Kidney Care Choices model: CMS Performance Year 2022 evaluation findings

On Nov. 25, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released Performance Year (PY) 2022 evaluation findings for the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) voluntary model. The evaluation of the first performance year revealed mixed outcomes. 

Kidney Care Choices model evaluation findings for PY 2022 

• Participation: 30% of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease eligible for the model are aligned with a KCC participating entity.   

• Encouraging trends: CMS reported, “The KCF model option increased the proportion of patients with ESRD dialyzing at home (20%). Home dialysis training increased in CKCC (32%). Both model options increased peritoneal dialysis, the primary modality for home dialysis (KCF: 26% and CKCC: 8%).” 

• Stable measures: Most quality measures showed no significant changes. 

• Financial outcomes: There was no measurable impact on overall Medicare costs, savings or losses. 

The road ahead: CMS’ prediction 

While the CKCC model’s results show early promise, especially in promoting home dialysis and optimal ESRD starts, they represent an early stage of implementation.  

CMS concluded in its November 2024 CMMI Evaluation Digest that “There was no evidence of impacts on overall Medicare payments, net savings or losses to Medicare, or unintended consequences. Given the complexity of improving kidney care outcomes, longer-term data will be critical in determining the program’s overall success.” 

Supporting KCC resources to leverage 

The Kidney Care Choices model is a bold step toward improving outcomes for late-stage CKD and ESRD patients. As the program matures and incorporates lessons learned, it has the potential to shape the future of kidney care delivery. 

If you’d like more resources, CMS included the following in its November 2024 CMMI Evaluation Digest: 

The two-page overview 

• Findings At-a-Glance (PDF) 
  
  

The report (includes an executive summary) 

• Evaluation Findings for Performance Year (PY) 2022 (PDF)
  
  

Additional supporting material

• Model Page: Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model 

Are you participating in the KCC model? 

DataGen’s Kidney Care Choices solution helps practices improve kidney disease management and outcomes. Contact us today to access a comprehensive KCC analytics platform, unlimited consultations and hands-on support.