Chronic kidney disease: stating the managed care case for early treatment. Discussion and consensus of presentations of economic analyses, managed care organization case studies, and opportunities for intervention in a managed care setting. May 3-5, 2001 Chicago, Illinois.

Based on an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, approximately 20 million people currently have some degree of decreased glomerular filtration rate or overt kidney disease. Despite numerous challenges to be overcome, managed care organizations and the nephrology community are seeking ways to collaborate in improving the quality of care of such patients. Using current data, as well as information about the cost of care, priority is being given to the establishment of early intervention programs to maximize the existing healthcare infrastructure and to improve the clinical outcomes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.