Now, Medicare Consumers Can Compare Dialysis Facilities  

The Health Care Financing Administration, the federal agency that administers Medicare, announces the launch of Dialysis Facility Compare, a new tool on www.medicare.gov to help Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare-certified facilities that offer kidney dialysis to patients with end-stage renal disease. 

Information includes the quality of care and survival rates at 3500 dialysis facilities in the U. S., the date the facility was certified by HCFA, and which facilities offer treatments after five p.m. The Web site data was selected with the assistance of experts in the renal community representing health care professionals, patients, and patient advocates. 

"This information is intended to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions about their own health care," said Michael McMullan, HCFA acting deputy administrator. "The Dialysis Facility Compare feature was developed as part of our response to provide a report on the quality of Medicare dialysis services required by the 1997 Balanced Budget Act." 

End-stage renal disease is a common complication of chronic diabetes and hypertension. More than a quarter of a million people in the U.S. receive dialysis treatments. 

Dialysis Compare is the latest addition to comparison tools on HCFA's Web site. About 800,000 visitors per month visit www.medicare.gov to compare nursing homes and Medicare health plans in their home states and counties, identify providers and programs that offer low-cost or free prescription drugs, and compare Medigap policies. A screen reader allows people with visual disabilities to access the Web site. 

Another new addition to the Web site is the capability to order free publications online, as well as from our 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) toll free telephone line. Many of the English language publications are also available in Spanish and Chinese. 

The Web site, www.medicare.gov, earned ehealth World's Gold Award for best health plan site.  The national award recognizes the best achievements in the creation, development, and execution of online health Web sites in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. 

HCFA launched www.medicare.gov in 1998 as part of our comprehensive National Medicare Education program that includes the Medicare & You handbook, which last month won an award for for the clarity of its language and presentation; the 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) toll-free telephone line; and partnerships with local and national organizations across the country.