Saving Lives and Dollars: The Case for Transplants Over Dialysis

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman sit down with Dr. Michael Rees, a kidney transplant surgeon and the founder and CEO of Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions. Dr. Rees shares his journey into transplant surgery, driven by a desire for innovation and high success rates. He explains the current state of kidney disease treatment in the U.S., highlighting the limitations of dialysis and the superiority of kidney transplants. Dr. Rees paints a stark picture of the risks associated with kidney failure, stating, "Getting a diagnosis of kidney failure is a much worse diagnosis what your chances are of surviving for 5 years than is breast cancer."

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Dr. Rees discusses the barriers to kidney transplantation, including risk aversion in the medical community and financial obstacles for patients. He emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of transplants compared to long-term dialysis, noting that a transplant could save payers "three quarters of a million dollars" over three years. Dr. Rees also shares his frustration with the lack of awareness among healthcare payers about these cost savings, saying, "Payers tend to think that transplant's really expensive." He concludes by highlighting how Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions is working to educate employers and improve access to transplants.

Key takeaways:

• Kidney transplants are safer and more cost-effective than long-term dialysis
• More than 80% of kidney failure patients in the U.S. die on dialysis without receiving a transplant
• There's a need for better education among healthcare payers about the benefits of kidney transplants
• Innovative solutions, such as covering travel expenses for living donors, could increase transplant rates
• Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions aims to improve access to transplants and educate employers

Stay in Touch!

• Connect with Dr. Michael Rees on LinkedIn
• Visit Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions 
• Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resources
• Get the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resources

Connect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman 

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Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside