DaVita Kidney Care releases list of top 10 U.S. travel destinations for dialysis patients

DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. (NYSE: DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services, today released a list of the top 10 U.S. travel destinations for dialysis patients.

"We encourage and empower our patients to maintain an active lifestyle while on dialysis," said Duane Dunn, director of social work services at DaVita Kidney Care. "Traveling is just one way patients can retain a sense of normalcy and live a higher quality of life."

DaVita Kidney Care provides support for traveling patients and works to find dialysis centers near the desired travel destinations. The following cities were named the top travel destinations for DaVita Kidney Care patients in 2015:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is the number one requested travel spot for dialysis patients. There are 13 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it possible for patients to enjoy the famous hotels, casinos, shows and dining options while also taking care of their health.

2. Orlando/Celebration, Florida

Orlando/Celebration is another popular dialysis destination. With a number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, patients are able to enjoy themselves while visiting attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Noted as one of the premier coastal resorts on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach offers a selection of dinner theater shows, live music and casino cruises. Visitors can also enjoy golfing, fishing, boating, windsurfing and other outdoor activities. There are two DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, making it easy for vacationing patients to receive the care they need.

4. Houston, Texas

The Houston area has an impressive number of DaVita Kidney Care centers to choose from, and is a top Texas destination for dialysis patients. Some travel attractions in Houston include its large arts district, as well as the nation's largest wildlife refuge and Space Center Houston.

5. San Antonio, Texas

With 15 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, San Antonio visitors can visit the Alamo, stroll over the bridges of the famous River Walk and taste authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. San Antonio also has theme parks and major sporting events to entertain visitors of all ages.

6. Atlanta, Georgia

With nearly 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, Atlanta is another top destination for dialysis patients. Tourists in Atlanta can visit The King Center (a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and the house of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. The city is also home to the CNN studios and the World of Coca-Cola.

7. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is another top travel destination for dialysis patients. The "Windy City" is home to Wrigley Field and known for its dining and shopping opportunities. Visiting patients can enjoy a variety of public art works, including the famous "bean."

8. San Diego, California

San Diego offers history, recreation and culture as well as a scenic bayside. There are six DaVita Kidney Care centers nearby and many beach-side lodging options for traveling patients.

9. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles visitors can expect to enjoy mountains, beaches and almost year-round sunshine. The Venice boardwalk is a popular destination, as well as the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and the old fashioned fair games at the Santa Monica pier. Traveling patients are able to choose from 25 DaVita Kidney Care centers within 25 miles of the city center.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

The final city on our top travel destinations is famous for its jazz music, and French, Creole and Cajun cuisine. Visitors can stroll around the Garden District to take in the well-known architecture, cruise on the Mississippi River or stand on the balconies of centuries-old homes in the French Quarter. With a dozen DaVita Kidney Care centers in the area, patients can take care of their health while enjoying New Orleans.