Category Archives: Health

Gut Microbiota Diets Boost Effectiveness of Anti-Diabetic Medications, Study Finds

5th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  A first-of-its-kind clinical trial in India shows remarkable results for people with diabetes. The trial was conducted using BugSpeaks, a flagship technology of Leucine Rich Bio, India’s first microbiome-based company. BugSpeaks is a gut microbiome profiling test that provides nutritional recommendations based on the individual’s gut microbiota profile. With India being called the diabetes capital of the world housing more than 101 million people with diabetes, the results of this study are groundbreaking for the prevention and management of diabetes.

The clinical trial included 30 Indian adults in the age group 42-65, both male and female, with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Study subjects were divided into two groups: one received the BugSpeaks-based personalized diet and the other a regular diet for 3 months. The patients who were given a BugSpeaks-based personalized diet showed excellent results across various parameters when examined on day 90 of the study. Their average HbA1c levels were brought down from 8.30 to 6.67, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 14%, and CRP levels, a marker of inflammation, were decreased by 20%. The study has been uploaded onto a preprint server MedRxiv and is undergoing peer review in an International scientific journal.

Speaking on the promising results of the clinical trial, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder & Director (Business Development and Innovation), Leucine Rich Bio, and the lead author of the study says, “In this study, we have highlighted the positive effect of gut microbiota based personalized nutrition on hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and inflammation markers. This “proof of concept” clinical trial shows that BugSpeaks based nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota can impact the health positively and can supplement medication for diseases like type 2 diabetes.”

He adds, “We plan to conduct more such trials in the coming months for other diseases for which we have anecdotal evidence. Gut microbiota modulation through nutrition can provide a new dimension in the precision or personalized healthcare paradigm and this study is a step towards that direction.”

The study also found that the number of beneficial microorganisms like Phascolarctobacterium succinates, Bifidobacterium angulatum, and Levilactobacillus brevis, increased two-fold and a similar decrease was observed in non-beneficial species like Alistipes finegoldii and Sutterella faecalis. Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is important as an imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can cause or aggravate different diseases including but not limited to digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and menstrual problems.

Dr. Dhar has previously published two research reviews in renowned peer-reviewed scientific journals: one on the possible link between the gut microbiota and COVID-19 (Virus Research Journal) and another one on the potential impact of nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota in dealing with mental health issues during COVID-19 (Frontiers of Neuroscience journal).

Happiest Health Appoints Dr Sreenivasan Narayana as President & CEO of Healthcare Services Division

4th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Happiest Health announced the appointment of Dr Sreenivasan Narayana as President & Chief Executive Officer of the knowledge, health, and wellness enterprise’s new division – Healthcare Services. This will help Happiest Health to strengthen its offerings in the healthcare services sector.

Dr. Sreenivasan Narayana is an ENT surgeon who has worked in renowned healthcare organizations such as the Apollo Hospitals Group and Narayana Health. He also founded Doctree Health, a start-up aimed at affordable treatments. Dr Sreenivasan completed his postgraduate program in management at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, where he undertook a full semester exchange MBA program at The Wharton School, USA.

Speaking on the appointment, Davis Karedan, co-chairman of Happiest Health, said, “We are pleased to welcome Dr Sreenivasan (Sreeni) to the Happiest Health team. His appointment represents a significant milestone as we expand our presence in the health and wellness sector. With the appointment of Sreeni, we have filled all our 4 division head positions at Happiest Health: knowledge, diagnostics, healthcare, and wellness.”

Dr Sreenivasan Narayana expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am delighted to be a part of the Happiest Health family. The company’s goals and vision for healthcare in the country resonate strongly with my own, and I believe we can accomplish a lot together. I look forward to working with the fantastic team and taking Happiest Health to greater heights.”

Ashok Soota, Chairman of Happiest Health, said, “Dr. Sreenivasan joins Happiest Health with a wealth of expertise, experience, and ideas. The synergy between our knowledge, diagnostics, healthcare, and wellness businesses will help Happiest Health to progress towards its goal of doing an IPO in 6 years.”

