DaVita Inc. is a provider of dialysis services in the United States for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease. The Company currently operates 493 outpatient dialysis centers located in 32 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 43,000 patients. In addition, the Company provides acute inpatient dialysis services in approximately 270 hospitals. In 2001, outpatient hemodialysis treatments, peritoneal dialysis treatments and inpatient or acute dialysis treatments accounted for approximately 87%, 9% and 4% of the Company's total dialysis treatments, respectively.