PHOENIX, Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In a step toward providing integrated care for all Medicare patients with kidney failure, DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA), with its partner provider organizations, announces the launch of an End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Seamless Care Organization (ESCO) in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ.

DaVita and Southwest Kidney Institute, along with Banner Health, a leading health care system and Pioneer ACO, have created this unique partnership – the first of its kind in the nation.

"We are excited to be the first in Arizona to bring the gift of true integrated kidney care to our patients," said Sean Graham, division vice president for DaVita. "Our joint venture with pioneering nephrologists and a leading health system will facilitate seamless care delivery resulting in better patient outcomes."

The ESCO is a kidney disease-specific accountable care organization (ACO) developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will allow kidney care providers to take accountability for the clinical and financial outcomes of ESRD patients.

"Value-based arrangements like ESCOs are not only the basis for more cost-effective health care, they also drive  the best quality care for our members," said Dr. Nishant Anand, chief medical officer for Banner Health Network, Banner Health's accountable care organization. "Through this partnership, we believe patients will get the right care in the right setting and many crises can be averted or de-escalated, allowing a greater quality of life for those with ESRD."

The ESCO will leverage its access to the patient, its relationship with nephrologists and substantial clinical data to address the totality of each patient's healthcare needs inside and outside of the dialysis clinic.

"Southwest Kidney Institute is committed to high-quality, cost-effective population health. But most importantly, we want to provide care that enhances the individual patient experience and improves their quality of life," said Dr. Rajiv Poduval, President of Southwest Kidney Institute. "The ESCO platform and the unique opportunity to partner with two progressive health care organizations that share our vision, provide us with an opportunity to do both."

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.

About Southwest Kidney Institute
Southwest Kidney Institute (SKI) is one of the leading private nephrology practices in the country, with over 50 board-certified/eligible physicians and 10 mid-level providers, offering comprehensive renal services to patients with kidney disease.

Through its "Continuum of Caring" model that focuses on prevention, timely intervention, and innovation throughout all stages of Chronic Kidney and End Stage Renal Disease, SKI providers place emphasis on healthy transitions concentrating on outcomes and quality of life.

The company practices out of 35 office locations with 3 vascular centers, an innovative research division, and a thriving kidney transplant program. The SKI-Davita Partnership offers dialysis services in over 30 dialysis facilities in Arizona.

For further information, visit www.swkidney.com.

About Banner Health
Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner – University Medicine, Banner Medical Group, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services, including family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in seven states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com.

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

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SOURCE DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.