Transforming Kidney Care:Two Decades of CKM Leadership
Next
2016
2012
2008
2002
NKF Launces Laboratory Engagement Initiative
eGFR Decline as an End Point for Clinical Trials Workshop
Proteinuria as a Surrogate Outcome in CKD Workshop
KDOQI CKD Clinical Practice Guidelines Published
2009
2014
2018
2004
NKF Establishes the CKD Prognosis Consortium
NKF Launches CKDIntercept Initiative
Kidney Health Evaluation Quality Measures Developed
Publication on Cardiovascular Complications in CKD
Back
Transforming Kidney Care:Two Decades of CKM Leadership
2024
2022
2019
2018
Publications on Real-World Impact of CKDIntercept
Ending Disparities Leadership Summits
CareFirst Publication: Real-World Impact of CKDi
CKD Change PackageLaunched
2021
2022
2025
2018
Diabetes Care Publication: Revealing CKD Testing Gaps
NACDD Recommends CKDi Model
NKF CKDintercept wins Global Quality Recognition!
eGFR & uACR as End Points for Clinical Trials Workshop
UNDERSTANDING KIDNEY RISK: A BREAKTHROUGH IN PREDICTING OUTCOMES
In 2009, NKF brought together experts from around the world to better understand how kidney disease affects long-term health. This group, called the CKD Prognosis Consortium, studied how two key measures—kidney function (eGFR) and protein in the urine (albuminuria)—relate to serious health outcomes. Their research showed that both of these measures are powerful predictors of risk. People with lower kidney function or higher levels of protein in their urine are more likely to experience complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and even early death. Why it matters: This work helped clinicians more accurately identify who is at higher risk and intervene earlier. It also reinforced the strong connection between kidney disease and heart health, supporting a more holistic approach to care that looks beyond the kidneys alone.
Gansevoort el al., 2011
Astor et al., 2011
Matsushita el al., 2010
Making Kidney Testing Easier and More Accurate for Everyone
NKF's Laboratory Engagement Initiative
NKF brought together major laboratories and healthcare experts to make kidney testing simpler, more consistent, and fair for all patients.This effort focused on a key problem: many people at risk for kidney disease aren’t tested—or aren’t tested correctly—especially in primary care. NKF worked to standardize what tests are used, how results are reported, and to ensure testing does not disadvantage any racial group. Why it matters: Early detection is critical. Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, but it’s much easier to treat when caught early. This initiative helped lay the foundation for better diagnosis and earlier care, and even led major labs like LabCorp, Quest, and Sonic to improve how they support clinicians in identifying kidney disease.
Info
setting the standard for kidney care worldwide
KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation, Classification, and Stratification
In 2002, the National Kidney Foundation introduced groundbreaking guidelines that changed how kidney disease is diagnosed and treated around the world. These guidelines created a clear way to define and stage kidney disease and showed that it is closely linked to heart health, not just a problem of the kidneys alone. They also emphasized that kidney disease can be detected early through routine lab tests and that early treatment can help prevent serious complications. Why it matters: This work created a common language for healthcare professionals and improved how kidney disease is identified and managed. It also helped shift the focus toward earlier detection and prevention—laying the foundation for today’s approach to protecting kidney, heart, and overall health.
DRIVING EARLIER INTERVENTION IN ckd: FROM PROTEINURIA TO BREAKTHROUGH THERAPIES
NKF’s workshop on proteinuria as a surrogate outcome highlights the kind of forward-thinking scientific leadership that underpins the broader CKM approach.
In 2008, the National Kidney Foundation partnered with the FDA to study whether protein in the urine (proteinuria) could be used as an early sign to track kidney disease and measure how well treatments are working.By validating this early marker, researchers no longer had to wait years for severe outcomes like kidney failure to test new treatments. Why it matters: This breakthrough helped speed up the development of new medications and made it possible to treat kidney disease earlier—when it’s most preventable. It also helped pave the way for today’s therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which protect both kidney and heart health.
