Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, and Nephrology Associates, Middle Tennessee’s largest provider of renal care, have announced an exclusive collaboration expanding kidney transplant care.
The National Kidney Foundation reports that chronic kidney disease affects more than 37 million people nationwide and is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. Through their collaboration, Ascension Saint Thomas and Nephrology Associates are committed to improving both the access to and quality of the care associated with kidney health across the region.
In an executive order issued in summer 2019, the Trump administration introduced legislation designed to broaden transplant accessibility. Effective January 1, 2020, the collaboration of Ascension Saint Thomas and Nephrology Associates expands the Kidney Transplant Program at Ascension Saint Thomas West with increased access for renal transplant patients across the region. Transplant-trained nephrologists will also amplify coverage at Ascension Saint Thomas West through a practice affiliation with Saint Thomas Medical Partners and Nephrology Associates.
In addition, the agreement will expedite the transplant waitlist process and allow for the joint branding of certain existing Nephrology Associates locations — bringing access to kidney care closer to home through a collaboration that is also focused on quality and experience for both patients and physicians.
“Through this exclusive partnership with Nephrology Associates, we are increasing a patient’s access to life-saving kidney health services on both a local and national scale,” said Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown and West hospitals. “This structure for collaboration also further positions Ascension Saint Thomas as Middle Tennessee’s premier destination for kidney transplant services and the partner of choice for independent physicians and health plans.”
“The decision to partner with Ascension Saint Thomas is a progression of Nephrology Associates’ long-standing commitment to meeting this growing public health need,” said Ashish Soni, MD, President, Nephrology Associates. “With this alignment, we are positioning ourselves to fight for the improved kidney health of all Middle Tennesseans.”
“We are honored to be joining forces with the state leader in comprehensive renal care,” said Derek Moore, MD, Kidney Transplant Program Director, Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital. “By combining our background in kidney transplants with the expertise of their nephrologists, Saint Thomas West and Nephrology Associates can create a high-caliber program of national significance.”
