| [ Summary ] |
The Rule of Rescue justifies the universal provision of dialysis therapy in developed countries. However, limited healthcare resources and a growing ESRD population can create an economic burden. Within a decade, the number of ESRD patients is expected to reach a plateau. If so, technical and medical innovations, the application of EBM, and continuous quality improvement may produce an equitable payment and delivery system for dialysis, which will maximize efficiency and quality of care. |