What is this measuring?
The percentage of UMP members age 18 to 75 with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) who had a kidney screening (urine microalbumin) test or were treated for kidney disease (nephropathy) or who have already been diagnosed with kidney disease, at least once during the one-year measurement period. "Medical treatment" is measured by an insurance claim showing treatment for nephropathy with an appropriate class of medication, or a nephrologist visit.
Why is this measure important?
Diabetes can damage the kidneys and, over time, cause them to stop working, which requires dialysis treatment using a machine that cleans waste from the blood. Regular screenings for kidney disease (nephropathy) can catch kidney damage early to improve the chances of preventing kidney failure.
How are UMP members doing?
For the most recent measurement period, 78% of UMP members who are diabetic received this test. This compares with 84% of diabetics in the 5-county Puget Sound Health Alliance region in the same time period. In the previous measurement period, 77% of diabetic UMP members received this test, compared with with 5-county region average of 79%.