically appropriate, through the end of life.
- Improve patient perception of care and experience of care, and resolve patient's complaints and grievances.
- Improve the quality and safety of care by fostering the full engagement of patients, families, and caregivers in the design, delivery, and evaluation of care.
- Improve collaboration with providers to ensure achievement of the goals through the most efficient and effective means possible, with recognition of the differences among providers (e.g., independent, hospital-based, member of a group, affiliate of an organization, etc.) and the associated possibilities/capabilities.
- Improve the collection, reliability, timeliness, and use of data to measure processes of care and outcomes; maintain Patient Registry; and to support the ESRD Network Program.
About Network 15 Brochure
This tri-fold brochure explains Network 15's focus, role, function, and goals.
View ResourceAbout Network 15 Brochure Spanish Version
This Spanish language tri-fold brochure explains Network 15's focus, role, function, and goals.
View ResourceAbout the ESRD Network Program
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.
View ResourceClinical Performance and Standards of Care
This document covers the 2019 Clinical Performance Guidelines and Standards of Care for all HSAG: ESRD Network 15 dialysis facilities in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
View ResourceConcerns About Your Care
If you have a concern about the care being provided to you or family member in a dialysis clinic, you may call the Network at any time. However, you are encouraged to speak to the clinic manager, charge nurse, or social worker first. This resource will provide you with more information about the Network grievance process, including how to file a grievance.
View ResourceGovernance and Compliance
Information about the HSAG ESRD Board of Directors and other Governing Bodies.
View ResourceHSAG: ESRD Network 15 Patient and Care Partner Subject Matter Expert Guide
This guide demystifies the role of being a subject matter expert (SME) for patients and care partners.
View ResourceVolunteer for the Network Patient Advisory Committee (PAC)—Patients and Care Partners
ESRD Network 15 is looking for patients to help improve the quality of care for ESRD patients by volunteering as a Patient Subject Matter Expert (SME) on our Patient Advisory Council (PAC).
View ResourceVolunteer With the Network
Network 15 is looking for administrators, nephrologists, vascular surgeons, transplant surgeons, nephrology nurses, transplant nurses, social workers, registered dietitians, and patient care technicians from dialysis and transplant facilities that are committed to improving the quality and experience of care for ESRD patients.
View Resource
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ESRD Network 15 | 3025 South Parker Road, Suite 820 | Aurora, CO 80014 | 303.831.8818 |
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