Full Report
End stage renal disease (ESRD), a potential consequence of diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions, leaves the individual in need of a kidney transplant or kidney dialysis to survive. Depending on their clinical condition and service availability, patients may receive hemodialysis, generally performed in a clinic, or peritoneal dialysis, which can be performed at home. This study explored the availability of dialysis services in rural America, using the Medicare Dialysis Compare files and the Standard Analysis File of the US Renal Data System.
Key Findings include the following:
- The prevalence of dialysis use did not differ across urban versus rural counties.
- Rural residents travel further for dialysis services.
- Fewer expanded dialysis services (peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis training, and after-hours availability) were offered in rural areas.
- Dialysis quality outcomes were similar across rural and urban end stage renal disease facilities.
Contact information:
Amy Brock-Martin, DrPH
South Carolina Rural Health Research Center
Phone: 803.251.6317
brocka@mailbox.sc.edu
