DENVER, July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care (NYSE: DVA), a leading independent provider of integrated health and kidney care services in the United States, today announced support for the Dialysis PATIENT Demonstration Act (H.R. 5506 / S. 3090).

"This legislation transforms the quality of care delivered to Americans on dialysis," said Javier Rodriguez, president and CEO of DaVita Kidney Care.

"By assuming full clinical and economic accountability, ESRD providers will be able to coordinate care inside and outside the dialysis facility," said Rodriguez. "This model is good for patients and good for taxpayers. It will succeed because it empowers patients, emphasizes physician leadership, and facilitates innovation. DaVita joins dialysis patients and providers in supporting this bipartisan, patient-centered legislation."

Approximately 660,000 people in the U.S. suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure. Many ESRD patients struggle with multiple chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. They are also more likely to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, which limits their ability to access needed health care services.

H.R. 5506 is sponsored by Reps. Todd Young (R-IN), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA). S. 3090 is sponsored by Sens. Dean Heller (R-NV) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).

Follow and support the legislation via social media under #DialysisPATIENTAct.

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 March 31, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,278 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 180,000 patients. The company also operated 124 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.

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

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SOURCE DaVita Kidney Care