We initiated a position in DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. (DVA, Financial), a leading provider of kidney dialysis services for patients suffering from end stage renal disease. Through the acquisition of HealthCare Partners (HCP), DaVita also provides coordinated, outcomes-based medical care through physician networks in certain U.S. geographies. We think DaVita is well positioned to capitalize on trends in U.S. healthcare. The dialysis business generates steady growth driven by the increased prevalence of diabetes and has additional growth opportunities from international expansion and integrated care. HCP contracts with health plans and is accountable for the healthcare of its patients in exchange for a fixed fee. In this way, HCP is incentivized to deliver high quality healthcare at low cost. We think DaVita has an opportunity to bring HCP's successful model into new markets and is well positioned to benefit from the shift from fee-for-service reimbursement to risk-sharing and coordinated care. (Neal Kaufman)
From Ron Baron’s Baron Funds third quarter 2013 letter.
