DaVita's clinical outcomes, including fistula placement and management, are some of the best in America. In 2006, 59% of DaVita patients had a fistula which is ahead of the national average of 52%. This achievement is especially significant because DaVita takes care of 3 out of every 10 dialysis patients in America.

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As part of DaVita's focus on fistula management, DaVita held a contest to create awareness for the benefits of arteriovenous (AV) fistula as the optimal access for dialysis. DaVita today announced four winners of the Vascular Access teams' contest, "Got access? How long?" DaVita patients Anthony Logan, Barbara Raymond, John Horath and John Hart have each had a working fistula since 1972.

DaVita is committed to educating patients and encouraging them to get fistulas. "We would like to see every patient who is able to have a fistula, get one," says Kent Thiry, DaVita's CEO.

DaVita, along with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other kidney and hemodialysis experts, consider the fistula the "gold standard" access choice. Research studies have demonstrated that patients with a fistula have the fewest complications, such as infection or clotting, compared to all other access choices.

In addition to having fewer complications than the other access choices, patients who have a working fistula are able to "re-start" hemodialysis after a failed transplant without any additional surgery because their access is already in place.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company, is one of the largest providers of dialysis services in the United States, providing dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and disease. DaVita, located in 42 states and the District of Columbia, manages over 1,300 outpatient centers and acute units in over 800 hospitals serving approximately 100,000 patients. For more information please visit http://www.davita.com/.

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

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.