DaVita introduces Kidney Smart website for patients with CKD

Apr 10 2012

DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services that is committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced the launch of its Kidney Smart^SM website, KidneySmart.org, for anyone with questions about CKD.    

The website offers educational information for individuals affected by CKD at no cost and is recommended for potential patients, caregivers, or anyone looking to learn more about the disease and its risk factors.

Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure, followed by high blood pressure. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and those over age 60 or with family history of the disease are also at risk. Other high-risk groups for kidney disease include African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans.

"Our goal is to de-mystify kidney disease," explained Ben Harber, senior director of clinical operations for DaVita VillageHealth®. "That's why DaVita designed a website that answers the questions most patients ask when they are diagnosed with kidney disease."

Visitors to the new KidneySmart.org website can choose from the following three educational modules:

• I am in the Early Stage of CKD
• I am in the Late Stage of CKD
• I am a Care Partner

The new website is part of DaVita's broader commitment to provide the superior health education experiences to patients across a number of platforms. Patients can easily access KidneySmart.org on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The KidneySmart.org website is designed to complement the in-person classes that will continue to be offered in community venues across the U.S. Currently DaVita® offers nearly 1,000 CKD education classes at no charge across the country.