Vocational Rehabilitation

Comagine Health’s ESRD Network strives to promote optimal care for people with end-stage renal disease. Optimal care includes not only safe and quality care, but also improved patient independence and quality of life. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) provides a path to reduce the impact of kidney disease on your lifestyle and income.

These VR resources can assist you in returning to work or school.

Comagine Health ESRD

Social Security Administration

*Available in other languages at https://www.ssa.gov.

Home Dialysis Central

 

The Network is here to support your vocational rehabilitation efforts and to help remove any barriers. If you have any suggestions or comments or would like assistance with VR, please call Lisa Hall, patient services director, at 800-262-1514.

Voice Your Concerns

If you have concerns or complaints about your kidney care, you have the right to file a grievance.

A grievance is a written or oral communication from an ESRD patient, and/or individual representing an ESRD patient, and/or another party, alleging that an ESRD service received from a Medicare-certified provider did not meet the grievant’s expectations with respect to safety, civility, patient rights and/or clinical standards of care.

You have three options for filing a grievance:

  • File a grievance with your facility
  • File a grievance with the Network
  • File a grievance with your state survey agency

Option 1 — File a Grievance With Your Facility

Facilities are required to have a process for addressing patient concerns and complaints. Ask a staff member for the process at your facility. You are not required to use your facility’s grievance process, but we encourage you to do so.

Option 2 — File a Grievance With the Network

f you are not satisfied with the result of your facility’s process or you do not want to use the facility’s process, you have the right to file a grievance with the Network.

As an ESRD patient, you can file your own grievance. Family members or other representatives can also file grievances for you. To file a grievance with the Network, please call us at 800-262-1514.

Patient Toll-Free Phone Number

800-262-1514

Network Grievance Process

When we receive your grievance, the Network Patient Services department starts working toward a resolution so that you can continue to receive care in a healthy treatment environment. We often ask you to take part in the process because it increases our ability to achieve a positive outcome.

The Network Patient Services department:

  • Requests and reviews documentation from your facility that is related to your grievance
  • Works with you and facility staff to reach a resolution
  • Provides you with the outcome of the investigation in writing
  • Works with your state’s health department when necessary

You have the right to file an anonymous or confidential grievance. (“Anonymous” means you don’t tell us your name. “Confidential” means you tell us your name but ask us not to share it with the facility.) Your confidentiality is important to us, and we will not share your name with the facility. However, if your anonymous or confidential grievance is about your individual care, our ability to investigate your claims may be limited.

Network Role

The Network is a nonprofit organization funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). One of our most important responsibilities is to serve as an unbiased, outside review agency for ESRD grievances. Our primary goal is to resolve grievance cases as successfully as possible for the grievant.

We can:

  • Investigate grievances filed by patients, family members or patient representatives in an effort to resolve any issues a patient is experiencing at a dialysis facility or transplant center
  • Provide individualized interventions and recommendations for rebuilding positive patient-provider relationships to treatment teams and patients
  • Advocate for patient rights
  • Assist with locating facilities through Care Compare
  • Provide resources like educational materials and contact information

We cannot:

  • Require a dialysis facility, transplant center or physician to accept a patient
  • Change or become involved in facility or personnel policies and procedures
  • Facilitate the firing or transfer of a physician or staff member
  • Directly provide patients with monetary compensation, payment of bills or transportation arrangements
  • Override state or federal licensing/certification requirements
  • Assist in the pursuit of legal action

Option 3 — File a Grievance With Your State Survey Agency

You also have the option to file a grievance with your state survey agency.
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/contact-information
 

 

Emergency Preparedness

Current Closures

  • No current facility closures

Report Closures or Service Interruptions

Report to the Network any changes impacting normal facility operations, schedules or access to treatment as a result of power outage, impassable roads or evacuation. Notify the Network as soon as there is a known problem — including outside of business hours.

Online Report Form


Guide to Reporting Emergency Events to the Network

 

Resources for Providers

General

Local Support and Supplies

CMS requires facilities to contact their local disaster management agency at least annually and as needed for support with restoration of services or to obtain medical resources such as PPE in the event of a disaster or an emergency.

