ACCESS PROCEDURES FOR ESRD PATIENTS CONFIRMED AS ESSENTIAL

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have confirmed vascular access for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients an essential service during the pandemic. CMS has released a memo clarifying the importance of organ transplantation during COVID-19.

“Following the release of CMS’ previously released guidance to defer nonessential surgical procedures ... we received notifications of transplant programs voluntarily inactivating some or all of its transplant services,” CMS wrote. “We wish to clarify that organ transplantation procedures are essential for patients that are suffering from irreversible organ failure. The delay of a transplant procedure may jeopardize the health and safety of a potential transplant recipient and any decision to delay such procedures should be made on a case by case basis by the medical providers, the patient, as well as local and state authorities with consideration given to factors such as staff and hospital resources and availability of necessary supplies and equipment.”

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