Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and a significant driver of healthcare costs for Medicare and commercial insurers. Early detection remains critical, yet many patients are unaware of their condition until it progresses to advanced stages. By leveraging lab-based metrics instead of relying solely on claims data, health plans can identify undiagnosed or unstaged CKD patients earlier, enabling timely interventions that slow disease progression, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.

In a recent Healthcare IT News article, Avalon’s Dr. Julie Schulz, MD, MPH, emphasizes how performance metrics derived from lab values can guide targeted interventions while aligning physician incentives with improved care delivery. This innovative approach not only enhances patient care but also addresses the financial burden of CKD on health systems.

Read the full article for more insights at Health IT Answers.