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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to ________________

Commission file number 0-27640

RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.

2525 West End Avenue, Suite 600
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
(Address, Including Zip Code, of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (615) 345-5500

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(B) of the Act:

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(G) of the Act: None

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes x No o

     The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company was $1,507,283,864 as of June 28, 2002, based upon the closing price of such stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (“New York Stock Exchange”) on that day (assuming for purposes of this calculation, without conceding, that all executive officers and directors are affiliates), the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. There were 48,185,928 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding at March 11, 2003.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.

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PART I

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Some of the information in this annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In many instances you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate” and “continue” or similar words. You should read these statements carefully for the following reasons:

	• the statements discuss our future expectations;
	• the statements contain projections of our future earnings or of our financial condition; and
	• the statements state other “forward-looking” information.

     We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we cannot accurately predict or over which we have no control. The risk factors discussed on pages 18 to 24 of this annual report, as well as any cautionary language in or incorporated by reference into this annual report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in the risk factors, elsewhere in or incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and other events that we have not predicted or assessed could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, financial condition and business. If the events described in the risk factors or other unpredicted events occur, then the trading price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Item 1. Business

GENERAL

     Renal Care Group, Inc. provides dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). As of December 31, 2002, Renal Care Group provided dialysis and ancillary services to approximately 20,500 patients through 268 outpatient dialysis centers in 27 states, in addition to providing acute dialysis services to approximately 120 hospitals. Renal Care Group was formed in 1996 by leading nephrologists with the objective of creating a company with the clinical and financial capability to manage the full range of care for ESRD patients on a cost-effective basis. As of December 31, 2002, there were 558 nephrologists with privileges to practice at one or more of the Company’s outpatient dialysis centers.

     In Renal Care Group’s dialysis facilities, ESRD patients receive dialysis treatments, generally three times a week, in a technologically advanced outpatient setting. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), there were more than 4,000 facilities providing outpatient dialysis services in the United States at the end of 2001. In the past, many outpatient dialysis facilities were owned by practicing nephrologists and comprised an integral component of their practice, because of the critical role that dialysis plays in the treatment of ESRD patients. The dialysis services industry has been consolidating since before the Company was formed. As a result, Renal Care Group believes that approximately 65% of outpatient dialysis centers are now owned by multi-center dialysis companies, approximately 17% are owned by independent physicians, small chains and other small operators, and approximately 18% are hospital-based centers.

     Renal Care Group is a Delaware corporation; its principal executive offices are located at 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 600, Nashville, Tennessee 37203; and its telephone number is (615) 345-5500.

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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

End-Stage Renal Disease

     ESRD is a state of advanced kidney failure. ESRD is irreversible and, without a kidney transplant, ultimately lethal. It is most commonly a result of complications associated with diabetes, hypertension, certain renal and hereditary diseases, aging and other factors. In order to sustain life, ESRD patients require either dialysis for the remainder of their lives or a successful kidney transplant. By the end of 1998, dialysis was the primary treatment for approximately 71% of all ESRD patients in the United States, and the remaining 29% of ESRD patients had a functioning kidney transplant.

     According to the United States Renal Data System, the total direct medical payments for ESRD exceeded $17.8 billion during 1999. Of the total direct medical payments for ESRD, approximately $12.6 billion was paid by the federal government through the Medicare program. As a result of legislation enacted in 1972, the federal government provides Medicare benefits to patients who are diagnosed with ESRD regardless of their age or financial circumstances, if they are eligible for Social Security.

     According to CMS data, the number of ESRD patients in the United States who need dialysis grew from approximately 66,000 in 1982 to approximately 273,000 in 2000. Based on data from the United States Renal Data System, the ESRD incidence rate among Medicare-eligible patients was approximately 315 patients per million in 1999 as compared to 111 patients per million in 1984.