Be Well Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. Hosts Third Inter-Unit Sports Gala Meet 2024 in Chennai

4th July 2024 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  Be Well Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in innovative advanced healthcare solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of its third “Inter-Unit Sports Gala Meet 2024” held at Chennai YMCA Ground, Nandhanam, Chennai.

This event, marking the 13th anniversary of Be Well Hospitals, saw enthusiastic participation from 200 players representing various units across the Be Well Group. The day was filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and celebration, reinforcing the spirit of unity and teamwork among the group of hospitals.

Be Well conducts inter-unit sports meet within a hospital group to bring forth numerous positive outcomes like Promoting Team Spirit and Unity, Improving Physical and Mental Health, Boosting Morale and Motivation, Promoting Work-Life Balance, Building a Positive Organizational Image, Encouraging Healthy Competition, Fun and Enjoyment. Participating in sports meets offered all Be Welliansa chance to have fun and enjoy themselves outside of their regular duties and as a stress buster.

The two-day Sports Gala Meet has become a highly anticipated event in the Be Well Hospitals calendar, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthy lifestyle among its employees. This year’s event featured a range of sports and activities, Badminton, Carrom Board, Chess, Cricket, Ring Ball, Volleyball, and Relay providing a platform for employees to showcase their athletic skills and enjoy a day of fun and fitness.

As a special gesture, many special guests graced the event and inaugurated every game to motivate and inspire Be Williams.

• Mr. K.B. Arun Karthik – Wicket Keeper, Batsman, Ranji Trophy, IPL & TNPL Cricketer – Highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. K. Anbarasi – MD, DMRT, CCEPC, Senior Consultant – Oncology- Appreciates the strong Women Be Wellians representation in all games
• Dr Santhosh Jacob MBBS., DNB., Mch, DABRM. Phd., Orthopedic Surgeon & Internet Personality- Gave an overview of how to avoid sports injury and what’s to be done as first aid for any sports injury
• Mr. A. Manoharan – International Volleyball Player, Manager, Indian Bank- Gave his high regards to Be Well for making Be Wellians encourage to play Volley Ball and keep this sports glory high.
• Mr. L.M. Manoj – National Team Volleyball Player, Asian Games Player- Appreciated the enthusiasm shown by Be Wellians
• Ms. Nithya K – Motivational Speaker & Trainer for UPSC Students, Shankar IAS Academy- Encouraged all participants to give it their best and advise on living a healthy life

On Day 2 Be Well launched a Tree Plantation Initiative for the 13th Anniversary of Be Well Hospitals symbolizing its commitment to environmental sustainability, community well-being, and a healthier future for all. This was done in association with Vidhaikalam Trust- which conducts tree plantation activities every Sunday in various places across Chennai, Pudukottai, and the entire Tamil Nadu.

Be Well Hospital Group’s Third Inter-Unit Sports Gala Meet 2024 concluded with a grand closing ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Actor Prashanth. The event featured a prize-giving ceremony to honor the winners of the sports competition.

Actor Prashanth, Prashanth Thiagarajan, often hailed as the “Top Star” and “KathalIlavarasan” (Prince of Love), is a renowned figure in the Tamil film industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Prashanth has demonstrated remarkable versatility and skill, earning him a special place in the hearts of moviegoers.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Prashanth is also known for his humility and professionalism, qualities that have earned him respect within the industry. The “Top Star” is truly a gem in the crown of Indian cinema.

Be Wellians were inspired and so happy to receive the prizes from Mr. Prashanth. He gave a very eloquent speech to all Be Wellians to take good care of their health. He was impressed and said he would like to come and participate as a player in the next year sports meet.

Dr. C.J. Vetrievel – Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director – Be Well Hospitals quoted “As Be Well Hospitals continues to grow and innovate in the healthcare sector, events like these highlight the organization’s commitment to employee well-being and engagement. The Sports Gala Meet not only celebrates the achievements of the past year but also looks forward to future successes and milestones.”

Self Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five, an Initiative by Reckitt Joins Forces with the Government of India in Its Stop Diarrhoea Campaign

July 3, 2024 8, New Delhi, Delhi, India : Reckitt, world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company, under its Self Care for New Moms and Kids under 5 initiative, is proud to align with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign’. Launched last week by Hon’ble Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the campaign aims to attain zero child deaths due to Diarrhoea in India.