Info
Bringing Better kidney care to every community
Ending Disparities in CKD - Leadership Summits
The National Kidney Foundation launched a series of leadership summits across the country to address a critical issue: kidney disease and related conditions do not affect all communities equally. These summits brought together over 900 healthcare leaders, community organizations, and policymakers in multiple states to develop local, practical solutions to improve early detection and care, especially in communities at highest risk. Why it matters: Better treatments and tests only make a difference if they reach the people who need them most. These efforts help ensure that all communities have access to early diagnosis, quality care, and better health outcomes—moving us closer to more equitable kidney, heart, and metabolic health for everyone.
Info
Recognized as a Leader in Preventing Chronic Disease
National Recognition of CKDIntercept
The National Kidney Foundation’s CKDintercept program was recognized by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) as a leading example of how to improve care for chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease. NACDD represents public health leaders across all U.S. states and territories, focused on preventing and managing chronic conditions. Their recognition highlights CKDintercept as a model for improving early detection, increasing testing, and helping healthcare teams work together more effectively. Why it matters: This recognition shows that kidney disease is a key part of overall chronic disease prevention, not something that should be treated separately. It also signals to health systems and public health leaders nationwide that programs like CKDintercept can drive real, large-scale improvements in kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info
proving that early kidney care works, and saves money
Study Suggests Intervention for Kidney Disease Can Reduce Hospitalizations and Costs
The National Kidney Foundation partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to show that a proactive, guideline-based approach to kidney care can improve patient health while also lowering healthcare costs.By focusing on early detection and using two key tests (eGFR and uACR), this approach helped identify kidney disease sooner and manage it more effectively.Why it matters: Patients experienced fewer hospital visits and readmissions, and healthcare costs decreased significantly. This study provided real-world proof that improving kidney care isn’t just better for patients, it’s also more efficient for the healthcare system. It helped influence how insurers, health systems, and policymakers think about investing in kidney, heart, and metabolic care.
Info
closing the testing gap for people with diabetes
Kidney Health Evaluation Measure - Improving Testing for People with Diabetes
NKF led the development of a national quality measure to ensure people with diabetes receive the right tests to check their kidney health. This measure tracks whether patients get two important tests: one that shows how well the kidneys are working (eGFR) and one that detects early kidney damage (uACR). Before this, many patients were missing one or both tests, especially the test for early damage. Why it matters: By making kidney testing a standard part of diabetes care, and tying it to healthcare quality and accountability, more people are now being tested earlier. This leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and lower risk of complications like kidney failure and heart disease. It also helped lay the groundwork for today’s advances in treating kidney, heart, and metabolic conditions together.
Info
A Turning point in kidney care: detecting risk sooner
GFR Decline as an End Point for Clinical Trials in CKD
In 2012, the National Kidney Foundation and the FDA worked together to determine whether small, early drops in kidney function (measured by eGFR) could predict serious outcomes like kidney failure.They found that even moderate declines in kidney function were strong warning signs. For example, a drop of 30–40% over a few years greatly increased the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant. Why it matters: This discovery helped speed up the development and approval of new treatments by allowing researchers to measure success earlier, without waiting years for kidney failure to occur. It directly paved the way for today’s breakthrough medications, like SGLT2 inhibitors, which help slow kidney disease and protect heart health.
Info
Helping healthcare teams deliver better kidney care
CKD Change Package: Strategies for Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease Risk Reduction
The National Kidney Foundation created the CKD Change Package to help clinicians and healthcare systems improve how they detect and manage kidney disease, especially in primary care settings. It brings together proven, evidence-based strategies and practical tools that healthcare teams can use to identify kidney disease earlier, manage it more effectively, and reduce risks to both kidney and heart health.Why it matters: More than 40,000 healthcare professionals and organizations have used this resource to improve care and outcomes. It’s also recognized by national public health leaders, including the CDC and Healthy People 2030, helping drive better, more consistent kidney care across the country.
