Business Wire– DETROIT — July 12, 2011– Dialysis patients and nephrologists in Detroit now have access to the most advanced dialysis therapy from Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS), the world’s largest provider of dialysis products and services. Continuing to enhance the dialysis experience for patients, families, and caregivers, Fresenius Medical Care introduced the Company’s new 2008T therapy machine at the Fresenius Medical Care dialysis facility in East Detroit. Investment in these machines is a direct extension of the Company’s commitment to UltraCare®, providing patients with excellent medical care through innovative and efficient programs, cutting-edge technology, continuous quality improvement, and a focus on superior customer service.
The 2008T combines Fresenius Medical Care’s most advanced hemodialysis delivery system with Clinical Data Exchange (CDX), providing caregivers, for the first time, chair-side access to the facility’s medical information system and patient data to facilitate real-time adjustments to therapy. This integrated approach allows for more efficient data management, saving administration time so care givers can focus on patient care and dedicate more time to patient interaction during treatment sessions. The 2008T also reduces risk associated with cross-contamination of dialysis and MIS equipment in the facility.
According to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, chronic kidney disease affects more than 940,000 adults in the state, and about 12,000 Michigan residents currently undergo dialysis for kidney failure. With increasing rates of diabetes and hypertension, two leading causes of chronic kidney disease, more local residents are at risk of needing dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.
“The 2008T has made an immediate impact on our overall facility operations, and our patients are noticing the difference,” said Kimberly Morrison, manager of Fresenius Medical Care’s facility in East Detroit. “The 2008T facilitates quick data entry so that our staff can focus their attention on patient care. The 2008T machine takes up less floor space than previous therapy machines, creating a more organized and spacious treatment environment for our patients, their families, and other guests.”
“Providing our patients with the highest quality of care is our most important priority,” said Steve Chowen, Regional Vice President for Michigan, Fresenius Medical Care. “Through investment in the 2008T, our East Detroit facility has further demonstrated our dedication to the local dialysis community and ongoing commitment to innovative technology, clinical leadership, and patient-centered care.”
The 2008T was launched in November 2010 at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Denver, CO. It is the first fully integrated therapy and management information system in the market and was developed in close association with the Renal Research Institute, one of the preeminent research institutions in the United States focused on improving the clinical care and quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease. The machine’s built-in Clinical Data Exchange (CDX) platform is designed to accommodate a wide range of MIS systems and to help physicians and facility operators adjust to the new bundled payment environment that took effect in January, 2011.
The 2008T is approved for use in North America. Fresenius Medical Care manufactures and distributes all hemodialysis delivery systems, including the 2008T, from its manufacturing facility in Walnut Creek, California. Fresenius Medical Care is the leading manufacturer of hemodialysis equipment in the United States.
For more information about UltraCare services or to locate a facility in the Detroit area, visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com (in English and Spanish).