     Based on these trends, United States Renal Data System forecasts indicate that the total number of ESRD patients, including those with functioning transplants, will grow from approximately 343,000 in 2000 to 661,000 in 2010. The growth in the number of ESRD patients results principally from the aging of the population along with better treatment of, and better survival rates for, diabetes and other illnesses that lead to chronic kidney disease, reduced somewhat by declines in incidence among patients with high blood pressure as a result of better treatments for high blood pressure. In addition, as a result of improved technology, older patients and patients who could not previously tolerate dialysis due to other illnesses can now receive life-sustaining dialysis treatment.

Treatment Options for End-Stage Renal Disease

     Currently, there are three treatment options for patients with ESRD:

	• hemodialysis performed in a hospital setting, an outpatient facility or a patient’s home,
	• peritoneal dialysis, which is generally performed in the patient’s home, and
	• kidney transplant surgery.

     According to CMS data, in 1998 approximately 90% of patients on dialysis in the United States received hemodialysis in an outpatient setting, and approximately 10% received hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in their homes.

     Hemodialysis is the most common form of ESRD treatment. It is generally performed either in a freestanding center or in a hospital. The process of hemodialysis uses a dialyzer, essentially an artificial kidney, to remove certain toxins, fluid and chemicals from the patient’s blood and another device that controls external blood flow and monitors the patient’s vital signs. The dialysis process occurs across a semi-permeable membrane that divides the dialyzer into two chambers. While the blood is circulated through one chamber, a pre-mixed dialysis fluid is circulated through the adjacent chamber. The toxins and excess fluid contained in the patient’s blood cross the membrane into the dialysis fluid. Hemodialysis usually takes about four hours and is usually administered three times per week for the life of the patient or until the patient receives a transplant.

     Peritoneal dialysis is typically performed by the patient at home and uses the patient’s abdominal cavity to eliminate fluids and toxins in the patient’s blood. There are several forms of peritoneal dialysis. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

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and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis are the most common. Under each method, the patient’s blood is circulated across the peritoneal membrane into the dialysis solution, which removes toxins and excess fluid from the patient’s blood. Patients treated at home are monitored monthly either by a visit from a staff person from a designated outpatient dialysis center or by a visit by the patient to a dialysis center.

     Kidney transplants, when successful, are the most desirable form of therapy for ESRD patients. However, there is a shortage of suitable donors that severely limits the availability of this procedure as a treatment option. Only about 6% of ESRD patients receive kidney transplants each year.

Nephrology Practice

     Caring for ESRD patients is typically the primary clinical activity of a physician specializing in nephrology (a nephrologist). Other clinical activities of a nephrologist include the post-surgical care of kidney transplant patients, the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases in patients who are at risk for developing ESRD, and the diagnosis, treatment and management of clinical disorders including hypertension, kidney stones and autoimmune diseases. Because of the complexity involved in treating patients with chronic kidney disease, the nephrologist typically assumes the role of primary care physician for the ESRD patient. While some nephrologists practice independently or are members of multi-specialty groups, most nephrologists practice in small single-specialty groups. A nephrology group’s practice often covers a relatively large geographic service area. Outside metropolitan areas, a large geographic area may be served by only one nephrology group. Most nephrologists also have a significant office practice, consult on numerous hospitalized patients who are not on dialysis and follow the clinical outcomes of kidney transplant patients.

OPERATIONS

Location, Capacity and Use of Facilities

     As of December 31, 2002, Renal Care Group operated 268 outpatient dialysis centers in 27 states with 4,651 certified dialysis stations and provided inpatient dialysis services to approximately 120 acute care hospitals. During 2002, Renal Care Group provided 3,019,675 hemodialysis treatments. Renal Care Group estimates that on average its centers were operating at approximately 60% of capacity as of December 31, 2002, based on the assumption that a dialysis center is able to provide up to three treatments a day per station, six days a week.

