DaVita Inc. , a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been recognized in the state of Virginia for reaching the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network's patient quality improvement goal. DaVita strives to maximize the well-being and health of dialysis patients in Virginia by promoting increased use of fistulas, thereby minimizing the risk of complications.

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The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative - or the National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative - is a nationwide campaign to increase the use of arterial venous fistulas (AVFs) in dialysis patients, which are believed to reduce infections and improve clinical outcomes. The Fistula First initiative was launched July 1, 2003, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) along with the 18 ESRD Networks and the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

ESRD Network 5 monitors dialysis facilities in Virginia and recently recognized those clinics that have reached or are nearing a target fistula usage rate of 50 percent or greater, directionally consistent with nationwide goals of improving outcomes for ESRD patients.

Newly released data shows that DaVita represents 53 percent of all facilities achieving a target fistula usage rate of 50 percent or greater in the state of Virginia. The next best provider represented 34 percent of the recognized facilities - meaning DaVita has 65 percent more facilities that have achieved the target fistula usage rate. Additionally, the DaVita Front Royal Dialysis clinic was just one of three facilities in the state that went above and beyond by reaching an AVF use rate of 70 percent or greater.

The data is also noteworthy because fistula use is one of CMS' four key Clinical Performance Measures of Quality. With its commitment to following these measures and striving for excellence, DaVita's clinical outcomes are consistently the best or among the best in the industry.

"At DaVita, our highest priority is optimizing the health care of the approximately 116,000 patients cared for by our professional partners and teammates," said Allen R. Nissenson, MD, FACP, and Chief Medical Officer of DaVita. "We're pleased that this commitment has once again been validated by CMS' Fistula First findings."

DaVita is a registered trademark of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property 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 has been recognized as the only FORTUNE 500 company on WorldBlu's annual List of Most Democratic Workplaces™. As of June 30, 2009, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,493 outpatient dialysis facilities and acute units in approximately 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 116,000 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.

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SOURCE: DaVita Inc.