Denver-Based Davita Target Of John Oliver Segment On Dialysis

Denver-based Davita, one of the two largest companies in the United States that works in the for-profit dialysis industry, came under attack by John Oliver on his weekly show on HBO. Oliver said he was highlighting them to show had something that had started with good intentions had become overcome with "bad incentives, poor oversight, and profiteering."

Dialysis - as Oliver pointed out - is basically providing a "Brita pitcher" for the blood of patients whose kidneys have failed.

Kidney failure is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Because of a law signed by President Nixon in 1972, the government pays for dialysis for anyone who needs it.

"Essentially we have universal health care in this country, for one organ in your body," Oliver said. "It's like your kidneys, and only your kidneys, are Canadian."

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The problem, Oliver said, is that there's not enough oversight.

As a result, Davita - and the other major player in the industry, Fresenius - have racked up numerous complaints including questionable doctor referrals and intentionally wasting drugs so they can bill the government more.

Davita says they have nothing but their patients best interests at heart.

Watch the Segment:

Still shot via YouTube