Monthly Archives: July 2013

Recall: Nova Max Glucose Strips

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The FDA has announced a recall of 21 lots of Nova Max Glucose Test Strips and Glucose Meter Kits that include the recalled strips, because of potential for false readings.  For details see http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm362932.htm.  The web page at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm362845.htm includes a list of lot numbers, but it only lists 19 lot numbers – the recall notices says 21 lots – and Meter Kit lot numbers are not listed, so it may be advisable to call the company at 800-681-7390 if you use Nova Max strips.

Home Dialysis Conference October 13-15 in Orlando

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Home Dialyzors United will hold their 4th Annual Meet-Up and Conference in Orlando FL October 13-15, 2013.  The Meet-Up and Conference welcomes dialysis patients, care partners, physicians, nurses, and other renal professionals.  Besides all of the networking opportunities, the conference offers many educational sessions.  For full details, see http://homedialyzorsunited.org/2013-annual-meet-up-conference/.

Home Dialysis Q&A Online August 21

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The Network’s second conference call for patients on Dialysis at Home will be held August 21, 2013.  Find a poster about the call at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/HomeCall2.pdf – please post it wherever patients gather.

To get a head start, read our flyer outlining Home Modality Myth and Facts at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/HomeFacts.pdf, and study a longer version at http://homedialysis.org/life-at-home/pd-separating-myth-from-fact.

Feedback to CMS re Admin Contractor Performance

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CMS keeps a list of Medicare Fee-For-Service providers who are willing to give feedback to CMS on satisfaction with their Medicare Administrative Contractors.  CMS periodically selects providers randomly from this list to participate in a survey of Contractor performance.  If you’re willing to participate, filling out the form at https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=eMRKPqaWpqMxNOmTQpSKDA will add you to the list.

CSCKP Palliative Care Survey

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The Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients, formerly known as the Kidney End-of-Life Coalition, invites all dialysis center staff members to make their thoughts known.  The Coalition has posted an on-line survey for dialysis center professionals at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DJLGMWC.  The short survey takes approximately ten minutes to complete.  It gathers perceptions and assesses the needs of dialysis center staff concerning the inclusion of palliative care in the treatment of advanced kidney disease, including expert symptom management; shared decision-making for goals of care; advance care planning; emotional support for patient and family; and timely, seamless transition to hospices.  The survey will inform the Coalition’s work to include palliative services for those with end-stage renal disease and chronic kidney disease, and to provide valuable help to those delivering care on the front lines.  Survey participation is confidential, and results will be available on the Coalition website, www.kidneysupportivecare.org after the August 15 deadline.

FDA Warning: Illegal OTC Diabetes Products

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The FDA has announced that it has sent advisory letters to fifteen vendors of over-the-counter diabetes treatments that may illegally contain prescription drugs, and/or are illegally advertised.  The FDA safety alert can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm362046.htm and the list of products at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/HealthFraud/ucm352276.htm.

The Grand Canyon on Dialysis

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A new dialysis modality has been added – “RD” for Raft Dialysis.  NKC in-center HD patient Bill Peckham recently rafted the Grand Canyon using a portable dialysis machine.  Find his story at http://www.billpeckham.com/from_the_sharp_end_of_the/2013/07/wow-it-was-a-fantastic-trip-through-the-canyon.html, and photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/53469571@N00/sets/72157634709483822/.