DENVER, Nov. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita Inc., (NYSE: DVA), a leading independent provider of integrated health and kidney care services in the United States, today announced its strong support for the Dialysis PATIENTS Demonstration Act (PATIENTS Act) (H.R. 4143 / S. 2065).

"This legislation transforms the quality of care delivered to Americans on dialysis by making integrated care accessible to many more patients," said Javier Rodriguez, president and CEO of DaVita Kidney Care.

More than 650,000 people in the U.S. suffer from end-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure. Many of these patients juggle multiple appointments, manage numerous medications and experience frequent hospital visits. Additionally, these patients may have little help navigating the complex health care system. Integrated care programs, such as PATIENTS Act, offer patients added benefits like access to a care coordination team and medically necessary transportation.

Over the past decade, multiple models have proven the effectiveness of integrated care for dialysis patients. The PATIENTS Act builds on these historical models to allow broader scaling of integrated care. This legislation combines precedents established from Accountable Care Organizations and Medicare Advantage to enhance the integrated care model for dialysis patients.

"This model is good for patients, good for taxpayers and good for our health care system," added Rodriguez. "It will succeed because it empowers patients, emphasizes physician leadership and facilitates innovation. DaVita joins dialysis patients, patient advocates and other providers in supporting this bipartisan, patient-centered legislation."

H.R. 4143 is sponsored by Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA). S. 2065 is sponsored by Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Dean Heller (R-NV), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

Follow and support the legislation on social media at #DialysisPATIENTSAct.

About DaVita Kidney Care
DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita 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, 2017, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,445 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 194,600 patients. The company also operated 217 outpatient dialysis centers located in 11 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.

Contact Information
Media:
Kevin Downey
303.876.6600
kevin.downey@davita.com

SOURCE DaVita Kidney Care