RPA represents nephrology professionals nationwide, advocating for quality kidney care since 1973.
We provide leadership, policy influence, and resources to support physicians, PAs, NPs, and fellows in advancing patient outcomes.
01/26/2026
Today we’re highlighting Jamal Turner, MSA, MJ, RPA’s Education & Grants Coordinator. Jamal plays a key role in developing and coordinating RPA’s educational initiatives and grant programs that support nephrology professionals across the country. With decades of experience and a passion for advancing practice-based learning, he helps ensure RPA’s education offerings are relevant, impactful, and tailored to the needs of today’s kidney care community.
From supporting coding and billing workshops to helping secure funding for innovative member programs, Jamal’s work strengthens the professional development resources available to all RPA members. Thank you, Jamal, for your dedication to education and excellence in nephrology!
01/24/2026
In late December, the CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) released the Request for Application (RFA) for the recently announced Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model, which does include a "Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM)" clinical track.T he model will be a 10-year voluntary model offered nationwide, running from July 5, 2026, through June 30, 2036; to participate in the first cohort beginning July 5, 2026, applications are due on April 1, 2026. Actual payment amounts for ACCESS model participants do not appear to be set forth in the RFA, and the outcome aligned payment model quality measures for the CKM track are: (1) control or minimum improvement in blood pressure, lipids, weight, and HbA1c; and (2) For CKD and Diabetes-only, submission of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) data. RPA will continue to review the ACCESS RFA and will keep RPA membership updated as appropriate. LEARN MORE.
01/23/2026
Don’t Miss RPA 2026 – Where Innovation Meets Inspiration!
Join us in Atlanta, April 16–19, for an unforgettable experience at the RPA Annual Meeting. This year’s program is packed with cutting-edge sessions on the hottest topics shaping kidney care and healthcare at large. And that’s just the beginning. Prepare to be moved by the Louis Diamond Lecture, featuring Nate Robinson, former NBA star turned kidney health advocate. Nate’s powerful story of resilience—from learning about his kidney condition while playing for the New York Knicks to navigating the journey toward transplant—will leave you inspired and motivated. Seats are filling fast—secure your spot today and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of nephrology!
👉 Register Now https://www.renalmd.org/page/rpaannualmeeting26
01/23/2026
Small workflow improvements can make a big impact in busy nephrology practices. Streamlining scheduling processes, tightening communication loops, and reducing administrative bottlenecks can improve both patient flow and team efficiency. Consistent refinement of practice operations supports better care delivery and reduces day-to-day stress for staff.
01/22/2026
RPA's Public Policy in a Minute highlights key Medicare and regulatory updates nephrology practices should prepare for in early 2026, including E/M guidance, CKCC model improvements, and telehealth provisions. Staying ahead of policy changes supports smoother workflows and better patient outcomes.
01/21/2026
CMS has opened data submission for the 2025 performance year of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Data can be submitted via the QPP website and updated until March 31, 2026.
Submission resources are now available on the QPP Resource Library. CMS will release 2025 MIPS final scores in Summer 2026, and payment adjustments approximately 30 days later. RPA encourages you to submit your 2025 MIPS performance period data early during the submission period. Early submission will allow you plenty of time for Service Center assistance if needed. HOW TO SUBMIT.
Big news for nephrology practices: CMS has released updates to the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model to improve sustainability and efficiency. These changes could impact how care is delivered and reimbursed for patients with chronic kidney disease. Here’s what nephrologists need to know.
Linda Nguyen faced severe complications after kidney stone surgery, leaving her with a nephrostomy tube. Recurrent infections and scarring blocked urine flow, prompting a search for reconstructive options. Her journey began with a hopeful consultation at Baylor's urology clinic.
California will begin selling low-cost insulin under the CalRx brand for $11 per pen. The initiative aims to improve affordability for millions with diabetes. Officials say the program could save patients thousands annually and expand nationwide.
Happy New Year to our nephrology community!
2026 brings new opportunities to advance kidney health, strengthen practice sustainability, and expand access to life-changing therapies. Thank you to all nephrology professionals for your dedication, here’s to improving care together.
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Since 1973, the Renal Physicians Association (RPA) has been dedicated to representing and serving nephrology practitioners in their pursuit and delivery of quality renal health care. RPA is a non-profit 501c6 national nephrology specialty medical association. It has grown to more than 3,500 members serving kidney patients nationwide. Our programs focus in the areas of practice management, public policy and quality patient care. We are the voice of nephrology practice and a committed advocate to the renal community, payers and federal policy makers. Our membership is comprised of physicians, physician assistants, advanced nurse practitioners and practice managers. These nephrology healthcare providers are engaged in diverse activities, including the practice of medicine, teaching, research, administration and they are devoted to improving the care of patients with kidney disease and related disorders. We provide timely and relevant programs along with current nephrology tools and resources to make certain our members maintain their highest level of professional satisfaction.
Our Strategic Direction
Our Vision
RPA is the recognized advocate for excellence in nephrology practice.
Our Mission
RPA represents and serves the interests of nephrology practitioners in their pursuit and delivery of quality renal health care.
Our Core Principles
RPA strongly believes in:
•Facilitating high quality, efficient, and ethical renal care
•Promoting the leadership role of the nephrologist in defining renal care policies and practices
•Advancing professionalism—honesty, integrity, accountability, and adherence to scientific principles
•Ensuring equitable compensation for quality care
•Recognizing that the intersection of accountability and quality is an important and necessary component of excellence
Our Strategic Priorities
Advocacy:
RPA is the definitive advocate for nephrology practice influencing economic and public policy, representing the collective voice of practicing nephrologist.
Professional and Business Success:
Nephrology practices will have the tools and knowledge to achieve professional and business success.
High Quality Patient Care:
Nephrology practices will have the mechanisms to deliver high quality, safe patient care in an economically feasible manner.
