VINELAND, N.J., Dec. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA), a leading independent provider of integrated health and kidney care services in the United States and internationally has formally announced the launch of a new joint venture with Inspira Health Network to enhance and expand dialysis services in South Jersey. The new entity will provide quality services at three centers in Bridgeton, Millville and Vineland.

"This joint venture between two innovative, leading health care providers aims to deliver superior and comprehensive renal care in Southern New Jersey," said Charlie Choi, group vice president at DaVita. "Our combined capabilities position us to meet a growing need for high-quality dialysis services in the surrounding communities. We look forward to welcoming our patients, teammates and physician partners."

DaVita, which operates 2,318 outpatient dialysis centers nationwide serving approximately 186,000 patients, has been recognized throughout the country for its clinical quality, positive teammate culture and community service. The company also operates 139 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 countries outside the United States.

All employees within Inspira's three dialysis centers have been offered positions in the new joint venture.

"This partnership is a win for our community," said John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network. "DaVita is a leading global provider of kidney care services and we're pleased to partner with them to bring their industry-leading quality patient care to Southern New Jersey."

In addition to partnering in Inspira's three current centers, the partners plan to explore opportunities to expand services across the region to meet the growing need for dialysis care.

"We conduct regular health needs assessments in our communities and they demonstrate that the need for dialysis is on the rise," said DiAngelo. "This joint venture will give both of our organizations the ability to address this community health need with high quality services that are conveniently located close to home."

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating program rates dialysis providers from one to five stars to measure patient outcomes, giving consumers a better picture of how a center is performing. For the third year in a row, DaVita has been recognized as a clinical leader in the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System. According to the latest government ratings, DaVita outperformed the rest of the industry with the highest percentage of four- and five-star centers and lowest percentage of one- and two-star centers in the country.

About DaVita Inc.
DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is the parent company of DaVita Kidney Care and HealthCare Partners, a DaVita Medical Group. 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 September 30, 2016, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,318 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 186,000 patients. The company also operated 139 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 countries outside the United States. HealthCare Partners manages and operates medical groups and affiliated physician networks in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado and Washington in its pursuit to deliver excellent-quality health care in a dignified and compassionate manner. As of September 30, 2016 HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 750,000 patients. For more information, please visit DaVita.com/about.

About Inspira Health Network
Inspira Health Network is a charitable nonprofit health care organization serving communities across southern New Jersey. The network, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 100 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; numerous specialty centers, including sleep medicine, cardiac testing, digestive health and wound care; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Camden counties.

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,100 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 5,700 employees, Inspira Health Network provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the network's clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health Network, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.

Media Contacts:
Kevin Downey
DaVita
303-876-6600
kevin.downey@davita.com

Greg Potter
Inspira Health Network
856-575-4219
potterg@ihn.org

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SOURCE DaVita Inc.