DENVER, Mar 04, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been honored as one of the 2011 Fortune® World's Most Admired Companies, and ranked second in the Health Care: Medical Facilities industry. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Fortune has recognized DaVita® among the World's Most Admired Companies. Among healthcare providers, DaVita ranked first in innovation and quality of products and services.

"DaVita is deeply committed to clinical innovation and teammate (employee) training, which combine to help us deliver high-quality care to our more than 125,000 patients," said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita.

Fortune's Most Admired Companies list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations. A total of 673 companies from 32 countries across 57 industries were surveyed to create the lists. Approximately 4,100 senior executives, outside directors and industry analysts were asked to rate companies in their own industries on nine criteria, such as investment value and social responsibility. To meet Fortune's high standard for recognition, a company's score must rank in the top half of its industry.

DaVita also earned recognition for the seventh consecutive year from Training Magazineas one of the Top 125 organizations that excel at employee development. Training Magazine uses quantitative and qualitative research that takes into consideration the following criteria: organization site, training tied to business objectives, leadership development and number of trainers.

In late March, which is National Kidney Month, the American Association of Kidney Patients will present the AAKP Medal of Excellence Award to Allen R. Nissenson, MD, FACP, chief medical officer at DaVita. This prestigious honor recognizes nephrologists who have made significant contributions to the advancement and enhancement of patient care. Since joining DaVita in 2008, Dr. Nissenson established National Quality Week and other communication channels with medical directors to improve the quality and safety of patient care; has been an influential public policy advocate for kidney care patients; and helped promote early detection in the broader community.

DaVita is a registered trademark of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About DaVita

DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services and education to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of Dec. 31, 2010, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,612 dialysis facilities, serving approximately 125,000 patients. DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. The company's leadership development initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare,Newsweek and WorldBlu, among others. For more information, please visit www.davita.com.

SOURCE: DaVita

DaVita
Kelsey Rood, 310-536-2404
Kelsey.Rood@davita.com