DENVER, Dec 21, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD),today released a study finding patient outcomes in the company's newly acquired centers showed dramatic improvements over the two years following their switch to DaVita(R) ownership. Reflecting DaVita's proven track record for superior clinical care, the study, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, reveals that patients demonstrated better clinical results in several critical areas of disease management after their dialysis centers were acquired by DaVita.

Comparing newly acquired centers to existing DaVita centers, the study found a higher baseline of clinical outcomes in existing centers, but the newly-acquired centers showed dramatic improvements and nearly caught up by the end of the two-year evaluation period. Key findings of the study include:

• Annual mortality rates decreased by more than three percent at newly acquired centers;
• Mineral bone disease management improved by 17 percent at newly acquired centers; and
• Dialysis adequacy management improved by more than 13 percent at newly acquired centers.

Led by Dr. David Van Wyck, the team of researchers evaluated dialysis adequacy, mineral bone disease management, anemia management, and patient mortality rates in approximately 500 dialysis centers acquired by DaVita against approximately 600 centers owned by DaVita over a two year period, to determine the impact of changes in facility management and implementation of DaVita programs, procedures and teammate training.

"The research showed an initial gap between existing and newly acquired DaVita clinics, but that gap narrowed or vanished inside of two years," said Dr. David Van Wyck, MD, Vice President of Clinical Services for DaVita and lead researcher for the study. "Narrowing the gap was particularly impressive because existing facilities continued to improve during that time as well."

"The study reflects why more than 117,000 patients and their physicians choose DaVita - better clinical outcomes and dramatically improved quality of life," said Allen R. Nissenson, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer for DaVita. "It takes time, training and resources, but DaVita clearly boosts performance in facilities we acquire."

DaVita has improved overall patient clinical outcomes for nine consecutive years and has consistently outperformed national averages. DaVita achieves superior clinical outcomes by implementing programs such as the DaVita Quality Index (DQI), which allows teammates to benchmark how centers perform, enabling physicians and clinicians to maintain superior patient outcomes. Other programs include a focus to immunize patients, remove catheters (CathAway), and reinforce dosing protocols to improve performance and care for patients.

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

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About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500(R) 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(R) company on WorldBlu's annual List of Most Democratic Workplaces(TM). As of September 30, 2009, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,513 outpatient dialysis facilities and acute units in approximately 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 117,000 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.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc.
Craig Handzlik
310-536-2542
Craig.Handzlik@DaVita.com