DaVita Inc., a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today released the findings of a study revealing DaVita's IMPACT™ (Incident Management of Patients, Actions Centered on Treatment) pilot program can significantly reduce mortality rates for new dialysis patients. The study presented at the National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meeting in Nashville, TN details how the IMPACT patient care model educates and manages dialysis patients within the first 90 days of treatment, when they are most unstable and are at highest risk. In addition to lower mortality rates, patient outcomes improved - confirming the health of this vulnerable patient population is better supported under DaVita's relentless pursuit of quality™ care.

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The pilot program was implemented with 606 patients completing the IMPACT program over a 12 month period in 44 DaVita centers around the nation. IMPACT focuses on patient education and important clinical outcomes - such as the measurement of adequate dialysis, access placement, anemia, and albumin levels - monitoring the patient's overall health in the first 90 days on dialysis. Data reflects a reduction in annualized mortality rates by eight percent for IMPACT patients compared with non-IMPACT patients in the DaVita network. Given that DaVita has roughly 28,000 new patients starting dialysis every year, this reduction affects a significant number of lives.

In addition, a higher number of IMPACT patients versus non-IMPACT patients had an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in place. Research show that fistulas - the surgical connection of an artery to a vein - last longer and are associated with lower rates of infection, hospitalization and death compared to all other access choices.

Allen R. Nissenson, MD, Chief Medical Officer at DaVita says, "The IMPACT program is about quality patient care starting in the first 90 days and extending beyond. Improved outcomes in new dialysis patients translates to better long term results and healthier patients overall."

Researchers applaud the IMPACT program's inclusion of all patients starting dialysis, regardless of their cognitive ability or health status. Enrolling all patients at this early stage in their treatment allows them to better understand their disease and care needs while healthcare providers work to improve their outcomes. Through this program, DaVita mandates reporting on this particular population to better track and manage patients through their incident period.

Dennis Kogod, Chief Operating Officer of DaVita says, "We are thrilled by the promising results IMPACT has had on our new dialysis patients. DaVita continues to be the leader in the kidney care community, and we look forward to rolling out this program to all facilities later this year, to improve the health of all new dialysis patients."

DaVita, IMPACT and Relentless Pursuit of Quality are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, providing dialysis services and education for patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita manages more than 1,400 outpatient facilities and acute units in more than 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 110,000 patients. As part of DaVita's commitment to building a healthy, caring community, DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. For more information about DaVita, its kidney education materials, and its community programs, please visit www.davita.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: LeAnne.Zumwalt@davita.com

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.