Hemodialysis Facilities, Vascular Access Surgeons, and Central Venous Catheter Use: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Key Points

• Lower central venous catheter use is linked to extensive partnerships between hemodialysis facilities and vascular access surgeons.
• The association is derived from the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, a measure of competitive concentration.
• This observational cohort study reports meaningful implications for improving vascular access in dialysis care.
• Partnership focus may enhance patient outcomes, but further analysis is necessary for broader application.