Operation of Facilities

     Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers provide outpatient hemodialysis and related services to ESRD patients. Renal Care Group’s centers use technologically advanced dialysis equipment to provide effective and efficient dialysis. The Company’s centers generally contain between 10 and 30 dialysis stations, one or more nurses’ stations, a patient waiting area, examination rooms, a supply room, a water treatment space to purify water used in hemodialysis treatments, a dialyzer reprocessing room, staff work areas, offices and a staff lounge. Many of Renal Care Group’s centers are adjacent to areas used for training patients in home dialysis.

     For each of Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers to be eligible to participate in the Medicare ESRD program, a qualified physician or group of physicians must act as medical director for the center and must supervise medical aspects of the center’s operations. An administrator or manager manages each center. The administrator or manager is typically a registered nurse who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the center and oversight of the staff. The staff of each center typically includes registered nurses, licensed practical or vocational nurses, patient care technicians, social workers, registered dietitians, a unit clerk and biomedical equipment technicians. Renal Care Group works to staff each center in a manner that allows the scheduling of personnel to be adjusted according to the number of patients receiving treatments.

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Home Dialysis

     All of Renal Care Group’s markets offer home dialysis, either home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or both. As of December 31, 2002, about 11% of Renal Care Group’s patients received home dialysis. In its home dialysis services Renal Care Group provides equipment and supplies, training, patient monitoring and follow-up assistance to patients who receive dialysis treatments in their homes. The Company believes that home dialysis is important to providing a full range of dialysis care and continues to work to expand its home dialysis program.

Inpatient Care

     Renal Care Group also provides inpatient dialysis services to hospitals in most of its markets. As of December 31, 2002, Renal Care Group provided inpatient services to approximately 120 hospitals. Under these arrangements, Renal Care Group typically provides equipment, supplies and personnel to perform hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in connection with a hospital’s inpatient services. These inpatient dialysis services are typically required for patients with acute renal failure resulting from accidents, medical and surgical complications, for patients in the early stage of renal failure and for ESRD patients who need to be in the hospital for other reasons. Most of Renal Care Group’s hospital contracts specify predetermined fees per dialysis treatment. The Company believes that these fees will be subject to re-negotiation in the future as competition increases among dialysis providers and as the health care industry becomes more influenced by managed care and subject to capitated arrangements.

University Division

     Renal Care Group currently manages the dialysis programs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is the owner or managing partner of programs at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, MetroHealth (a hospital affiliated with Case Western Reserve University), St. Louis University Hospital, Oregon Health Sciences University, the University of Louisville, Froedtert Hospital (a hospital affiliated with Medical College of Wisconsin), Northwestern Memorial Hospital of Chicago, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and the University of Colorado. Renal Care Group expects these affiliations will expand its patient base and provide opportunities for the development of new centers. Renal Care Group also expects these affiliations to provide access to outcomes research and trained nephrologists who may become medical directors at Renal Care Group’s centers or who may join the practices of current medical directors and attending physicians.

Nephrologists

     A key factor in the success of a dialysis center is the local nephrologist. An ESRD patient generally seeks treatment at a center where his or her nephrologist has privileges to admit patients. Consequently, the Company relies on its ability to satisfy the needs of patients of local nephrologists in order to gain new patients and to retain existing patients. As of December 31, 2002, there were 558 nephrologists with privileges to practice at the Company’s outpatient dialysis centers.

Medical Directors

     To satisfy the requirements of the Medicare ESRD program, Renal Care Group must engage a medical director for each of its facilities. The Company generally engages practicing, board-certified or board-eligible nephrologists to serve as medical directors for its centers. The medical director is an independent contractor and provides services under an agreement with the Company. Medical directors are responsible for administering and monitoring the Company’s patient care policies, including patient education, administration of dialysis treatment, development and training programs, and assessment of all patients. Medical directors play an important role in quality assurance activities and in coordinating the delivery of care to maintain dialysis patients’ general level of health and to avoid medical complications that might require hospitalization.

