The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced its finalized physician payment policies for 2025. With input from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and other stakeholders, these updates can enhance care delivery and accessibility for millions of people living with kidney disease. Here are some highlights from the new CMS policies.*

Physician Payment Policies Explained

Physician payment policies dictate how healthcare providers are reimbursed for their services under Medicare. Each year, CMS updates these rules and invites public feedback before finalizing them. These policies shape which treatments and services are accessible and affordable for people with chronic conditions like kidney disease.

In 2025, CMS introduced changes that address long-standing gaps in care, particularly in:

• Dental coverage, 
• Caregiver training, and 
• Telehealth services. 

Key Wins for Kidney Patients

Expanded Dental Services for Kidney Failure Patients

For the first time, Medicare will cover certain dental services for patients undergoing dialysis or facing kidney failure. This includes essential procedures to prevent or treat infections tied to dialysis treatment. Access to dental care is vital for managing overall health in kidney patients, as oral infections can lead to severe complications.

This policy reflects a growing understanding of the interconnected nature of health conditions. By addressing dental health as part of kidney care, CMS is taking a significant step toward holistic treatment approaches.

Telehealth Services for Caregivers and Patients

Telehealth continues to be a game-changer, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. For 2025, CMS has expanded telehealth options to include audio-only appointments and caregiver training. 

Caregivers can now access essential training remotely, reducing the burden of travel while ensuring they have the tools to provide effective support.

These updates make telehealth more inclusive, addressing barriers like unreliable internet access, and providing greater flexibility for patients and caregivers alike.

Transformative Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients

One of the most significant updates for 2025 is the inclusion of compounded immunosuppressive drugs under Medicare coverage. This expansion ensures kidney transplant patients have lifelong access to essential medications in both oral and enteral forms.

This victory is the result of years of advocacy by NKF and other stakeholders. Access to immunosuppressive drugs is critical to preventing organ rejection, and the inclusion of compounded formulations ensures patients have tailored solutions for their unique medical needs.

A Brighter Future for Kidney Care

These updates represent major strides toward equity and accessibility in healthcare for kidney patients. By expanding essential services and addressing long-standing gaps in care, CMS is improving the quality of life for millions of Americans. Continued advocacy is essential, however, to ensure that policies evolve to meet patients’ needs.

Visit NKF’s website to learn more or become a Voices for Kidney Health advocate. 

*National Kidney Foundation. (2024, December 9). How Medicare and Medicaid’s 2025 Physician Payment Policy Benefits Kidney Patients. https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/how-medicare-and-medicaid-s-2025-physician-payment-policy-benefits-kidney-patients 

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