Peer-Reviewed Research Showcases Positive Impact of Strive Health’s Value-Based Kidney Care Model

For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), preserving kidney function means more time — to prepare for a transplant, postpone dialysis and enjoy a better quality of life.  

Our work centers on using value-based care (VBC) to delay CKD progression with these outcomes in mind, a model now further validated by peer-reviewed research. 

A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) found that Strive’s value-based kidney care model slows CKD progression, as measured by slower declines in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Specifically, patients with stage 3b CKD enrolled in Strive’s program experienced a 77.2% reduction in CKD progression rate, while those with stage 4 CKD saw a 65.2% reduction. 

These rigorously peer-reviewed findings showcase the measurable impact of Strive’s clinical model and its potential to redefine care for people living with CKD.  

Strive Research Findings 

VBC models are designed to improve patient outcomes by prioritizing quality interventions and proactive care coordination. At Strive, our VBC program uses integrated care delivery and predictive analytics to identify the highest-risk CKD patients and provide timely, high-touch care. 

To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, the peer-reviewed study examined patients with stage 3b and 4 CKD enrolled in Strive’s VBC program between 2020 and 2023. Researchers analyzed eGFR trends, a key indicator of kidney function, and compared rates of decline before and after program enrollment. Because a decrease in eGFR over time reflects worsening kidney function, the rate of decline is important in estimating the rate of CKD progression.  

The study found three key benefits of Strive’s VBC model: 

1. Improvement of outcomes trajectory: Patients across all CKD stages showed slower rates of eGFR decline after enrollment, resulting in higher median eGFR values at their latest measurement compared to the values expected without VBC intervention.  
2. Positive impact of late-stage interventions: The estimated effect size of enrollment was stronger among patients with stage 4 CKD than those with stage 3b, indicating more robust intervention impact in late-stage kidney disease. 
3. Effectiveness for complex cases: The study population largely consisted of older adults with multiple comorbidities, highlighting the model’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes in complex patient groups, such as populations with diabetes and hypertension. 

Implications for the Healthcare Industry 

The clinical outcomes identified in Strive’s research underscore the importance of value-based kidney care for people living with CKD. If the slower rates of eGFR decline shown in the study are replicated more broadly, kidney failure may be delayed by months to years for some patients. 

The greater effects among patients with stage 4 CKD are particularly critical, as they can delay the need for dialysis and give patients more time to prepare for renal replacement therapy (RRT).  

As CKD patients face the dual challenge of disease progression and a fragmented care system, these positive results reinforce the need for more proactive, patient-centric care options.  

“Our research shows that early detection and coordinated care can reshape how we can help patients manage CKD,” said Melissa Feeney, PhD, lead author of the study. “This validation of value-based care is significant for CKD patients and healthcare providers alike and will help accelerate adoption of VBC programs as a proven approach to enhance patient outcomes.”

Publication of Strive’s study in the AJMC reflects the collaboration and dedication of our authors, including:   

• Melissa Feeney, PhD | Sr. Data Scientist 

• Joseph Mehltretter, MSc | Sr. Data Scientist

• Tammy Cheung, MSc | Sr. Director, Data Science

• Emily Simon, BS | Program Manager 

• Farhad Modarai, DO | Chief Clinical Officer 

We also recognize the contributions of Mohammadreza Faraji, PhD, and Matthew Temba, whose work strengthened this study. 

Alongside other validation of our model in the Journal of Patient Experience, the AJMC publication is a milestone for Strive and for the future of kidney disease management. It confirms what we’ve seen firsthand: VBC can improve patient outcomes, benefit providers, and set a new standard for kidney care. 

As we celebrate seven years of Strive, this momentum and peer validation that keeps us focused on the work at hand — and the work ahead.   

We hope you’ll take a moment to read the full publication here.