 

Network’s Role in Emergencies

Comagine Health ESRD Network 16 is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to conduct emergency preparedness and response activities to assist the renal patient and provider communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

In preparation for emergencies, the Network:

  • Encourages dialysis facilities to plan for emergency situations
  • Provides technical assistance in the development of emergency plans
  • Provides educational materials to the patient and provider community on topics related to emergency/disaster
  • Develops an internal Network plan for preparedness and response, including arrangements with backup Networks if local operations are impaired

During emergency responses, and per HIPAA and CMS policy, the Network:

  • Disseminates central contact numbers for dialysis providers in the affected area to assist patients and providers in coordinating the provision of dialysis services
  • Posts information about open and closed status of facilities on the Network website
  • Assists patients with contacting dialysis providers to arrange treatment
  • Assists family members with locating displaced patients
  • Assists treating facilities with obtaining necessary information to care for patients
  • Works with CMS or its contractor to maintain a database tracking system for patient whereabouts (dialysis centers and/or shelter locations)
  • Hosts conference calls with CMS, providers, vendors and other entities to coordinate care for patients
  • Enacts backup Network arrangements if our Network office operations are compromised. We have a CMS-approved mutual backup agreement with ESRD Network 2 in New York.

Contact Us

Phone: 206-923-0714

Patient phone: 800-262-1514

Fax: 206-923-0716

Kidney Education and Resources

Support Groups

Download our Virtual Peer Support information sheet.

Regional Support Groups

Virtual Support Groups

Home Dialysis Central (HDC) Discussion Groups

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Online Community and Helpline

  • Kidney Transplant on HealthUnlocked
    Online community where you can share your experiences, ask questions and get answers that are accurate and up to date. Visit https://healthunlocked.com/nkf-kidneytransplant/about.
  • NKF Cares
    Helpline offering support for people affected by kidney disease. Designed for patients, family members and care partners. Call 1-855-NKF-CARES (855-653-2273) or email nkfcares@kidney.org.
  • NKF Peers
    Speak with a peer mentor who shares your experiences with dialysis, transplant, living kidney donation or COVID-19. Visit https://www.kidney.org/patients/peers to learn more.

 

If you know of a support group not listed here, please fill out this form so we can add it to our list.

 

Other Resources for Patients

We encourage patients to bring questions about these resources to their health care team.

Health care professionals who use these resources are responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of the content.

  • American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
    Organization for kidney patients that provides educational material about treatment options and resources.
    http://www.aakp.org
  • American Kidney Fund (AKF)
    Kidney health awareness, education and prevention, along with financial assistance to help low-income dialysis and transplant patients access health care.
    http://www.kidneyfund.org
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
    Infection prevention for dialysis patients, including dialysis access.
    https://www.cdc.gov/dialysis/patient
  • Dialysis Patient Depression Toolkit
    Depression toolkit designed by patients for patients with contributions from professional collaborators.
    English | Spanish
  • Depression & Dialysis: Removing the Stigma and Strengthening our Mental Health
    Recording and slides of October 2018 webinar hosted by patient leaders in collaboration with AAKP and NKF.
    https://bit.ly/3jsAByW
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Internet Access Assistance Program
    FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that provides eligible households with a discount on broadband internet services and connected devices.
    https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/acp-flyer-i.pdf
  • Home Dialysis Central
    Information for kidney patients about all types of treatment options.
    https://www.homedialysis.org
  • Kidney School
    Dialysis-related learning modules for patients and staff.
    https://www.kidneyschool.org
  • My Kidney Life Plan
    Tool to assist patients with selecting a treatment option to fit their lifestyle
    https://mykidneylifeplan.org
  • Medical Education Institute (MEI) Life Options Rehabilitation
    Materials for kidney patients about treatment options, rehabilitation and maintaining an active lifestyle.
    http://www.lifeoptions.org
  • National Coordinating Center (NCC)
    Educational materials for the ESRD community, including new dialysis patients.
    https://esrdncc.org/en/patients
  • National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
    Information and resources for kidney patients about kidney disease and treatment options
    http://www.kidney.org
  • Neighborhood Navigator (AAFP)
    Interactive tool to connect patients with resources in their community
    https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/the-everyone-project/neighborhood-navigator.html
  • Renal Support Network (RSN)
    Patient-run organization providing support for patients affected by chronic kidney disease.
    https://www.rsnhope.org

 

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is when a kidney from another person (living or deceased) is placed inside your body to do the work that your own kidneys can no longer do. With a kidney transplant you can live a normal life and do not require any form of dialysis while the kidney continues to function. Every patient has the right to be referred and evaluated for a transplant.

