DaVita Rx Opens State-of-the-Art Orlando Pharmacy

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DaVita Rx, a full-service pharmacy created for patients with complex chronic conditions, such as those with kidney disease, announced today the grand opening of its new Orlando, Florida, pharmacy.

The new facility triples DaVita Rx's square footage in Florida from 17,000 sq. ft. to 50,000 sq. ft., adds customer service and clinical operations to the existing dispensing operations, and increases capacity from 35 to 225 teammates. DaVita Rx's Orlando pharmacy uses the latest technology available from recognized leaders in pharmacy design. This technology increases operational efficiency, allowing pharmacists more time to focus on providing exceptional patient care.

"We're excited to see DaVita Rx expanding its business in Florida," said Florida Senator Aaron Bean, chairman of the Senate Health Policy Committee. "This new pharmacy not only brings nearly 200 jobs to the Orlando area but also demonstrates DaVita Rx's commitment to improving the health of chronically ill patients, while reducing overall health care system costs, which is an effort that Florida wants to support."

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology in processing and shipping prescriptions, the new Florida facility is a seminal step in fulfilling DaVita Rx's vision of becoming the world leader in pharmacy-centered care for the chronically ill.

With pharmacies in Florida, California and Texas, DaVita Rx serves more than 130,000 chronically ill patients nationwide. A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases in 2013 found that dialysis patients who use DaVita Rx spend 14 percent fewer days in the hospital and have a 21 percent lower risk of death compared to patients not using DaVita Rx.[1]

"DaVita Rx demonstrates the critical role pharmacies can play in improving outcomes for chronically ill patients by removing barriers to medication access, which increases patient adherence," said DaVita Rx President Josh Golomb. "Our new Florida pharmacy will help us better serve our patients."

DaVita Rx's innovative approach includes 24/7 access to pharmacists trained in kidney care and other disease states, clinical intervention to identify and resolve medication related problems, as well as programs encouraging medication adherence.

Services also include no-cost delivery, assistance with navigating complex insurance issues and helping patients with financial challenges, including flexible payment options. The pharmacy partners with dialysis centers and health care providers to improve clinical outcomes and empower patients to adhere to their medication regimen.

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

About DaVita Rx
DaVita Rx is a full-service pharmacy specializing in helping manage chronic conditions. Created in 2005 to serve the unique needs of kidney patients, DaVita Rx is the first and largest pharmacy of its kind, partnering with care providers to improve clinical outcomes. As of Oct. 1, 2014, DaVita Rx served more than 130,000 patients nationwide. DaVita Rx makes it easier for patients to get their medications and follow their drug regimens through services like 24-hour access to pharmacists specializing in renal care, clinical intervention programs, flexible payment options and no-cost delivery. DaVita Rx is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., with operations in Texas, Florida and California.

About DaVita HealthCare Partners
DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. DVA, a Fortune 500® company, is the parent company of DaVita Kidney Care and HealthCare Partners. 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 June 30, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,119 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 168,000 patients. The company also operated 84 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. HealthCare Partners manages and operates medical groups and affiliated physician networks in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Florida in its pursuit to deliver excellent-quality healthcare in a dignified and compassionate manner. As of June 30, 2014, HealthCare Partners provided integrated care management for approximately 829,000 managed care patients. For more information, please visit DaVitaHealthCarePartners.com.

[1] Weinhandl ED, Arneson TJ, St. Peter WL. Clinical Outcomes Associated with Receipt of Integrated Pharmacy Services: Potential Quality Improvement in Hemodialysis Patient Care. Am J of Kidney Dis. 2013.

Contact Information
Media:
Christy Quaresma
christy.quaresma@davita.com
(510) 599-0529

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SOURCE DaVita Rx