Dear Mr. Peterson: Would anyone be interested in a discussion board for Network participants? Recent Federal government (OIG) reports seem to indicate a need for increasing network involvement in facility operations/oversight. Couldn't an on-line discussion regarding such issues improve coordination between Networks and perhaps help dialysis providers guide the progress of such efforts? I think it would be valuable.
Dear Jackie: As I understand it, the Networks were established to give HCFA a way to take advantage of the expertise of the people actually doing dialysis. A special tax on each Medicare dialysis treatment funds these operations. Networks have paid staffs and unpaid boards composed of patients, physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers and technicians - really, everybody involved with Medicare dialysis is a Network participant.
I think the idea you have proposed would be a good one. Personally, I think there are good providers and poor ones. Perhaps a board like this could bring some accoutability to the industry. I think it would be beneficial, too, if patients could opnenly voice their opinions and state ther complaints at such a board, due to the fact that with the current set up of industry boarded networks, patients are too intimidated to voice their complaints.
Thanks for your vote of encouragement. I am somewhat disappointed by the low volume of replies. However, I am sure that the topic will gain followers in the months and years ahead. Please see Dr. De Palma's letter to the Senator who held hearings on dialysis oversight last month - reprinted in the new Dialysis and Transplantation ( www.eneph.com ). The site has not been updated yet, but I'm sure they will post the letter soon.
[This message has been edited by francis ivanovich (edited 09-11-2000).]
