Partnership Healthplan of California Cooperates with Optimal Renal Car

    Business Editors

    LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2005--Fresenius Medical Care North America, a subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: FME, FME3) (NYSE: FMS, FMS-p), the world's largest provider of Dialysis Products and Services, today announced that the Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC), has launched a special program geared to care for its patients with chronic kidney disease. PHC, which estimates that it has 40-50 members who are eligible for the program, is contracting with Optimal Renal Care, one of the largest providers of kidney disease management services in the country. The overall goal of the program is to improve the outcomes and quality of life for the members who typically face three lengthy dialysis treatments a week.
    "PHC is very pleased to enter this partnership with Optimal Renal Care. Optimal Renal Care is recognized as a leader in the field of disease management in this area and they have shown excellent results in improving clinical outcomes for patients on dialysis in other areas. Together, we expect to improve the health and quality of life for our members afflicted with chronic kidney disease," according to Dr. Chris Cammisa, medical director at PHC.
    People who have chronic kidney disease and who receive regular dialysis treatments are at risk for serious complications, including infection that can lead to hospital stays, from that treatment. However, if they follow a recommended diet and make positive lifestyle changes, they are better able to better deal with their condition.
    The program will utilize a care management team that consists of a registered nurse, a social worker, dietician and a pharmacist. This team will prepare individual treatment plans and provide education material that is specific to each member's needs. In addition, they will go to dialysis centers to work with nephrologists and staff to better coordinate care for members enrolled. The team follows the patient through all the aspects of care, which often include major co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure.
    Mats Wahlstrom, President "Medical Services" & Co-CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America commented: "We're pleased that we have entered into the agreement with PHC. This is a confirmation of our strategy to further expand in the Disease State Management arena. DSM equally benefits all those involved."

    About Optimal Renal Care

    Optimal Renal Care, LLC is a Renal Disease Management Organization (DMO) founded in 1997. Optimal Renal Care is a partnership between Fresenius Medical Care, the largest provider of dialysis services and products, and the Permanente Federation, LLC the umbrella organization for the Kaiser Permanente Health Plans, Hospitals and Medical Groups. Optimal Renal Care collaborates with health plans to manage this patient population. Optimal Renal Care utilizes a care management team that consists of a nurse care manager, a social worker, dietician and pharmacist, all who have extensive experience with these type of patients. The team works with all the local nephrologists and primary care physicians to supplement and coordinate care of these patients.

    http://www.optimalrenal.com.

    About Partnership HealthPlan of California

    The Partnership HealthPlan of California began operations in May 1994 and is a non-profit county organized health system managing the care of 85,000 MediCal and adult indigent members in Solano, Napa and Yolo Counties. The HealthPlan's goals are to improve access, quality and cost effectiveness, through a managed care system. The HealthPlan links each member with a primary care provider and has been successful in reducing inappropriate use of emergency room, providing an appropriate level of inpatient care, developing innovative case management programs and providing more services locally.

    http://www.partnershiphp.org

    About Fresenius Medical Care

    Fresenius Medical Care AG is the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,300,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of approximately 1,610 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides Dialysis Treatment to approximately 124,400 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of Dialysis Products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's website at http://www.fmc-ag.com.
    This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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CONTACT: Fresenius Medical Care AG Heinz Schmidt, 781-402-9000 Ext.: 4518 Fax: 781-402-9741 E-mail: ir-fmcna@fmc-ag.com Internet: http://www.fmc-ag.com or Partnership HealthPlan of California Elizabeth Gibboney, 707-863-4232 E-mail: EGibboney@partnershiphp.org

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL DEVICES BIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCT SOURCE: Fresenius Medical Care North America

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