Introduction and Objective: FQHCs serve medically underserved populations disproportionately affected by diabetes and hypertension, both risk factors for kidney disease. This study evaluates the prevalence of diabetes and adherence to guideline recommended testing for assessment of kidney disease among FQHC patients across the U.S. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2023 Labcorp data from ~4M FQHC patients (≥18 years). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test results of 6.5% or greater identified individuals with diabetes. Guideline-concordant kidney disease assessment was defined as receipt of dual testing, consisting of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR) test among patients with diabetes. Spatial mapping and multivariate clustering were used to examine geographic patterns in disease burden and adherence to dual testing. Results: FQHC patients were on average 50 years old with 40% males. The mean HbA1c was 6.24% and the overall prevalence of diabetes was 23%. State-level diabetes prevalence and receipt of dual testing among FQHC patients varied considerably. States with the highest diabetes burden (A) often had the lowest testing adherence (B). Conclusion: Substantial disparities exist in the prevalence of diabetes and dual testing among FQHC patients. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve early detection and care delivery in high-risk populations. Disclosure L. Fraunhofer: Employee; Current; LabCorp. J.L. Ennis: Employee; Current; LabCorp. R. Saran: None. J.L. Bragg-Gresham: None.
Fraunhofer et al. (Fri,) studied this question.