Launched July 1, this partnership builds on the organizations' long-standing collaboration in end stage kidney disease and expands earlier into the disease journey, when intervention can have the greatest impact.
As the healthcare system aims for more impactful, value-based, preventive care, DaVita continues to lead in managing complex chronic conditions earlier. Through DaVita Integrated Kidney Care (DaVita IKC), patients receive coordinated, whole-person care that addresses the interconnected nature of cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health — reducing fragmentation and avoidable hospital admissions.
"We are in a therapeutic revolution across kidney care where upstream interventions are helping to reshape patient outcomes," said Dr. Sonia Samagh, national medical director for DaVita IKC. "Through our partnership with Humana, we are deploying advanced care that treats the whole patient, preserves kidney function and serves as a central hub for managing comorbid conditions affecting kidney health."
This model builds upon the experience of DaVita's extensive network of 3,000 value-based nephrologist partners. Through continued collaboration and innovation alongside these specialists, DaVita aims to drive deeper patient engagement, impactful clinical outcomes and an unmatched care experience.
The partnership will serve more than 10,000 patients.
Intervening Earlier in Disease Progression
The program focuses on CKD patients beginning at a pivotal point when kidney decline often accelerates but remains underdiagnosed or undertreated. By engaging patients earlier and more consistently, the model is designed to stabilize kidney function and slow disease progression.
Closing Gaps in Care for Patients with Complex Conditions
Not every patient can avoid kidney failure, despite the best clinical interventions. When that happens, advanced and coordinated care helps patients prepare for the next stage of their health journey through early education, advance care planning and coordinated support. Patients receive guidance on treatment options, including home dialysis and kidney transplantation, and are supported by an interdisciplinary care team that helps address barriers to care such as nutrition, transportation and mental health needs, enabling a smoother transition and better patient experience.
"The kidneys are often an early indicator that something else is happening systemically within the body. To truly care for the kidneys, we must uncover and address those underlying health issues," said Dr. Samagh. "When we do this, we can work to preserve kidney function, support reduced hospitalizations and enhance patients' quality of life."