Renal Physicians Association

Quality Improvement - RPA is committed to ensuring quality care for patients with kidney disease. The Association works closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Forum of ESRD Networks, and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop policies and procedures that result in an effective quality assessment and improvement program. RPA contributes to the development of clinical practice guidelines and physician performance measures through participation in PQM. The Association coordinates these efforts with other organized medical groups as well as AHRQ and CMS. Patient safety is an important part of the RPA physician-patient equation. Through RPA's efforts in quality and accountability, patient safety has been highlighted as an important program initiative.

Research - RPA promotes adequate funding for biomedical research on kidney disease by the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). RPA supports medical treatment effectiveness and outcomes assessment research relating to kidney disease and advocates funding for this through AHRQ. Also, RPA has been instrumental in garnering support for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of the U.S. renal data system.

Liaison and Coalitions - RPA leaders represent the subspecialty of nephrology as members of the house of delegates of the AMA and the Council of Subspecialty Societies of the American College of Physicians. RPA actively participates with other nephrology organizations as a member of Kidney Care Partners and other kidney health focused coalitions.