First presentation in NKF’s Project ECHO, a new series exploring the impact of the IOTA Model on transplantation.

Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2025 – The Kidney Transplant Collaborative (KTC) continues to lead the way in transforming access to kidney transplants through its national advocacy and education for the Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model. On March 11, 2025, KTC Co-Chair Andy Howard, MD, FACP, was the initial presenter at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)’s new Project ECHO: Waitlist Management in California program. Dr. Howard presented “Regulatory and Financial Overview of Kidney Transplantation in the United States.” This presentation was the first in a new series aimed at expanding resources and sharing knowledge about the IOTA model and its impact on the future of kidney transplantation.

KTC has been a consistent supporter of the IOTA Model as it holds the potential to increase access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients nationwide. The IOTA model, released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is set to begin on July 1, 2025 and is designed to address the critical shortage of available kidneys for transplant while maintaining high-quality care throughout the transplant process. By offering performance-based payments to transplant hospitals, the model incentivizes hospitals to increase the number of kidney transplants performed—particularly through the use of living donor kidneys—while reducing the overall financial burden on Medicare.

“Every day, 17 people die waiting for a kidney transplant. The IOTA Model helps change that by prioritizing equity, efficiency, and improved outcomes for those in need,” said Dr. Andy Howard, MD, FACP, Co-chair of the Kidney Transplant Collaborative. “Every patient deserves a real chance at receiving what they need to live a full and healthy life, and KTC is proud to continue to be a leader advocating and educating on the IOTA model to help increase the number of transplants.”

The NKF’s new Project ECHO: Waitlist Management in California focuses on improving the efficiency and equity of waitlist management, ensuring that kidney transplants are more accessible to those who need them most.

KTC recently applauded CMS for the release of its final rule for the IOTA model. The group also collaborates with hospitals, transplant centers, and healthcare providers to help them thrive under the IOTA Model. KTC remains committed to advancing education, advocacy, and resources to increase the number of kidney transplants and is at the forefront of efforts to drive positive change with a specific focus on living donors.

About The Kidney Transplant Collaborative
The Kidney Transplant Collaborative (KTC) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing kidney transplants and eliminating financial and logistical barriers for kidney patients, donors, and their families. Unlike other initiatives, KTC is specifically focused on increasing the number of living donor transplants in the United States through policy advocacy, education, and community organizing. For more details, visit www.kidneytransplantcollaborative.com.