In many states, Diarrhoeal illnesses in childhood remains a leading cause of death for children under the age of five years, accounting for 5.8% of all under-five fatalities nationwide (Cause of Death Statistics 2017-19, Sample Registration System of Registrar General of India). Every year, Diarrhoea causes about 50,000 deaths in children in the nation. According to NFHS 5, the prevalence of Diarrhoea in children under five is 7.3%; while only 60.6% received ORS and 30.5% received zinc. In 68.9% of cases, a medical facility or provider was consulted.

To address this issue, Reckitt in partnership with Plan India through the initiative – Self Care for new moms and kids under five, is promoting the use of ORS and Zinc while enhancing hygiene and sanitation through the six steps of handwashing for children under the age of five. The two-month campaign will concentrate on engaging and educating community members across the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan through highlighting the importance of handwashing, conducting ORS demonstrations, community involvement, proactive measures, and distribution of essential diarrhoea kits.

Commenting on the campaign, Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia said, “At Reckitt, we are proud to have worked closely with the Government of India towards creating a ‘Swachh and Swasth’ India across our programs. Over the last 10 years, we have engaged students, teachers, parents, and communities to improve their overall health and well-being, successfully impacting lives of millions of children across India. To further strengthen our commitment, we are delighted to align with the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, launched by the Government of India and work towards achieving zero child deaths due to Diarrhoeal illnesses. We look forward to the campaign and making progress together to build a healthier nation.”

Commenting on the campaign, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt said, “Diarrhoea continues to be the key cause to death of children under five years of age in many states. At Reckitt, we are committed to the holistic welfare of children, especially with poor socio-economic backgrounds. We are proud to align with the Government of India’s Stop Diarrhoea Campaign. Through this campaign, we aim to further our commitment of achieving zero child deaths caused due to Diarrhoea by raising awareness about the use of ORS and Zinc and adopting proactive health measures for Diarrhoea prevention. This step will further enhance our determination to build a healthier future for young children of our country.”

Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter), stated, “Through the convergence of our ‘Self Care for New Moms and Kids Under 5’ initiative with the ‘STOP Diarrhoea’ Campaign, we are proud to join forces with the Government to eliminate diarrhoea. We hold a shared mission to promote hygiene, raise awareness about the use of ORS and Zinc for diarrhoea prevention, and engage mothers and communities in proactive health measures. Together, we are taking significant strides towards creating a healthier tomorrow for all.”

Over the tenure of two-months of the campaign, Self Care for new moms and kids under five will focus on establishing advocacy and communication at district level across target states by generating awareness via capacity-building sensitization sessions of frontline workers, Nukkad Natak, rallies, posters and IEC materials. To maximize the reach of the campaign and impart knowledge around Diarrhoea and its causes, various activations will be introduced based on intersectoral convergence, especially to target blocks in rural areas. It involves all line departments such as WCD, Drinking Water and Sanitation, PHED, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Education, and development partners. The campaign brings together 4 thronged approach of – ORS and zinc promotion, strengthening facilities, advocacy and communication and intersectoral convergence through members from the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (lAP), Indian Medical Association (IMA), NGOs, and CSOs to achieve the goal.

The campaign was kicked off with an inaugural event in Gir Somnath, Gujarat in collaboration with district administration., in the presence of District Collector Shri D D Jadeja, Resident Additional Collector Mr Rajesh Aal, Chief District Health officer Dr Arun Roy and other officials from the Health Department. District Collector, Gir Somnath, Shri D D Jadeja emphasised the importance of the campaign, recalling the Covid period and noting that while Covid has taught us about hand washing, there is still a need to focus on hygiene as a part of daily life. Similar campaigns and community events are lined up in the intervention states to support Government of India’s initiative.

During the run of the campaign, community-level meetings on WHO’s 7-point plan for mothers will be organized, Diarrhoea kits will be distributed, and key focus will be on raising awareness through utilizing audio-video tools to educate the audience on Diarrhoea management. These steps will further strengthen the existing interventions of the campaign and help eradicate Diarrhoea from the root level.

