Promoting quality of care for ESRD patients: the role of the ESRD Networks.

The 18 End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Networks were established by Congress to oversee the care of Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD, serving as HCFA's primary quality improvement (QI) agents. The Networks play a critical role in the ESRD surveillance system by collecting, analyzing and disseminating data from dialysis clinics regarding the occurrence of ESRD, and the processes of care and outcomes of ESRD patients. In addition, under the direction of volunteer Medical Review Boards, the Networks propose, design and implement regional QI activities targeting specific areas in the delivery of ESRD care, and provide technical assistance to foster QI at the facility level. In this article, we discuss the ESRD Network system and review the scope of QI activities through which the Networks accomplish their mission. Copyright 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.