DaVita Delivers First-of-its-Kind Dialysis Treatment in the U.S.

Hemodiafiltration Trial Launches in Colorado Springs

News provided by

May 13, 2014, 06:15 ET

DENVER, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services, today announced it is now delivering hemodiafiltration treatments to select patients in Colorado Springs as part of a six-month trial program. This marks the first delivery of hemodiafiltration in the United States.

Hemodiafiltration differs from hemodialysis – the country's most common dialysis method – in that hemodiafiltration incorporates the standard hemodialysis process but adds an extra step designed to remove even larger toxin particles, thereby further cleansing a patient's blood. Hemodiafiltration is commonly practiced in Europe but until recently there was no FDA approved device for use in the U.S.

"At DaVita, we are always evaluating ways to improve patient outcomes and experience during dialysis treatments," said Shaun Collard, vice president of clinical operations at DaVita. "We are excited to have the opportunity to be the first U.S. provider to evaluate this treatment."

The evaluation will be performed at DaVita's North Colorado Springs Clinic over a period of six months. During this period DaVita clinical experts will determine whether there are improved outcomes of dialysis treatment and patient quality of life compared to those associated with hemodialysis.

"DaVita has a culture of clinical innovation which has driven second-to-none patient outcomes throughout the country," said Dr. Robert Provenzano, M.D., FACP, vice president in DaVita's Office of the Chief Medical Officer. "We are constantly evaluating the efficacy of kidney care treatments and hemodiafiltration has shown potential benefits internationally."

This evaluation supports DaVita's commitment to clinical leadership. DaVita has improved clinical outcomes for the past 14 consecutive years, benefits of which include fewer hospitalizations, significant savings to taxpayers and a better quality of life for patients.

DaVita and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.

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, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,098 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 165,000 patients. The company also operated 75 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.

Contact Information
Media:
Ginger Pelz
303-876-6611
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140303/LA75036LOGO-b

SOURCE DaVita