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Waiting Period for ESRD Entitlement
Requires a 3-month (not 90 days) waiting period prior to Medicare
entitlement
Waiting period retros back to 1
st
day of month RCDB / FDODE
occurred
ESRD entitlement begins the fourth month of dialysis
In-center Hemodialysis
PD/Home Hemodialysis/Self-care
Conditions for Waiving the Waiting Period
*****One waiting period per patient’s lifetime*****
Training for a specific modality is received during the initial 3-
month Medicare ESRD waiting period
A kidney transplant is received during the initial 3-month Medicare
ESRD waiting period
If a patient previously received a kidney transplant that was
successful for 36+ consecutive months, but later returns to
outpatient dialysis due to ESRD
If a patient regained kidney function for 12+ consecutive months,
but later returns to outpatient dialysis due to ESRD
Waiting period is waived if training is conducted during the first
three months of treatment
ESRD entitlement begins on the first month of dialysis