Vascular Access

 Guidelines and Resources

  Provider Information

For Vascular Access Quality Improvement Activity Information, click here.

Increasing the number of patients receiving dialysis via arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and reducing long-term catheter (LTC) use for dialysis access is key to providing optimum care for your patients. A dialysis patient is identified as having a LTC when he or she has been dialyzed with a catheter for 90 days or longer, regardless of whether the catheter has been replaced.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Catheter Reduction Root Cause Analysis Tool PDF

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has set two quality goals for facilities, that are linked to the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (ESRD QIP). These are:

1. Each hemodialysis facility's AVF rate should be greater than or equal to 68%
2. Each hemodialysis facility's LTC rate should be less than or equal to 10%

The Fistula First Catheter Last (FFCL) site has information for both providers and patients about access care and improving outcomes. Included on this site are resources for you as the provider, your patients, and vascular surgeons.

The  Networks are focusing on reducing the rate of LTCs at facilities with a rate of 10%.

Vascular Access Progress (VAP) Planning Resources:
VAP Worksheet
VAP Reporting Form

Vascular Access is an important part of your dialysis care. You should be aware of your access options, as well as how to check your access daily. The "One Minute Access Check" can help ensure that your access is functioning properly and avoid complications associated with access dysfunction.

• Fistula First-Dialysis Vascular Access Flyer English
• Fistula First-Dialysis Vascular Access Flyer Spanish
• Flyers and Booklets
  Vascular Access Guide (Stoplight) Trifold Booklet (English I Spanish)
  Vascular Access Planning Guide for Professionals Booklet
  Lifeline for a Lifetime: Planning for Your Vascular Access Booklet (English I Spanish)
  Questions or Concerns About a Permanent Access? Let’s Talk Booklet
  Vascular Access Comparisons: Fistula, Graft, Catheter Flyer (English I Spanish)
  It Only Takes a Minute to Save Your Lifeline. Look, Listen Feel Guide Booklet

  Does this Look Normal? A Patient Guide to Infection Flyer (English I Spanish)
  6 Tips to Prevent Dialysis Infections: Patients with Catheters, Fistulas or Grafts 2 sided leaflet

Lifeline for a Lifetime-How to Check Your Access

 

Dialysis Patients Speak: A Conversation About the Importance of AV Fistulas