Info
linking kidney disease and heart health
A major publication from the National Kidney Foundation showed that heart disease—not kidney failure—is the leading cause of death for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), at every stage. The paper highlighted that people with CKD are more likely to die from heart problems than to progress to kidney failure. It also explained that kidney disease affects the whole body, especially the heart and blood vessels. Why it matters: This work changed how we think about kidney disease—shifting the focus to managing both kidney and heart health together. It reinforced the importance of treating conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as other complications of kidney disease, to reduce overall risk and improve long-term health.
View Publication
Turning Ideas into Action: Improving kidney health in practice
Real-World Impact of CKDIntercept
Recent studies led by NKF show how better kidney care can be put into action to improve health, especially for people at highest risk. One study tested at-home kidney screening to help reach underserved communities, making it easier to detect kidney disease earlier. Another showed how healthcare providers, public health leaders, and community organizations can work together to improve testing, treatment, and outcomes across an entire state. Why it matters: These efforts show that kidney disease can be identified and treated earlier, before serious complications develop. They also highlight how kidney health is closely connected to heart and metabolic conditions, and how coordinated, community-based approaches can improve care, reduce disparities, and lead to better long-term health for more people.
Show Me CKDIntercept
Leveraging Home Testing
Award-winning innovation in kidney care
CKDIntercept Earns Global Quality Award
The National Kidney Foundation’s CKDintercept program received international recognition through the UNIVANTS Healthcare Excellence Awards for improving how kidney disease is detected and treated. Working with Sanford Health, the program significantly increased kidney testing, diagnosis, and use of recommended treatments—all within one year. Why it matters: This award highlights how better teamwork across labs, primary care, and specialists can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. It also reinforces that kidney health is a key part of overall health, helping to prevent serious heart and metabolic complications when addressed early.
Info
Breaking Barriers to New Kidney Treatments
eGFR & uACR as End Points for Clinical Trials Workshop
In 2018, NKF brought together global experts and regulators to improve how new kidney treatments are tested and approved, especially for early-stage disease. The goal was to use earlier signs of kidney damage and decline (like changes in eGFR and uACR) to measure whether treatments are working, instead of waiting years for severe outcomes like kidney failure. Why it matters: This effort helped remove major barriers to developing new treatments by making clinical trials faster and more practical. It has supported the growth of new therapies for kidney disease and strengthened collaboration between organizations like the FDA and international regulators, helping bring better treatments to patients sooner.
Info
Revealing a major gap in kidney care for at-risk patients
Study reveals gaps in kidney testing for at-risk patients
The National Kidney Foundation partnered with LabCorp to analyze real-world data and uncover how well people at risk for kidney disease, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, are being tested. The results were striking: most patients were not receiving the full set of recommended kidney tests. While many received a blood test to check kidney function (eGFR), far fewer received the urine test (uACR) that can detect early kidney damage. Why it matters: Without both tests, kidney disease can be missed or diagnosed too late. This study highlighted a major gap in care and helped raise awareness across the broader healthcare community about the importance of early and complete testing. It reinforced the need for better, more coordinated care to protect kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info
Changing the Future of Kidney Disease Detection
NKF Launches CKDIntercept
The National Kidney Foundation launched CKDintercept in 2014 to address a major problem: most people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. In fact, only about 1 in 10 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are aware of their condition. This is especially important for people living with diabetes and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of kidney disease—who are at much higher risk but are often not fully tested. CKDintercept focuses on improving how kidney disease is detected and managed in primary care, where most patients with these conditions receive care. It provides tools and support to help healthcare teams test earlier, diagnose sooner, and better manage kidney, heart, and metabolic health together. Why it matters: When kidney disease is caught early it can often be slowed or prevented. CKDintercept has helped increase testing, improve care, and reduce hospital visits and costs. It’s also led to widely used tools and programs that are improving outcomes across kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info
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Transcript
Transforming Kidney Care:Two Decades of CKM Leadership
Next
2016
2012
2008
2002
NKF Launces Laboratory Engagement Initiative
eGFR Decline as an End Point for Clinical Trials Workshop
Proteinuria as a Surrogate Outcome in CKD Workshop
KDOQI CKD Clinical Practice Guidelines Published
2009
2014
2018
2004
NKF Establishes the CKD Prognosis Consortium
NKF Launches CKDIntercept Initiative
Kidney Health Evaluation Quality Measures Developed
Publication on Cardiovascular Complications in CKD
Back
Transforming Kidney Care:Two Decades of CKM Leadership
2024
2022
2019
2018
Publications on Real-World Impact of CKDIntercept
Ending Disparities Leadership Summits
CareFirst Publication: Real-World Impact of CKDi
CKD Change PackageLaunched
2021
2022
2025
2018
Diabetes Care Publication: Revealing CKD Testing Gaps
NACDD Recommends CKDi Model
NKF CKDintercept wins Global Quality Recognition!
