2000+ dialysis facilities serving high social risk populations had lower home dialysis and transplant rates, affecting Medicare reimbursement.

A JAMA study of over 2,000 dialysis facilities found that those serving high social risk populations had lower home dialysis and transplant waitlisting rates, resulting in fewer kidney transplants. Consequently, these facilities received reduced performance scores and Medicare reimbursement. The study raises concerns that facilities treating vulnerable patients may perform poorly under the new payment model.