Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Made Easy: Insurance-Covered Nutrition Therapy in WV

Take Control of Your Kidney Health with the West Virginia CKD Prevention Program

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many West Virginians, often remaining unnoticed until it has advanced. The West Virginia CKD Prevention Program, a partnership between Renal RD WV, LLC and Quality Insights with support from the Benedum Foundation, is working to address this growing health concern. The program provides West Virginians with access to insurance-covered registered dietitian services, offering personalized nutrition therapy to help manage CKD and related conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

While the program focuses on the counties of Boone, Greenbrier, Jackson, Mingo, Roane, and Wyoming, it is open to all West Virginians, ensuring that anyone at risk of CKD can access the support they need.

How to Get Started: Visit www.qualityinsights.org/wvckd and fill out the form on the page labeled “Get Started”.

The Prevalence and Impact of CKD in West Virginia

West Virginia has one of the highest rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the nation, with 4.9% of adults diagnosed with CKD (National Library of Medicine). Several factors contribute to this widespread prevalence:

• High rates of diabetes: Over 223,300 reported cases, making it a major risk factor for CKD (American Diabetes Association).
• Hypertension: A significant contributor to kidney damage and disease progression.
• Obesity: Another leading factor that complicates the management of kidney health.

As CKD progresses, it can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys no longer function properly, often requiring dialysis. Early detection and proactive management are essential to prevent the condition from advancing.

"The best way to support West Virginians is by creating a sustainable program that equips them with affordable tools to manage their chronic conditions. Early detection and effective CKD management are key to improving health outcomes. Our program empowers individuals with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health and wellness." - Jillian Pate, Registered Renal Dietitian Nutritionist, Renal RD WV, LLC

If you’re living with CKD or have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, now is the time to take action.

How Dietitians Help Manage Chronic Kidney Disease in West Virginia: Program Success Stories

Although still in its early stages, the West Virginia CKD Prevention Program has already made a positive difference in the lives of participants

The program's most valuable resource is personalized nutrition therapy. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, it offers telehealth consultations with registered dietitians. These dietitians work with individuals to create customized meal plans tailored to the unique challenges of CKD and related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension

“Before joining the WV CKD Prevention Program, I spent hours researching dietary information on my own. Thanks to the program, my eGFR has improved from 45 to 80 since early 2024. This program will be a valuable asset for West Virginians, helping them start kidney care early and improving the overall health of our state.” -Pat Caperton, Program Participant from Kanawha County

Take Control of Your Kidney Health with West Virginia's CKD Prevention Program

West Virginians interested in the CKD Prevention Program can easily get started by visiting the program’s webpage, where more information and a sign-up form are available. The program is open to anyone in the state.

"We encourage all West Virginians at risk of CKD or managing the disease to reach out. The program provides insurance-covered services that can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by CKD." - Natalie Tappe, Program Coordinator at Quality Insights

Conclusion

The West Virginia CKD Prevention Program is essential in tackling the state’s high prevalence of chronic kidney disease by connecting residents with insurance-covered registered dietitians and providing valuable education and resources. By focusing on early detection and personalized nutrition therapy, the program helps prevent the progression of CKD, improves health outcomes, and enhances the quality of life for West Virginians managing CKD. 

To learn more, watch the video at the top of this page and visit the West Virginia CKD Prevention Program website for additional resources, information on the program, and the “Get Started” form. Share this blog post to help spread awareness and connect more West Virginians with the care they need.