The Role of Primary Care in the Management of the Chronic Kidney Disease Population

With the recognition of the high prevalence of CKD and its associated morbidity and mortality, increasing attention has focused on how to optimally provide care to this population. An immediate concern is that the sheer size of the population with early-stage CKD will overwhelm the capacity of the current nephrology workforce. Thus, the burden of care for most CKD patients will likely have to fall on primary care physicians (PCPs). This article reviews the issues surrounding the role of primary care in the management of the CKD population. Topics covered include specific roles that PCPs can play in the care of CKD patients, barriers and challenges to PCP involvement, and a discussion of strategies to improve the care provided to CKD patients by PCPs.