DENVER, Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In a step toward providing integrated care for all Medicare patients with kidney failure, DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) announces the launch of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Seamless Care Organizations (ESCOs) in conjunction with other dialysis organizations in select markets across the country.

ESRD patients are a uniquely vulnerable, chronically ill population who, in addition to having kidney failure, may also be frail, disabled, low income and are likely to suffer from other complex medical conditions.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes that ESRD patients would benefit greatly from specialized integrated care. The ESCO model enables this specialized care and requires that participating dialysis providers like DaVita partner with nephrologists to take full accountability for the clinical and financial outcomes of patients participating in the program.  

"ESRD patients are unique and the dialysis center is their natural medical home," said Dr. Stephen McMurray, vice president of clinical integrated care management services for DaVita. "We believe in the potential of the specialized ESRD care model to shape the delivery of care to chronically ill populations more broadly in the future."

DaVita, in conjunction with pioneering nephrologist and health system partners, began serving patients in this model on October 1, 2015 in Arizona, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

"This is the beginning of a transformative model. Our goal is to partner with the government to create a long-term model that allows all patients to receive the gift of integrated care," said Javier Rodriguez, CEO for DaVita Kidney Care. "We are committed to this vision and are dedicated to being an innovative partner to make that vision a reality."

DaVita has proven experience in managing the full risk and care for broad populations across multiple geographies including specialized programs designed for ESRD patients and patients with other chronic needs. Additionally, DaVita is recognized as the clinical leader in two government quality programs, the CMS Dialysis Facility Compare Five-Star Rating System and the CMS ESRD Quality Incentive Program. 

The statements contained in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS. The authors assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this document

About DaVita Kidney Care
DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of June 30, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,210 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 176,000 patients. The company also operated 96 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

About DaVita HealthCare Partners
DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is the parent company of DaVita Kidney Care and HealthCare Partners. DaVita Kidney Care is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of June 30, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,210 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 176,000 patients. The company also operated 96 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. HealthCare Partners manages and operates medical groups and affiliated physician networks in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida and Colorado in its pursuit to deliver excellent-quality health care in a dignified and compassionate manner. As of June 30, 2015 HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 826,000 patients. For more information, please visit DaVitaHealthCarePartners.com.

DaVita and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.

Media contact:
Kate Stabrawa
(303) 876-7527
Kate.stabrawa@davita.com

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SOURCE DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.