Medicare.gov

Kidney disease education

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers kidney disease education if you’re eligible

  • Covered by Part B
  • Up to 6 sessions, if you’re eligible

  • After the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount  

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