BD Partners with Healthians to Increase Access to Cervical Cancer Screening in India

New Delhi, Delhi, India BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today announced a strategic partnership with Healthians, India’s premier diagnostics service provider, to advance cervical cancer screening by offering an innovative option for women in India to self-collect a sample in the privacy of their own homes.

For women in India, social stigma around getting a pelvic examination, lack of time, embarrassment, fear, and inconvenience are among the key barriers to screening. At-home self-collection can help address the urgent public health challenge of reaching women who do not attend routine cervical cancer screening. The objective of this partnership is to improve the access of cervical cancer screening in India, where less than 2% of women are currently being screened.

Mr. Deepak Sahni, Founder & Chairman, Healthians said, “At Healthians, we envision a world where we’re not just fighting diseases but preventing them. With our HPV self-testing initiative, we’re providing a path to early detection of cervical cancer, levelling the playing field in a battle where time is of essence. With our strong foothold in the market as a Direct-to-Consumer player since our inception in 2014, we believe we are in the best position to bring about substantial awareness on cervical cancer risk screening, offering women a convenient platform to get tested from the privacy of their homes. We stand together in this journey with BD, for a future where the screening of ‘cervical cancer’ becomes a routine affair.”

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, recognizing the potential to virtually eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. The strategy established clear targets to achieve by 2030 for HPV vaccination coverage (>90%), screening coverage (>70%) and access to treatment (>90%).

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia said, “Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer, however, is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer if detected early. The key to prevention and patient safety lies in timely screening. Our at-home self-collection, in partnership with Healthians aims to provide women exactly that – increased access to HPV testing by enabling them to collect a sample in the privacy of their homes. This is aligned with BD’s purpose of advancing the world of health by expanding access to healthcare for superior patient outcomes.”

As per IARC Information Center on HPV and Cancer, current estimates indicate that every year 123907 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 77348 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in India and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Almost all cervical cancer cases (more than 95%) are caused by persistent genital high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Supportive and Palliative Care Physician Dr. Gibram Ramos Ortiz Joins New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

New York, NY, July 02, 2024 — New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), one of the Nation’s leading oncology practices, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Gibram Ramos Ortiz to its Supportive and Palliative Care team. Dr. Ramos Ortiz will be seeing patients at the following NYCBS locations:

2330 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469

12 East 86th Street, Suite 4C, New York, NY 10028

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ramos Ortiz to NYCBS and to expand supportive and palliative care services to our New York City communities,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NYCBS.

Dr. Ramos Ortiz’s approach to patient care is centered around the individual, recognizing that each person has a unique set of values and preferences. He believes in shared decision-making, empowering his patients to be active participants in their healthcare. This philosophy ensures that every treatment recommendation is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and wishes.

Reflecting on his journey into palliative care, Dr. Ramos Ortiz shared, “Practicing as an internist in a busy hospital, I felt like I could only focus on treating patients’ medical needs, but not much else. Thankfully, I was able to work with colleagues who specialized in palliative care, who showed me that healing is so much more than just treating disease. I felt like a career in palliative medicine would allow me to treat patients in a more complete way by focusing on their comfort, treating their symptoms, and providing emotional and social support for them and their families. Also, I enjoyed that in palliative medicine, we can discuss advanced care planning and goals of care with patients more frequently than in other specialties. In doing so, we can respect and empower our patients by ensuring we honor their wishes.”

Dr. Ramos Ortiz is board-certified in Internal Medicine and holds a Doctor of Medicine from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and pursued a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, in affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Ramos Ortiz speaks fluent English and Spanish. Originally from Puerto Rico, he has lived in New York City for over a decade and has formed deep connections with the community.

“I’m highly impressed by NYCBS’s commitment to its values and its impactful contributions to the community. The organization’s impressive growth trajectory is another indicator of its success. I’m confident that in this role, I can help a lot of people, and I’m very enthusiastic about joining the team,” said Dr. Ramos Ortiz.

Indian Hospitality Industry Leads Global Adoption of Alkaline and Hydrogen Water with Innovative 3TAP Technology by ACOHI

Pune, Maharashtra, India  In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Hospitality Industry is pioneering the adoption of alkaline and hydrogen water, aiming to enhance the industry’s standards and customer health worldwide. This marks a historic first for the global hospitality sector, introducing the innovative 3TAP Technology designed to revolutionize water usage in hotels, restaurants, and catering units.

