Consider NKF definitions when documenting renal disease

by Jon W. Arnott, MD, CMQ

Acute kidney injury (AKI) serves as warning that acute renal failure (ARF) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are possible if a patient’s clinical status does not improve. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has endeavored to detect and protect patients from kidney failure and dialysis. The NKF’s model started with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was a reminder to all physicians that kidney failure and dialysis are avoidable progressions if physicians follow several best practices. The concept spurred development of the AKI model.