(Beverly, MA) - American Renal Associates, one of the nation’s largest owners and operators of outpatient kidney dialysis facilities, announced today that it has increased its number of facilities across the U.S. by 27 percent in 2007 alone. The new clinic locations opened in the second half of 2007 include New Orleans, LA, South Laburnum, VA, Bradenton, FL and Bensalem, PA.

The facilities are part of American Renal Associates’ expansion across the U.S. The company, which began in Beverly, Massachusetts, has since expanded to 70 clinics in 15 states across the country. This year (2008), ARA will be adding an additional 15 locations with new market areas to include five clinics in Greater Denver, CO.

“We form strong, effective partnerships with physicians, providing patients with access to the highest quality care possible,” said Joe Carlucci, CEO of ARA. “Our philosophy of patient care, staff retention and physician autonomy has continued to fuel our success. All over the country, patients are choosing American Renal Associates.”

Approximately 4,000 patients choose ARA for their care. Nearly 100 percent of patients cared for at ARA facilities say that they feel safe and comfortable at ARA clinics, they are treated with dignity and respect, and that the facilities exceed the highest standards for cleanliness.

ARA also puts a premium on creating a positive working environment for staff, ensuring appropriate patient-to-staff ratios and building training programs that focus caregivers on providing the best experience for patients. A recent staff survey by ARA found that the majority of its staff has had a long-standing history with the company. The report demonstrated that 88 percent of employees find their work load manageable, 91 percent enjoy going to work each day and 98 percent feel that they have the training needed to do their job.

About American Renal Associates
American Renal Associates, Inc. is a leading owner and operator of outpatient kidney dialysis facilities operating facilities in partnership with nephrologists throughout the United States. The Company’s unique operating philosophy merges physician autonomy, leading edge patient care and financial partnership between the nephrologists and ARA. Consequently, within seven years ARA has become one of the largest providers of outpatient kidney dialysis services in the nation with more than 70 facilities owned or managed. ARA facilities are located in 15 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.americanrenal.com.