Outreach, Communications and Training (OCT)

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a medical condition in which a person’s kidneys cease functioning on a permanent basis leading to the need for a regular course of long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. Beneficiaries may become entitled to Medicare based on ESRD.

For the past three-plus years QRS has supported the CMS End Stage Renal Disease program (ESRD) by preparing and disseminating information to the ESRD community comprised of clinicians and staff in more than 6,000 dialysis and transplant centers across the nation, CMS contractors, and the general public. Information has consisted of program status, new reporting systems and procedures, training for facility staff, facility reporting deadlines, and CMS notices. Monthly training and informational webinars are conducted, special training sessions are conducted, and monthly newsletters are prepared and distributed. Additionally, QRS prepared and maintains a resource-rich online system containing training videos and instructions, historical webinars and materials, topical information, CMS notices and directives, and much other information.

The OCT contract is managed by the Center for Clinical Standards & Quality (CCSQ), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).