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New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP)

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NEPOP Materials

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes that patients, families, and caregivers are essential partners in the effort to improve the quality and safety of healthcare provided to all patients. Being a partner in your healthcare can also improve your quality of life with kidney disease. We encourage you and your family to learn more about ESRD and the ways that you can become involved in your treatment by looking at materials and resources on this website. Equally important, we urge you to talk with your care team (physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and technicians) and get involved in the decision-making process so that you will find your own best approach to treatment.

To find your ESRD Network click here.

Para español hacer clic AQUÍ​.

New Patient Orientation Flyer

Spanish Version

Black and White Spanish Version

Black and White English Version

These flyers offer information about where to find valuable kidney disease resources in English and Spanish versions.

Managing Retaliation 

This document defines what retaliation is and how to manage it. 

CMS: Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services

This official government booklet explains the basics of Medicare, how Medicare helps pay for kidney dialysis and kidney transplants, and where to get help.

CMS: Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services - Spanish

This Spanish language CMS booklet explains the basics of Medicare, how Medicare helps pay for kidney dialysis and kidney transplants, and where to get help.

Medicare for Children with ESRD

Medicare can help cover healthcare costs for children with ESRD. Even if you currently have other health coverage, enrolling your child in Medicare can provide consistent protection for them if you lose your other coverage in the future. Medicare covers most ESRD-related services.

Medicare for Children with ESRD - Spanish

Medicare can help cover healthcare costs for children with ESRD. Even if you currently have other health coverage, enrolling your child in Medicare can provide consistent protection for them if you lose your other coverage in the future. Medicare covers most ESRD-related services.

FFCL: Hemodialysis Vascular Access

Hemodialysis (HD) cleans your blood through a fistula, graft, or catheter. If you have kidney failure, one of these will be your LIFELINE. This document outlines the differences between these three options so you can discuss which option is best for you with your doctor.

FFCL: Hemodialysis Vacular Access - Spanish

Hemodialysis (HD) cleans your blood through a fistula, graft, or catheter. If you have kidney failure, one of these will be your LIFELINE. This Spanish language document outlines the differences between these three options so you can discuss which option is best for you with your doctor.

National Kidney Foundation: Join Us Postcard

This postcard, included in your NEPOP Packet, can be completed and returned to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to join their Patient & Family Council.

National Kidney Foundation: Join Us Postcard - Spanish

This Spanish language postcard, included in your NEPOP Packet, can be completed and returned to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to join their Patient & Family Council.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

As a person with kidney failure, you have certain rights and responsibilities. This document outlines those rights and responsibilities to help you know what to expect from your healthcare team, and what they can expect from you.

AAKP ESRD Information Card

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) promotes education and encourages conversations that help improve the everyday lives of patients. This information card also features a nutritious kidney-friendly recipe.

AAKP ESRD Information Card - Spanish

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) promotes education and encourages conversations that help improve the everyday lives of patients. This Spanish language information card also features a nutritious kidney-friendly recipe.

How to File a Grievance

As you learn to live with kidney failure, you may have to deal with problems along the way. This document outlines the best ways to deal with these concerns with your healthcare team, and how to pursue further assistance if needed.

CMS: Medicare's Coverage of Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Benefits - Getting Started

This document provide helpful information to help newly diagnosed end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to get started with Medicare benefits.

CMS: Medicare's Coverage of Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Benefits - Getting Started - Spanish

This document provide helpful information to help newly diagnosed end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to get started with Medicare benefits.

The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center (NCC) has created and shares education on important topics, which are developed with other kidney patients like you. We make sure you have what you need to know in a way that is easy to find and understand. Here are essential resources we urge you to use and share among others in the kidney community.

New Patient Orientation Flyer

This flyer offers information about where to find valuable kidney disease resources.

Kidney Hub

The Kidney Hub is an easy-to-use online resource for your phone or tablet. It is full of information created by patients for patients. Take it one topic at a time and educate yourself.

Kidney Patient Resources

Find more easy-to-understand resources created by patients for patients on home dialysis, transplant, mental health, and more topics on the ESRD NCC website.

4 Ways to Empower Yourself

This is a resource to help kidney patients cope with difficult and emotional times.

Transplant 101 Series

The Transplant 101 series was developed by patients for patients. These resources help you better understand the transplant journey. Found at the Patient Resources page under the Transplant menu.

Choosing Home Dialysis With Your Care Team  |  Spanish

This resource describes the topics a kidney patient should talk about with their care team when choosing home dialysis. Found at the Patient Resources page under the Home Dialysis menu.

Watch Two Videos

Kidney Transplant Hub

This website has in-depth information on steps to getting a kidney transplant.