DENVER, Apr 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced that 25,000 DaVita(R) teammates and guests gathered to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary and as many consecutive years of improved patient outcomes.

DaVita patients have demonstrated improved annual clinical results in several critical areas including mortality rates, mineral bone disease management and dialysis adequacy management. Specifically, the company produced 10 consecutive years of improvement in the DaVita Quality Index (DQI), a proprietary benchmarking tool created by DaVita and its physician council to measure each facility's clinical outcomes as they relate to companywide performance. There is a direct relationship demonstrated between the DQI rates and patient survival rates. As DQI rates have risen, patient mortality rates have fallen consistently from year to year. Other benefits of driving DQI improvement include reductions in hospitalizations, infections and cost to taxpayers, as 88 percent of all dialysis patients are served through Medicare and other government programs.

"DaVita is focused on improving every aspect of kidney care - from raising awareness about early detection to developing innovative treatment options that help people live longer and more productive lives," said Kent Thiry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DaVita. "We are proud to be celebrating our first 10 years and to recognize the achievements of our teammates in Colorado and in neighborhoods around the country."

Events commemorating the milestone occurred in communities across the country, including a gathering of 600 DaVita teammates, patients and community leaders in Denver, home of the company's corporate headquarters. The majority of DaVita teammates in attendance at each of the nationwide events were caregivers who are directly responsible for patient outcomes. Also in attendance were central business office teammates who provide critical office support, which allows caregivers to focus on patient needs. All teammates were honored for their success in driving ambitious, patient-focused programs over the past 10 years and for exemplifying the company's core values - service excellence, integrity, team, continuous improvement, accountability, fulfillment and fun.

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(R) 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 December 31, 2009, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,530 outpatient dialysis facilities and acute units in approximately 720 hospitals, serving approximately 118,000 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 Inc.

DaVita Inc.
Brad Chase, 310-536-2406
Brad.Chase@DaVita.com