DENVER, Mar 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been recognized as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Companies in 2010 for the fifth consecutive year. This year, DaVita(R) ranked first among Health Care Medical Facilities overall, and was specifically recognized in the magazine's categories of Innovation, Use of Corporate Assets, Financial Soundness, Long-Term Investment and Quality of Products and Services.

"DaVita is committed not only to delivering high-quality care to our more than 118,000 patients, but to shaping the future of health care through clinical innovation and corporate stewardship," said Kent Thiry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DaVita. "Ranking first overall in Health Care Medical Facilities is wonderful recognition for the hard work that our nephrologist partners and 34,000 teammates do every day and a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of people with kidney disease."

A total of 667 companies from 33 countries across 55 industries were surveyed to create the lists. Approximately 15,000 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 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 located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, 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 byFORTUNE, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu, among others. For more information, please visit www.davita.com.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc.
Jessica Joffe-Stein
310-536-2465
Jessica.JoffeStein@davita.com