eGFR & uACR as End Points for Clinical Trials Workshop
UNDERSTANDING KIDNEY RISK: A BREAKTHROUGH IN PREDICTING OUTCOMES
In 2009, NKF brought together experts from around the world to better understand how kidney disease affects long-term health. This group, called the CKD Prognosis Consortium, studied how two key measures—kidney function (eGFR) and protein in the urine (albuminuria)—relate to serious health outcomes. Their research showed that both of these measures are powerful predictors of risk. People with lower kidney function or higher levels of protein in their urine are more likely to experience complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and even early death. Why it matters: This work helped clinicians more accurately identify who is at higher risk and intervene earlier. It also reinforced the strong connection between kidney disease and heart health, supporting a more holistic approach to care that looks beyond the kidneys alone.
Gansevoort el al., 2011
Astor et al., 2011
Matsushita el al., 2010
Making Kidney Testing Easier and More Accurate for Everyone
NKF's Laboratory Engagement Initiative
NKF brought together major laboratories and healthcare experts to make kidney testing simpler, more consistent, and fair for all patients.This effort focused on a key problem: many people at risk for kidney disease aren’t tested—or aren’t tested correctly—especially in primary care. NKF worked to standardize what tests are used, how results are reported, and to ensure testing does not disadvantage any racial group. Why it matters: Early detection is critical. Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, but it’s much easier to treat when caught early. This initiative helped lay the foundation for better diagnosis and earlier care, and even led major labs like LabCorp, Quest, and Sonic to improve how they support clinicians in identifying kidney disease.
Info
setting the standard for kidney care worldwide
KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation, Classification, and Stratification
In 2002, the National Kidney Foundation introduced groundbreaking guidelines that changed how kidney disease is diagnosed and treated around the world. These guidelines created a clear way to define and stage kidney disease and showed that it is closely linked to heart health, not just a problem of the kidneys alone. They also emphasized that kidney disease can be detected early through routine lab tests and that early treatment can help prevent serious complications. Why it matters: This work created a common language for healthcare professionals and improved how kidney disease is identified and managed. It also helped shift the focus toward earlier detection and prevention—laying the foundation for today’s approach to protecting kidney, heart, and overall health.
DRIVING EARLIER INTERVENTION IN ckd: FROM PROTEINURIA TO BREAKTHROUGH THERAPIES
NKF’s workshop on proteinuria as a surrogate outcome highlights the kind of forward-thinking scientific leadership that underpins the broader CKM approach.
In 2008, the National Kidney Foundation partnered with the FDA to study whether protein in the urine (proteinuria) could be used as an early sign to track kidney disease and measure how well treatments are working.By validating this early marker, researchers no longer had to wait years for severe outcomes like kidney failure to test new treatments. Why it matters: This breakthrough helped speed up the development of new medications and made it possible to treat kidney disease earlier—when it’s most preventable. It also helped pave the way for today’s therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which protect both kidney and heart health.