“Japan has long been a leader in alkaline water benefits, but this is the first time such technology is being tailored for the hospitality industry globally,” said Dr. Sanee Awsarmmel, Chairman of the Hospitality Industry of India & ACOHI. “Our 3TAP Technology will set new benchmarks in water usage for cooking, drinking, and sanitizing, ensuring superior health benefits for customers.”

The Indian bottled water market, valued at USD 3792.39 million in 2023, is projected to nearly triple by 2030. Alkaline and hydrogen water, known for their health benefits, are expected to play a pivotal role in this growth. Panacea H20 Gold 444777, under the leadership of Dr. Shashidhar Gokul Iyer – Founder & Chairman, aims to secure a significant market share by focusing on creating awareness and ensuring the availability of these healthier options.

“We are proud to launch this advanced 3TAP Technology, a product of extensive research and innovation,” said Mrs. Arundhati Shashidhar Iyer, Co-founder & Director of Panacea H20 Gold 444777. “This initiative not only enhances the hospitality industry’s standards but also brings a healthier lifestyle to consumers across India and Asia.”

This initiative, mentored by ACOHI, promises to transform water standards in the hospitality sector, making India a global leader in alkaline and hydrogen water technology.

More information could be accessed at www.acohi.org. You also could get in touch with the organization at inquiries.asia-division@acohi.org.

Happiest Health Acquires the B2B Corporate Wellness Business of The Fuller Life to Expand their Offerings Under the HappiZest Brand

1st July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Happiest Health announced the appointment of Arvind Krishnan to lead its Wellness Division as its President & CEO. This comes along with Happiest Health acquiring The Fuller Life to expand its corporate wellness offerings. This business will be available to customers under the HappiZest brand name. This acquisition will help Happiest Health strengthen its offerings in the corporate well-being sector and expand its reach in the ever-growing wellness industry.

Arvind is an IIM Calcutta alumnus and an engineering graduate from Mumbai and has over 25 years of experience. His professional journey includes pivotal roles in companies as diverse as indya.com, Kale Consultants, and Amitabh Bachchan Corporation.

Speaking about the acquisition Davis Karedan, Co-Chairman of Happiest Health, said, “We are excited to have Arvind and his team join the Happiest Health family. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Happiest Health as it extends its reach in the health and wellness industry. We admire their commitment to holistic wellness, which aligns with our vision of offering accessible and comprehensive health and wellness knowledge and solutions.”

Arvind Krishnan, President & CEO, Wellness Division, Happiest Health, said, “We are delighted that our corporate wellness services are now combined with Happiest Health’s offerings and delivered under the brand name of HappiZest. We look forward to building a wellness business that is of value to individuals and companies across the country.”

Ashok Soota, Chairman of Happiest Health said, “The vision of Happiest Health is to provide comprehensive support for physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. The focus will remain on holistic wellness, with an aim to empower individuals and corporate employees to lead healthier, happier lives by nurturing every aspect of their well-being.”

ShopSee MD Unveils Patented, Innovative Medical Video Tool Streamlining Patient Procedure Comprehension and Consent,

Santa Barbara, CA, June 29, 2024 –Surgery procedures are often complex, expensive, and high-risk for both the healthcare organization and the patient. One area causing a significant financial loss is patient unpreparedness. Patients arriving unprepared for their surgery raise the financial risk for the healthcare organization and creates higher stress for the staff and patients, resulting in delays leading to higher costs in time and in money.

ShopSee MD™ is introducing a patented, turnkey HIPAA Compliant solution that uses interactive video to simplify complex information, confirm patient comprehension, consent, and compliance. ShopSee MD™ uses the healthcare organization’s existing video library to create interactive videos that can be e-mailed to patients or delivered within their patient portals to fully explain upcoming procedures, answer patient questions and capture signatures on paperwork required by the healthcare organization prior to the procedure date.

Benefits of this AI driven technology include:

· Higher Retention: Patients retain more than 80% usage and retention rate when watching and interacting with a video rather than reading as most are “visual learners”.

· Legal Compliance: Automatically confirm patients’ understanding throughout the video through interactive checkpoints which go straight into the healthcare organization’s records automatically.