     Renal Care Group’s typical medical director agreement has a term of between five and ten years with renewal options. Renal Care Group pays medical directors fees that are consistent with the fair market value of the required services. These medical director fees are the result of arms-length negotiations. Most of the Company’s medical director agreements also include non-competition clauses with specific limitations on the medical director’s ability to compete with Renal Care Group by owning or providing medical director services for another dialysis facility for certain specified periods of time and in specified geographic areas.

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Ancillary Services

     Renal Care Group provides a variety of ancillary services to treat its patients. The most significant ancillary service is the administration of erythropoietin (also known as Epogen® or EPO). EPO is a bio-engineered protein that stimulates the production of red blood cells. It is used in connection with all forms of dialysis to treat anemia, a complication experienced by almost all ESRD patients. EPO is manufactured by a single supplier, Amgen Inc., and there are no substitute products available to dialysis providers in the United States. Renal Care Group, through its RenaLab subsidiary, provides clinical laboratory services for its dialysis operations. Other ancillary services offered by Renal Care Group, depending on medical appropriateness, include the administration of other drugs, tests for bone deterioration, electrocardiograms, nerve conduction studies to test for deterioration of a patient’s nerves, Doppler flow testing for the effectiveness of the patient’s vascular access for dialysis, and blood transfusions.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

     Integral to Renal Care Group’s operating philosophy is the belief that providing quality care is in the best interest not only of patients but also of Renal Care Group’s shareholders. Better patient care results in improved mortality and morbidity and a greater number of treatments, as patients’ life spans increase and the number of days patients spend in hospitals declines. In order to optimize therapy and improve outcomes, Renal Care Group maintains a quality assurance program. Renal Care Group establishes, maintains and monitors quality criteria for its clinical operations and monitors patient outcomes in all of its centers.

Medical Advisory Board

     Renal Care Group’s Medical Advisory Board oversees the review of patient outcomes and development and communication of clinical protocols. The Medical Advisory Board is chaired by Raymond Hakim, M.D., Ph.D., the Company’s Chief Medical Officer, and is composed of 12 nephrologists who are medical directors of one or more of the Company’s centers. The Medical Advisory Board is responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring the Company’s quality assurance policies and procedures and for reviewing and recommending protocols, policies and procedures for clinical treatment. The Medical Advisory Board also works to identify deficiencies in treatment practices and to evaluate technological changes. The Medical Advisory Board’s ultimate objective is to assist Renal Care Group in developing and communicating a protocol-driven clinical management model that will assist the Company in continuously improving the care to its patients, with the goal of providing optimal care to all patients.

Quality Criteria

     Continuous quality improvement is Renal Care Group’s primary clinical objective. Working to achieve this objective, Renal Care Group regularly evaluates dialysis treatments and patients’ key physiological parameters. The Company’s Quality Assurance Coordinator is a registered nurse who oversees Renal Care Group’s quality assurance program. In addition, each center has a quality assurance committee that typically includes the medical director, the center administrator, nurses and other technical personnel. These committees monitor the quality of care in the centers and oversee compliance with applicable regulations.

Outcomes Data

     Renal Care Group believes that an important factor in managing ESRD successfully is the development and implementation of clinical pathways and treatment protocols. To develop, review and maintain these pathways and protocols, Renal Care Group maintains a broad database of treatment-specific patient outcomes information. The Quality Assurance Coordinator oversees the collection of patient outcomes and cost data in the Company’s centers. Renal Care Group makes these data available to the Medical Advisory Board and affiliated physicians to assist in developing, implementing and evaluating clinical pathways to enhance patient outcomes while working to control the cost of care. The Company believes that the implementation of such clinical pathways will assist in improving the overall quality, while resulting in operating efficiencies at its dialysis centers.

