Since 2015, when CMS began its dialysis facilities star rating program, Satellite Healthcare has led the country in both quality care and patient satisfaction.
The story behind each CMS star begins with someone living on dialysis, the care and treatment they receive, and the health and lifestyle outcomes they experience.
The moment a physician and patient choose Satellite is the moment our commitment to an individualized care plan begins. A plan that reflects the contributions of a dedicated interdisciplinary team of kidney professionals.
Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns ratings for each US dialysis facility in two categories: the quality of the facility and patients’ satisfaction with the care they receive there. These ratings range from one star (lowest rating) to five stars (highest rating).
The complex data that comprises the star rating system represents the aggregated clinical measurements and standardized ratio benchmarks of each dialysis center’s patient population.
CMS’s most recently released quality results indicate:
CMS’ patient survey star ratings reflect patients’ assessment of the quality of communication, caring, and center operations of their kidney doctor and their treatment team.
CMS’s most recently released patient experience results indicate:
Satellite Healthcare teams actively and enthusiastically engage in a rigorous Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) system. Our quality outcomes show it works.
Satellite patients experience a:
Much of our clinical-focused research aims to decrease morbidity and mortality among ESKD patients. Through these efforts we’ve learned that:
The direct connection between ESKD patients’ psychosocial well-being and their overall health drives the psychosocial-related research that Satellite conducts. Our research in this sphere demonstrates that:
And despite the strong connection between a person’s physical activity and psychosocial health, exercise studies of people on peritoneal dialysis, many of whom are physically inactive and frail, are scarce. Satellite’s research concluded it is feasible and safe for these patients to engage in resistance and cardiovascular exercise, and that PD therapy should include such exercise programs.
Satellite conducts an annual Net Promoter survey of the medical directors. With a response rate well over 80%, Satellite clinical leaders use this quantitative and qualitative feedback to fine tune the physician experience at our centers.
In a recent survey with medical directors, on a 10-point scale:
Satellite Healthcare, as a whole, earned an NPS of +60 (mean 8.67);
Satellite in-center dialysis centers earned a score of +69 (mean 8.98); and
WellBound home dialysis centers earned a world-class +81 (mean 9.17).
These values suggest a high degree of loyalty and satisfaction amongst Satellite and WellBound Medical Directors.
Our electronic health record platform connects referring physicians, medical directors, case managers, and physician office staff to Satellite’s patient information and health records from any internet-connected device, including tablets and smartphones. Our participation in the eHealth Exchange Network enhances patient care by enabling us to easily and securely exchange electronic data with other healthcare provider systems and participating organizations.
With all the talk about treatment, we never lose sight that what it’s really about is helping people live a longer, healthier life that includes time to enjoy the moments of joy that make life worth living.
Satellite was founded as a non-profit organization by a pioneering kidney doctor. For nearly 50 years, our physician-led organization has continued to offer people living with CKD expert treatment, compassionate support and empowering education that helps them live their best life possible.
From pre-ESKD education to dialysis start, we’re ready to help you provide the best possible care for each patient.
