Big Pharma CAUGHT in Kidney Dialysis Scam
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 26, 2021
I have a neighbor who works for DaVita, one of the largest kidney dialysis companies in the United States. It’s headquartered right here in Colorado where I live.
One thing is clear from talking with her: if you’re looking to make money, then dialysis is THE cash cow.
Currently, the American dialysis market is $24.7 billion… and Big Pharma found a crooked way to get it there.
But this time, they got caught.
Here’s everything you need to know…
In a failed attempt to look out for patients, California recently passed a law that requires kidney dialysis centers to charge everyone Medicare rates for dialysis.
On the surface, this seems like a good thing. The Medicare billing rate for dialysis is roughly $250 (a $48 copay for the patient), while the insurance rate is closer to $1,000.
But let’s backtrack to why they did it.
You see, DaVita, along with a second company called Fresenius, controls almost 80 percent of the market. Meaning their profit margin is unbelievable.
And part of the way they did it is equally unbelievable… and downright unethical.
Each company donates to the American Kidney Fund, which helps patients pay for their dialysis treatments. But that money then gets funneled back through insurance companies… and right back into DaVita’s pocket at an increased rate.
Dialysis companies like the arrangement because they get to continue to charge insurance rates to most of their customers, a few get Medicare, and if they get back ALL the money, they donate to the foundations.
According to a recent research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, for every dollar these companies donate to the American Kidney Fund, they get roughly $3.50 in return from private insurers.
It’s basically like printing money!
While California’s law is designed to help patients, it is not clear what will happen next.
And the sad truth is, when you’re in end-stage kidney disease, there’s not much you can do to return your kidneys to health. The damage has been done.
But if you’re one of the lucky ones who don’t suffer from kidney disease, there are steps you can do to make sure you protect your kidneys.
And keep in mind if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you’ll need to take extra care to keep from developing kidney disease.
Dr. Scott’s Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Program:
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- Exercise: Consistent good exercise is one of your best tools for keeping your blood pressure low and helping your blood sugar.
- Weight Control: The best way to control blood sugar and blood pressure is to maintain a healthy weight. Eat a higher protein, less sugary diet, drop inflammation, and give your metabolism a kick.
- CoQ10: CoQ10 has been shown to lower inflammation, reduce blood clots, lower blood pressure, and help prevent skipped beats (like arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation).
- Fish oil: The EPA/DHA found in fish oil has long been shown to be heart-healthy and help manage blood pressure. Take between one to three grams a day. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can reduce heart disease by up to 52%. Fish oils work by reducing inflammation and softening up arteries so they stay flexible.
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P.S. Want even more tips to keep your kidneys healthy and disease-free? Check out a special miracle diet right here.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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