You need to pass some medical tests to get a transplant. These tests look to see if your body is healthy enough for the surgery and if you will be able to take the medications needed after surgery to help your body adapt to the new kidney.

Trained staff work with you to determine if transplant is right for you. If you have been told by one transplant center that you are not a candidate, you may qualify at another transplant center with different criteria.

Your doctor should discuss all of the risks and benefits of kidney transplant. Transplants are not always successful. If your transplant fails, you can still pursue other treatment options and get back on the transplant list.

Selecting a Transplant Center

Kidney transplant centers have varying criteria for patients. Use the Kidney Transplant Compare tool to find the best match for your needs. You can search, save and compare centers by medical criteria, support services, wait times, survival rates and location.

Living Kidney Donation

Oregon Transplant Centers

Washington Transplant Centers

Kidney Transplant Resources

Transplant Financial Assistance

About Us

Comagine Health’s ESRD program serves end-stage renal disease patients and providers through:

  • Grievance investigations
  • Quality improvement technical assistance
  • Data management
  • Emergency management support
  • Patient and provider education

We are committed to improving care and quality of life for people with kidney disease.

Networks 15 and 18

Networks 15 and 18 are two of 18 Networks under contract with CMS to work collaboratively with dialysis professionals, providers and patients to improve patient care. Network 15 operates in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Network 18 operates in Southern California.

According to Title XVIII Section 1881 of the Social Security Act, we are responsible for:

  • Encouraging, consistent with sound medical practice, the use of the treatment settings most compatible with the successful rehabilitation of the patient and the participation of patients, providers of services, and renal disease facilities in vocational rehabilitation programs
  • Developing criteria and standards relating to the quality and appropriateness of patient care and with respect to working with patients, facilities, and providers in encouraging participation in vocational rehabilitation programs; and network goals with respect to the placement of patients in self-care settings and undergoing or preparing for transplantation
  • Evaluating the procedure by which facilities and providers in the Network assess the appropriateness of patients for proposed treatment modalities
  • Implementing a procedure for evaluating and resolving patient grievances
  • Conducting on-site reviews of facilities and providers as necessary, utilizing standards of care established by the Network Organization to assure proper medical care

Patients and Families

Comagine Health ESRD provides information, resources and assistance to dialysis and kidney transplant patients in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Information and Resources

Contact Us

The Network is here to help with any concerns you have about your care. Please contact us:

  • If you want information and resources
  • If you want to talk with someone about your care
  • If you want the Network to help you and your facility find a solution for your concerns
  • If you want the Network to investigate potential adverse clinical outcomes or violation of rights
  • If you want the Network to forward your concerns to Medicare or your state Department of Health

Patient Toll-Free Phone: 800-262-1514

Fax: 206-923-0716

Comagine Health ESRD Network 16
P.O. Box 33400
Seattle, WA 98133

Governance and Compliance

Network 16

Board of Directors

New board members of ESRD Network 16 are elected by the Network board of directors through a selection process of the board’s nominating committee. Annual elections are completed no later than January 31 each year. Board members serve staggering terms from one to three years with one-third of the board turning over each year. There is a mandatory rotation of board members after six consecutive years. All board members serve with no compensation other than per diem for in-person board meetings.

If you are interested in serving on the Network 16 board of directors, please contact Stephanie Hutchinson at shutchinson@comagine.org.

Board Members

Nancy Colobong-Smith MN, ARNP, CNN
Chair
Current term length: 1 year
Initial appointment: 2017
Max board term: 2021
Affiliation: University of Washington
Profession: Nurse
State: Washington

Katrina Russell, RN, CNN
Current term length: 3 years
Initial appointment: 2016
Max board term: 2022
Affiliation: Dialysis Consulting Group
Profession: Nurse
State: Washington

Scott Bieber, DO
Profession: Physician
State: Idaho

John Stivelman, MD
Board Member — Medical Review Board Chair
Current term length: 2 years
Initial appointment: 2016
Max board term: Appointed; no max term
Affiliation: University of Washington/Northwest Kidney Center
Profession: Physician
State: Washington

 

