DENVER, March 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services, is the clinical leader in the Quality Incentive Program (QIP) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the third year in a row. Nationwide, only 1.4 percent of DaVita® centers did not meet QIP standards, significantly outperforming other large dialysis providers.  

The data is based on 2014 center performance and was published in January 2016 by CMS.

The results showed DaVita leading in key measures of kidney care for the third consecutive year. Overall, the industry improved, moving from 5.6 percent of clinics not meeting QIP standards in the 2013 QIP to 5.3 percent for the 2014 QIP.

"We are proud of the dedication of our physician partners and caregivers," said Javier Rodriguez, CEO for DaVita Kidney Care. "Their commitment and compassion drives the best care and outcomes for patients treating at DaVita."

According to the data released by CMS in mid-January, DaVita ranked first in four clinical measures in the end stage renal disease (ESRD) QIP program.

QIP is part of Medicare's ESRD program aimed at improving the quality of care provided to Medicare patients. It was designed and passed into law in part to be the nation's first pay-for-performance quality incentive program. CMS describes QIP as a "first-of-its-kind program [that] provides the ESRD community with the opportunity to enhance the overall quality of care that ESRD patients receive as they battle this devastating disease."

"Quality matters to us and to our patients," said Allen R. Nissenson, M.D., FACP, chief medical officer of DaVita Kidney Care. "For 15 straight years, we have improved clinical outcomes, helping our patients live longer, higher quality lives."

The ESRD QIP reduces payments to dialysis centers that do not meet or exceed certain performance standards. DaVita outperformed other kidney care providers with 98.6 percent of the company's centers ranking in the top clinical performance tier.

In October 2015, DaVita also distinguished itself as the clinical leader in the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System by operating twice as many four- and five-star centers as other major dialysis providers.

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 December 31, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,251 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 180,000 patients. The company also operated 118 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 December 31, 2015, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,251 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 180,000 patients. The company also operated 118 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 December 31, 2015 HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 807,000 patients. For more information, please visit DaVitaHealthCarePartners.com.

Contact:
Kathryn Stabrawa
303-876-7527
kathryn.stabrawa@davita.com

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SOURCE DaVita Kidney Care