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

DaVita's ESCO partners include: Clinical Renal Associates, Cooper University Physician Nephrology Group, Haddon Renal Medical Specialists, Hypertension Nephrology Associates, Nephrology Medical Associates and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

"We are excited to bring the gift of integrated care to our patients," said Brett Cohen, group regional operations director for DaVita. "Our joint venture with pioneering nephrologists and leading health systems 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.

Dialysis clinics have frequent contact with ESRD patients. They receive dialysis therapy three times a week for an average of four hours per treatment. Patients who use home-based therapies (e.g., peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis) visit a dialysis clinic and engage with its staff multiple times per month. The dialysis center is their natural medical home.

"We're pleased that CMS is recognizing that kidney care is unique and that dialysis centers are a medical home for chronically ill patients," said Dr. Stephen McMurray, vice president of clinical integrated care management services for DaVita. "We hope that in the future, integrated kidney care will be available to all patients."

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.

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.