Roger Gravgaard
Board Member — Patient Advisory Council Representative
Current term length: 3 years
Initial appointment: 2016
Max board term: Appointed; no max term
Affiliation: Business owner
Profession: Patient SME
State: Montana

Christine Logar, MD
Board Member
Current term length: 3 years
Initial appointment: 2019
Max board term: 2025
Affiliation: Swedish
Profession: Physician
State: Washington

Jessie Pavlinac, MS, RD, CSR, LD
Board Member — Medical Review Board Vice Chair
Current term length: 2 years
Initial appointment: 2016
Max board term: Appointed; no max term
Affiliation: OHSU
Profession: Dietician
State: Oregon

Angie West
Board Member
Affiliation: Fresenius
State: Washington

 

Medical Review Board

The medical review board (MRB) consists of representatives of professional disciplines in ESRD care, including two patient representatives. The MRB evaluates the quality and appropriateness of care delivered to patients with end-stage renal disease. The board of directors reviews nominations and approves the membership of the MRB. The MRB determines the terms of its membership. Members serve without compensation.

Functions of the MRB include:

  • Advising the Network on the care and appropriate placement of ESRD patients on dialysis in the Network service area
  • Setting standards regarding physician management of patient discharges that encourages all patients be maintained in consistent dialysis care regardless of patient compliance
  • Advising the Network on all work associated with the statement of work

If you are interested in serving on the Network 16 medical review board, please contact Stephanie Hutchinson at shutchinson@comagine.org.

 

Network Council

The Network council is composed of a representative from each dialysis facility in the Network service area (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington).

What is the Network council?

The Social Security Act, Section 1881 (C)-(c)(1)(A)(i)-designated “network administrative organizations” which, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary, included establishment of a “network council of renal dialysis and transplant facilities located in the area.” Each Network may have different processes in place regarding who constitutes the council membership as well as their roles, but all Networks must adhere to the basic regulations. The complete Social Security Act, which includes information on Medicare coverage, the patient registry, Networks and providers, is located online.

Who are the members of this Network’s council?

Each Medicare-certified ESRD treatment facility in the Network area has one representative to the council. In addition, the Network board of directors may approve additional members of the council. When the facility submits their facility roster to the Network, the person listed as the Facility Representative is considered their designated member of the council. The facility must notify the Network if this person has changed. Transplant center representatives are also included in the membership.

What are the responsibilities of the Facility Representative on the Network council?

This role includes assisting the Network in identifying the ongoing needs of the renal community and making recommendations to the Network on programs, activities and approaches to identified needs and issues. The Facility Representative also is the key person responsible for assuring their facility is participating with Network-directed goals and activities as required by the federal Conditions for Coverage (dialysis facilities) and Conditions for Participation (transplant centers) regulations. If a facility is out of compliance with Network activities, the Facility Representative will be the recipient of Network communications regarding this situation. The Facility Representative also casts the facility vote for the Network board of directors elections.

How can council members give input to the Network?

The Network receives ongoing feedback from council members via their phone and email contacts with Network staff. There is a yearly Network council virtual meeting to provide a Network update and solicit input. An annual environmental scan is also sent to all Network council members to understand priorities and barriers of facilities.

What types of assistance can the Network provide to council members and others?

Network staff members are qualified in their respective fields to provide technical and educational assistance to the community on a variety of subjects including clinical, data, social service and administrative areas.

 

Patient Advisory Council

The patient advisory council (PAC) is an active committee of 15 ESRD patients who volunteer their time to inform the Network and its board of directors about the needs of patients.

The Network 16 PAC:

  • Helps the Network identify common patient concerns, problems and educational needs
  • Focuses on issues that affect patient care and quality of life
  • Empowers fellow patients to be involved in their health care

If you are interested in serving on the Network 16 PAC:

PAC members are:

  • From all treatment modalities and transplant
  • Willing to commit two years as a member
  • Able to attend quarterly telephone meetings and an annual face-to-face meeting
  • Outgoing and open communicators
  • Have access to a working telephone and email

 

Network Staff

Stephanie Hutchinson, MBA
Executive Director

Barbara Dommert-Breckler, RN, BSN, CNN
Quality Improvement Director

Lisa Hall, LICSW, MSW
Patient Services Director

Leah Skrien
Information Management Director

 

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