In the U.S., chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 3 adults is at risk for developing it, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Treating CKD focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage — and that’s not a linear journey.
People with CKD often have comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as other conditions, including obesity, anemia, bone disease, high potassium, high calcium and fluid build-up. Managing these conditions requires an interdisciplinary team that is committed to whole-person care. Here at Strive Health, we call this team the Kidney Heroes™.
Strive’s distinctive care model is anchored by the Kidney Heroes™, who are empowered with groundbreaking technology and the ability to deliver care where and when it’s needed — at primary care physician (PCP) or nephrology offices, at the hospital, in the home or at Strive Care Centers, which provide in-center dialysis, home dialysis training, education and disease management.
“Patients with CKD are dealing with a lot of complexities in their care, and we want to relieve the burden as much as possible,” said Dr. Shika Pappoe, nephrologist and Strive Health’s Chief Medical Officer. “The Kidney Heroes™ embed empathetically and deeply into patients’ lives and help them on their journey to achieve greater health outcomes. The team meets patients where they are and works together to coordinate care so patients don’t have to.”
The Kidney Heroes™ focus on the right intervention at the right time. If a patient isn’t progressing in a positive direction, the team tries to change that. Each person is trained to provide highly specialized care and understands the intricacies of kidney disease.
Team members work together to provide the Strive care model, and roles and staffing ratios are customizable based on individual market needs. The Kidney Heroes™ are:
The entire Kidney Heroes™ team acts as an extension of the nephrologist, who drives the overall management of a patient’s care. The team also includes a medical director, who is accountable for outcomes of the overall care model.
“Altogether the medical director, nephrologist and Kidney Heroes™ deliver high-touch care that’s specific to each patient’s individual needs,” said Voranan Pongquan, Director of Care Model Design and Innovation at Strive Health. “This approach can help patients delay the progression of kidney disease, stay out of the emergency room and experience better quality of life overall.”
To learn more about the Kidney Heroes™ and how they serve the patient care journey, complete our contact form.
Each of us has chosen to dedicate our time to something bigger than ourselves. We are resilient, tenacious, and strive for continuous innovation. We have fun. And we always care for others first.
“At Strive, we’re transforming kidney care. While our mission, vision, and values-based culture play critical roles in that transformation, our people (Strivers) make it happen. Strivers are delivering compassionate kidney care and creating an incredible place to work.”
Let’s do better for kidney disease patients and improve our kidney care system together. Contact us now!
CONTACT USIn this quick article, we provide anexecutive summary of the ETC model, what nephrologists need to know, anddiscuss implications for the nephrologists and dialysis facilities.
Check out the article