Info
Bringing Better kidney care to every community
Ending Disparities in CKD - Leadership Summits
The National Kidney Foundation launched a series of leadership summits across the country to address a critical issue: kidney disease and related conditions do not affect all communities equally. These summits brought together over 900 healthcare leaders, community organizations, and policymakers in multiple states to develop local, practical solutions to improve early detection and care, especially in communities at highest risk. Why it matters: Better treatments and tests only make a difference if they reach the people who need them most. These efforts help ensure that all communities have access to early diagnosis, quality care, and better health outcomes—moving us closer to more equitable kidney, heart, and metabolic health for everyone.
Info
Recognized as a Leader in Preventing Chronic Disease
National Recognition of CKDIntercept
The National Kidney Foundation’s CKDintercept program was recognized by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) as a leading example of how to improve care for chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease. NACDD represents public health leaders across all U.S. states and territories, focused on preventing and managing chronic conditions. Their recognition highlights CKDintercept as a model for improving early detection, increasing testing, and helping healthcare teams work together more effectively. Why it matters: This recognition shows that kidney disease is a key part of overall chronic disease prevention, not something that should be treated separately. It also signals to health systems and public health leaders nationwide that programs like CKDintercept can drive real, large-scale improvements in kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info
proving that early kidney care works, and saves money
Study Suggests Intervention for Kidney Disease Can Reduce Hospitalizations and Costs
The National Kidney Foundation partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to show that a proactive, guideline-based approach to kidney care can improve patient health while also lowering healthcare costs.By focusing on early detection and using two key tests (eGFR and uACR), this approach helped identify kidney disease sooner and manage it more effectively.Why it matters: Patients experienced fewer hospital visits and readmissions, and healthcare costs decreased significantly. This study provided real-world proof that improving kidney care isn’t just better for patients, it’s also more efficient for the healthcare system. It helped influence how insurers, health systems, and policymakers think about investing in kidney, heart, and metabolic care.
Info
closing the testing gap for people with diabetes
Kidney Health Evaluation Measure - Improving Testing for People with Diabetes
NKF led the development of a national quality measure to ensure people with diabetes receive the right tests to check their kidney health. This measure tracks whether patients get two important tests: one that shows how well the kidneys are working (eGFR) and one that detects early kidney damage (uACR). Before this, many patients were missing one or both tests, especially the test for early damage. Why it matters: By making kidney testing a standard part of diabetes care, and tying it to healthcare quality and accountability, more people are now being tested earlier. This leads to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and lower risk of complications like kidney failure and heart disease. It also helped lay the groundwork for today’s advances in treating kidney, heart, and metabolic conditions together.
Info
A Turning point in kidney care: detecting risk sooner
GFR Decline as an End Point for Clinical Trials in CKD
In 2012, the National Kidney Foundation and the FDA worked together to determine whether small, early drops in kidney function (measured by eGFR) could predict serious outcomes like kidney failure.They found that even moderate declines in kidney function were strong warning signs. For example, a drop of 30–40% over a few years greatly increased the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant. Why it matters: This discovery helped speed up the development and approval of new treatments by allowing researchers to measure success earlier, without waiting years for kidney failure to occur. It directly paved the way for today’s breakthrough medications, like SGLT2 inhibitors, which help slow kidney disease and protect heart health.
Info
Helping healthcare teams deliver better kidney care
CKD Change Package: Strategies for Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease Risk Reduction
The National Kidney Foundation created the CKD Change Package to help clinicians and healthcare systems improve how they detect and manage kidney disease, especially in primary care settings. It brings together proven, evidence-based strategies and practical tools that healthcare teams can use to identify kidney disease earlier, manage it more effectively, and reduce risks to both kidney and heart health.Why it matters: More than 40,000 healthcare professionals and organizations have used this resource to improve care and outcomes. It’s also recognized by national public health leaders, including the CDC and Healthy People 2030, helping drive better, more consistent kidney care across the country.
