DaVita Inc. announced today that it and Southwest Kidney Institute, PLC ('SKI') have formed a wide-ranging partnership to provide dialysis and vascular access services, as well as chronic kidney disease education and research in the greater Phoenix area. The partnership will own and operate SKI's existing dialysis centers and programs designed to provide patients with access to all available treatment modalities. SKI's nephrology practice currently consists of 29 nephrologists in seven offices throughout greater Phoenix.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO)

Dr. Ronald Hyde, President of the SKI executive committee, commented, "Southwest Kidney Institute is proud to embrace a new partnership with DaVita. We share a strong commitment to excellence in the continuum of patient care, and we look forward to an innovative and productive relationship."

Dennis Kogod, President of Operations for the West for DaVita, added, "We are very excited to be partnering with a physician group that is as committed as we are to achieving world class patient outcomes."

Tom Usilton, Senior Vice-President and head of Corporate Development for DaVita, noted that "this strategic partnership with a well-respected, growing regional practice will provide an excellent long-term growth platform for both SKI and DaVita in the very competitive, fast growing Phoenix area."

DaVita Inc. 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 over 1,300 outpatient facilities and acute units in over 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 103,000 patients.

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

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.