Starting Treatment

STARTING TREATMENT TREATMENT CHOICES LIVING WITH DIALYSIS COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Whether you are new or returning to dialysis, this page helps to answer some of the questions you may have about kidney failure and what to expect next.

Understanding Kidney Failure

After being diagnosed with kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD), you may have questions about your health and how your life may change. Click on the links below for answers to some of the questions you may have.

What is kidney failure?

What caused my kidneys to fail?

How will my life change?

Starting Dialysis

It is important that you learn about what to expect when starting dialysis. Click on the links below to learn more.

New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet

New dialysis patients receive a New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP) in the mail from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The NEPOP is distributed by the ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC). The mailing contains information to help new dialysis and transplant patients manage their care and understand the benefits available to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do new patients receive their packets?

Packets are mailed to new patients the month after his or her paperwork (Form 2728) to receive Medicare benefits is completed and submitted by the patient’s dialysis facility.

What does the packet look like?

Packets are sent through bulk mail. The large manila envelope will say “Important Healthcare Information Enclosed” and uses “The National Coordinating Center” in its return address.

Is the packet available in Spanish?

Yes, the packet is available in Spanish. To request the Spanish version of select booklets, please contact the ESRD National Coordinating Center by e-mail at [email protected]. By phone toll-free at 844-472-4250. Or your local ESRD Network.

Information Included in Packet

Cover Letter from CMS:
A cover letter explaining the contents of the New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP). English | Spanish
Dialysis Facility Compare:
Instructions on how to use the CMS online “Dialysis Facility Compare” tool to find a dialysis facility that meets your specific needs. English | Spanish
Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services:
A brochure from CMS explaining services for children with permanent kidney failure. Please note, this resource is not included in the mailing, but has been made available online as a reference for families with pediatric patients. English | Spanish
Medicare for Children with ESRD:
CMS provides information about the services available for children with permanent kidney failure. Please note, this resource is not included in the mailing, but it is available online as a reference for families with pediatric patients. English
Preparing for Emergencies a Guide for People on Dialysis:
A booklet from CMS to help dialysis patients prepare for emergencies.
English | Spanish
Vascular Access:
Hemodialysis cleans your blood through a vascular access which can be a fistula, graft or catheter. If you and your kidney care team determine that hemodialysis is the right choice for you, one of these will be your LIFELINE to treatment! This flyer is available in English and Spanish. English | Spanish
You Can Live:
CMS provides “You Can Live,” a guide for living with kidney failure. The guide includes information on improving your treatments and living a healthier lifestyle. It is available in English and Spanish. English | Spanish

National Kidney Foundation Postcard:
Information on how to join the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) organization and receive free information. English | Spanish

Treatment Choices

Click here to learn more about your treatment choices.