Info
linking kidney disease and heart health
A major publication from the National Kidney Foundation showed that heart disease—not kidney failure—is the leading cause of death for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), at every stage. The paper highlighted that people with CKD are more likely to die from heart problems than to progress to kidney failure. It also explained that kidney disease affects the whole body, especially the heart and blood vessels. Why it matters: This work changed how we think about kidney disease—shifting the focus to managing both kidney and heart health together. It reinforced the importance of treating conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as other complications of kidney disease, to reduce overall risk and improve long-term health.
View Publication
Turning Ideas into Action: Improving kidney health in practice
Real-World Impact of CKDIntercept
Recent studies led by NKF show how better kidney care can be put into action to improve health, especially for people at highest risk. One study tested at-home kidney screening to help reach underserved communities, making it easier to detect kidney disease earlier. Another showed how healthcare providers, public health leaders, and community organizations can work together to improve testing, treatment, and outcomes across an entire state. Why it matters: These efforts show that kidney disease can be identified and treated earlier, before serious complications develop. They also highlight how kidney health is closely connected to heart and metabolic conditions, and how coordinated, community-based approaches can improve care, reduce disparities, and lead to better long-term health for more people.
Show Me CKDIntercept
Leveraging Home Testing
Award-winning innovation in kidney care
CKDIntercept Earns Global Quality Award
The National Kidney Foundation’s CKDintercept program received international recognition through the UNIVANTS Healthcare Excellence Awards for improving how kidney disease is detected and treated. Working with Sanford Health, the program significantly increased kidney testing, diagnosis, and use of recommended treatments—all within one year. Why it matters: This award highlights how better teamwork across labs, primary care, and specialists can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. It also reinforces that kidney health is a key part of overall health, helping to prevent serious heart and metabolic complications when addressed early.
Info
Breaking Barriers to New Kidney Treatments
eGFR & uACR as End Points for Clinical Trials Workshop
In 2018, NKF brought together global experts and regulators to improve how new kidney treatments are tested and approved, especially for early-stage disease. The goal was to use earlier signs of kidney damage and decline (like changes in eGFR and uACR) to measure whether treatments are working, instead of waiting years for severe outcomes like kidney failure. Why it matters: This effort helped remove major barriers to developing new treatments by making clinical trials faster and more practical. It has supported the growth of new therapies for kidney disease and strengthened collaboration between organizations like the FDA and international regulators, helping bring better treatments to patients sooner.
Info
Revealing a major gap in kidney care for at-risk patients
Study reveals gaps in kidney testing for at-risk patients
The National Kidney Foundation partnered with LabCorp to analyze real-world data and uncover how well people at risk for kidney disease, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, are being tested. The results were striking: most patients were not receiving the full set of recommended kidney tests. While many received a blood test to check kidney function (eGFR), far fewer received the urine test (uACR) that can detect early kidney damage. Why it matters: Without both tests, kidney disease can be missed or diagnosed too late. This study highlighted a major gap in care and helped raise awareness across the broader healthcare community about the importance of early and complete testing. It reinforced the need for better, more coordinated care to protect kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info
Changing the Future of Kidney Disease Detection
NKF Launches CKDIntercept
The National Kidney Foundation launched CKDintercept in 2014 to address a major problem: most people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. In fact, only about 1 in 10 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are aware of their condition. This is especially important for people living with diabetes and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of kidney disease—who are at much higher risk but are often not fully tested. CKDintercept focuses on improving how kidney disease is detected and managed in primary care, where most patients with these conditions receive care. It provides tools and support to help healthcare teams test earlier, diagnose sooner, and better manage kidney, heart, and metabolic health together. Why it matters: When kidney disease is caught early it can often be slowed or prevented. CKDintercept has helped increase testing, improve care, and reduce hospital visits and costs. It’s also led to widely used tools and programs that are improving outcomes across kidney, heart, and metabolic health.
Info