Kidney disease education
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers kidney disease education if you’re eligible
Description
Kidney disease education:
- Teaches you how to take the best possible care of your kidneys
- Gives you information you need to make informed decisions about your care
Coverage details
You’ll learn about these topics:
- How to manage health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia
- How your kidneys work
- What you should and shouldn’t eat
- How your medications work
- Your treatment options if your kidneys get worse:
- Kidney transplant
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Access options for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
You can also ask about these topics:
- How you’ll feel
- How to maintain your kidney function
- Exercise
- What your test results mean
- Your family and social life
- Work and finances
- Your mental health
- Your right to choose not to get a kidney transplant on dialysis
Who's eligible
Medicare covers kidney disease education services if you have Stage 4 chronic kidney disease that usually requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. Your doctor or other qualified health care provider must refer you for the service.
Provider requirements
You must get this service from a doctor, certain qualified non-doctor providers, or certain rural providers.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount per session if you get the service from a doctor or other health care provider.
How often
Up to 6 sessions, if you’re eligible
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service