Race, insurance status related to likelihood of being assessed for kidney transplantation

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/ason-ris072012.php

Public release date: 26-Jul-2012
Contact: Tracy Hampton
American Society of Nephrology
Race, insurance status related to likelihood of being assessed for kidney transplantation
Young blacks and patients without private insurance less likely to be assessed

Highlights

Young black patients and patients without private health insurance are less likely to be assessed for a kidney transplant when they start dialysis.
These patients are also less likely to be put on the transplant waiting list and to receive a kidney transplant.
The findings may help explain the racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to kidney transplantation that are well documented.

A kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure, which afflicts 2 million people worldwide.