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CORPORATE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

     Renal Care Group has developed and maintains a company-wide corporate compliance program as part of its commitment to comply fully with all laws and regulations applicable to its business and to maintain high standards of conduct by Renal Care Group’s associates. A purpose of the program is to heighten associates’ and affiliated professionals’ awareness of the importance of complying with all applicable laws and regulations in an increasingly complicated regulatory environment and to take steps promptly to identify and resolve instances of non-compliance.

     The compliance program has been approved by Renal Care Group’s Board of Directors. It addresses general compliance issues and areas of particular sensitivity. Among the areas of particular sensitivity covered by the compliance program are health care fraud and abuse issues, financial reporting, conflicts of interest and antitrust. As part of the program Renal Care Group has published a code of conduct setting forth standards of conduct and principles of business ethics to be followed by the Company and each employee and affiliated professional. The code of conduct is regularly reviewed and updated. A Compliance Committee comprised of officers and senior managers of Renal Care Group and a full-time Compliance Officer administer the corporate compliance program. The Compliance Committee and Compliance Officer are authorized to report compliance issues directly to the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

     Renal Care Group also maintains a compliance program specific to RenaLab, its laboratory subsidiary. This program mandates laboratory-specific compliance standards, policies and procedures. The laboratory compliance program is administered by a laboratory compliance committee, composed of officers and senior managers of Renal Care Group and RenaLab. This committee includes the Renal Care Group Compliance Officer and a part-time RenaLab Compliance Officer. This committee and the RenaLab Compliance Officer are authorized to report compliance issues directly to the RenaLab Board of Directors and to the Audit and Compliance Committee of Renal Care Group’s Board of Directors.

REIMBURSEMENT

Sources of Net Patient Revenue

     The following table sets forth information regarding the sources of Renal Care Group’s net patient revenue:

Medicare

     The Social Security Act provides that most U.S. citizens and resident aliens with ESRD are entitled to Medicare coverage. If a physician finds that an eligible person has ESRD, then he or she will be entitled to Medicare coverage (1) beginning the third month after the month in which a regular course of dialysis is initiated; or (2) as early as the month in which a kidney transplant candidate is hospitalized for the transplant if certain conditions are met.

     For Medicare purposes, ESRD is defined as kidney impairment that appears irreversible and permanent and that requires a regular course of dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. For a period of 30 months, Medicare coverage is generally secondary for patients who have qualifying health insurance. After this 30-month period, Medicare becomes the primary coverage for patients, and the patient’s other health insurance generally pays applicable Medicare coinsurance payments and deductibles.

     Under the Medicare ESRD program, Medicare reimbursement rates per outpatient dialysis treatment are fixed under a composite rate structure. The Medicare ESRD composite rate may be changed by legislation or rulemaking. Congress increased

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the Medicare composite rate in 2000 by 1.2%. Congress also increased the Medicare composite rate in 2001 by 2.4%. Neither Congress nor CMS approved an increase in the composite rate for 2002 or 2003. Although Medicare reimbursement limits the allowable charge per treatment, it provides Renal Care Group with predictable and recurring treatment revenue for its outpatient dialysis services that are covered by the composite rate.

     The Medicare ESRD composite rate for outpatient dialysis services averaged $131 per treatment in freestanding facilities during 2002. The Medicare ESRD composite rate is subject to regional differences based on certain factors, including labor costs. CMS or Congress may periodically adjust Medicare reimbursement rates, including the ESRD composite rate, based on certain factors, including legislation, executive and congressional budget reduction and control processes, inflation and costs incurred in rendering the services. Historically, adjustments in the Medicare ESRD composite rate have had little relationship to the cost of conducting business.

     The Medicare ESRD composite rate applies to a designated group of outpatient dialysis services, including the dialysis treatment, supplies used for such treatment, certain laboratory tests and certain medications, and most of the home dialysis services provided by Renal Care Group. Some other services, laboratory tests and drugs are eligible for separate reimbursement under Medicare and are not part of the composite rate. These separately reimbursed items include specific drugs such as EPO, some physician-ordered tests provided to dialysis patients and some home dialysis services. Renal Care Group generally submits Medicare claims monthly and is usually paid within 30 days of the submission.

