Abstract: FR-PO1142
Trends in CKD Diagnosis, Referral, and Genetic Testing: Comparison of 2022 and 2025 Survey Data Among Health Care Professionals
Session Information
- CKD: Screening, Diagnosis, Serum and Urine Biomarkers, and Scoring Indices
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2301 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors
- Lakhani, Shahzia A, American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Spigler, Michael, American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Collins, Jemetra, American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Sanford, Maya, American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Kibuuka, Renita, American Kidney Fund, Rockville, Maryland, United States
- Diani, Christine, Konovo, Watertown, Massachusetts, United States
- Hamming, David, Konovo, Watertown, Massachusetts, United States
- Ishimura, Miho, Konovo, Watertown, Massachusetts, United States
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions globally, imposing significant personal and healthcare burdens. Despite progress in diagnostics, many CKD cases remain of unknown causes, limiting targeted therapies, prognostication, and familial risk assessment. Early, accurate diagnosis is vital for personalized management, especially as genetic testing emerges as a valuable tool in nephrology-- particularly in younger patients, those with family history, or atypical disease progression. We conducted surveys to explore evolving perspectives and practices in the evaluating unknown causes of CKD, comparing data from 2022 and 2025. The surveys were made possible thanks to the generous sponsors of the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Project.
Methods
In 2022, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) partnered with Konovo’s online research platform to survey 300 healthcare professionals (HCPs)-- primary care physicians, nurse practitioners/physician assistants (NP/PA), nephrologists, and transplant surgeons—on their diagnostic practices, referral patterns, and familiarity with genetic testing for CKD. In 2025, 300 HCPs were surveyed, adding urologists, to assess longitudinal trends.
Results
Between 2022 and 2025, HCP involvement in CKD diagnosis increased, especially among NP/PAs. Nephrology referrals shifted to later CKD stages, with a notable rise at stage 4. Average referral wait times grew to 2.3 months. Familiarity with genetic testing rose, particularly among nephrologists, though overall use remains limited. Perceived usefulness of genetic testing improved as implementation challenges declined, though cost and insurance coverage remain key barriers. HCPs continue to express strong interest in targeted education to support clinical adoption of genetic testing.
Conclusion
Between 2022 to 2025, HCPs engagement in CKD diagnosis grew, but delayed nephrology referrals and ongoing barriers to genetic testing persist. Educational initiatives on genetic testing may enhance diagnostic accuracy for unknown causes of CKD and support earlier, more targeted evaluation and monitoring.
Funding
- Commercial Support – Alexion, Boehringer Ingelheim, Natera, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Otsuka, Sanofi, Travere Therapeutics, Vertex Pharmaceuticals