· Clarification: Patients can clarify any item by clicking on it and bringing up more detail which are then confirmed by the patient as understood, going into the healthcare organization’s record automatically.

· Save Money: Mitigate lawsuits and wasted time due to patients being ill-prepared and having a lack of understanding about their procedure.

· Reduce Stress: Lower stress levels for patients and medical staff by having better prepared patients.

· Compliance: Electronically confirms patient compliance and agreement through interactive confirmation and final sign-off.

ShopSee MD™’s patented technology is built explicitly for Healthcare Enterprise (Privacy, Regulations, etc.) and is based around centralized AI-driven data. The AI-driven data uncovers deeper insights and improves patient understanding, creating cleaner healthcare organization-patient messaging.

Kidney Care Partners Raises Concerns Around 2025 ESRD PPS Proposed Rule

Washington, DC, June 29, 2024 — Kidney Care Partners (KCP) – the nation’s leading kidney care multi-stakeholder coalition representing patient advocates, physician organizations, health professional groups, dialysis providers, researchers, and manufacturers – today released the following statement in reaction to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS), Payment for Renal Dialysis Services Furnished to Individuals with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program (QIP), and End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices Model (ETC):

While our members continue to review the proposed rule, KCP is deeply concerned about the sustainability of the program given that the market basket fails to reflect the actual increase in costs incurred by facilities. Moreover, we are disappointed that CMS did not heed the kidney care community’s call for reforms to address the barriers the current payment policies have created in terms of patients being able to access innovative treatment options. Without changes in these areas, dialysis patients who are, as CMS notes, “disproportionately young, male, African American, have disabilities and low income” will continue to experience significant inequities when compared to patients with other chronic diseases.

Despite these concerns, KCP supports CMS’ proposal to expand access to home dialysis for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Increasing access for AKI patients is particularly important, as it can improve outcomes and enable patients to recover kidney function, avoiding permanent kidney failure that can lead to a need for life-long dialysis or kidney transplant. KCP also appreciates CMS’ ongoing attention to the cost and operational challenges associated with moving historically unbundled drug products into the PPS and urges CMS to provide sufficient funding to support these activities which are not currently covered by the base rate. We are also pleased that CMS seeks to better direct resources to low-volume facilities through the two-tiered low-volume adjuster. Moreover, KCP is heartened that CMS has addressed the community’s concerns and has proposed to reinstate the four individual dialysis adequacy measures and to remove the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) dialysis event reporting measure.

Need for a Sustainable Market Basket that Reflects the Cost of Providing Care to Individuals Requiring Dialysis Services

CMS proposes a market basket increase (minus the productivity factor) of 1.8 percent, based on the existing market basket methodology. We appreciate that CMS is trying to address this issue, but the rule falls short of meeting the actual increase in costs that dialysis facilities have experienced. In addition to failing to capture actual inflationary costs for the fifth year in a row, the dialysis market basket increase has historically been the lowest among Medicare providers, making it extremely challenging for dialysis facilities to compete against the wages provided by other providers, such as hospitals, which have seen significant increases in additional funding in recent years.

KCP continues to urge CMS to reexamine the market basket methodology in light of actual cost data demonstrating increases and provide a more sustainable update.

The Current Post-TDAPA Policy Continues to Stifle Innovation, Despite Efforts to Address the Lack of Adequate Funding for New, Innovative Therapies in the Base Rate

KCP appreciates language in the preamble demonstrating that CMS recognizes that the current policies negatively impact patient access to new, innovative treatment options.

However, the proposed modifications do not go far enough to address the failure of the post-Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment (TDAPA) temporary base rate adjustment to meet its intended purpose of incentivizing access to new drugs and biological products. KCP had hoped that CMS would take a more patient-centric approach and reform this policy by revising its methodology in recognition that, as designed, the bundle does not include sufficient funding for new treatment options that address recognized gaps in care. As the real-world example of patients not being able to access the only FDA-approved drug to treat CKD-associated pruritis demonstrates, an inadequate payment rate for innovative products creates a significant barrier to patient access.

KCP urges CMS to consider the kidney care community’s concerns and looks forward to providing more specific feedback in forthcoming comments.