Changes in the Medicare ESRD Composite Rate

     Congress increased the Medicare ESRD composite rate by 1.2% in 2000 and by 2.4% in 2001. Previously, the Medicare ESRD composite rate was unchanged from commencement of the program in 1972 until 1983. From 1983 through December 1990, numerous congressional actions resulted in net reductions of the average Medicare ESRD composite rate from approximately $138 per treatment in 1983 to approximately $125 per treatment in 1986. As a result of the 2001 increase in the Medicare ESRD composite rate, the Company’s average rate per dialysis treatment was $131 during 2002.

     The Medicare ESRD composite rate has been the subject of a number of reports and studies. During 2000, Congress directed a study of the ESRD composite rate structure, which was due in June 2002. This study has not yet been delivered. Congress mandated that this study (1) review items included in the composite rate and items that are currently separately billable (such as EPO and certain laboratory services), and (2) analyze whether the composite rate should be subject to an annual inflationary update. Pending this study, the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission, also known as PROPAC, recommended that the ESRD composite rate for 2003 be increased by 2.6%. Congress did not approve an increase for 2003. PROPAC is a body that makes recommendations to Congress concerning Medicare reimbursement rates. Congress is not required to implement any of these recommendations and could either raise or lower the reimbursement rate or change the items covered by the composite rate.

     During recent congressional sessions, there have been various proposals to change numerous aspects of Medicare. Renal Care Group is unable to predict what, if any, future changes may occur in the Medicare ESRD composite rate. Any reductions in the Medicare ESRD composite rate or change in the items covered by the composite rate (such as EPO or certain laboratory services) could have a material adverse effect on Renal Care Group’s earnings, financial condition and business.

Medicare Reimbursement for EPO

     Renal Care Group also derives a significant portion of its revenue and earnings from the administration of EPO. Medicare reimbursement for EPO has been fixed at $10 per 1,000 units since 1994. The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has the authority to determine the Medicare reimbursement rate for EPO. In the past there have been proposals to reduce Medicare reimbursement for EPO, but none of these proposals has been adopted. Renal Care Group is unable to predict whether any changes in EPO reimbursement will occur. Approximately 23% of Renal Care Group’s revenue in 2002 was generated from the administration of EPO; therefore, any reduction in Medicare reimbursement for EPO could have a material adverse effect on Renal Care Group’s earnings, financial condition and business.

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     CMS also places limits on EPO reimbursement based on patients’ hematocrit levels. Hematocrit is a measure of a patient’s anemia. Currently, if a patient’s hematocrit is below 36%, CMS approves Medicare reimbursement for EPO without specific documentation of medical necessity. If a patient’s average hematocrit over a three-month period is higher than 36%, Medicare reimbursement is contingent on medical necessity. Medicare’s contractors often review claims in these instances. Renal Care Group is unable to predict whether any changes in EPO reimbursement based on hematocrit levels will occur. Any reduction in Medicare reimbursement for EPO could have a material adverse effect on Renal Care Group’s earnings, financial condition and business.

Medicaid Reimbursement

     Medicaid programs are health care programs partially funded by the federal government that are administered by the states. These programs generally provide coverage for uninsured patients whose income and assets fall below levels determined by the states. The programs also serve as supplemental insurance programs for the Medicare co-insurance portion and provide coverage for certain items (for example, oral medications) that are not covered by Medicare. State regulations generally follow Medicare reimbursement levels and coverage without any coinsurance amounts. Some states, however, require beneficiaries to pay a share of the cost based upon their income or assets. Renal Care Group is a licensed ESRD Medicaid provider in all of the states in which it does business.

     Some of the states in which Renal Care Group does business have dialysis reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients that are higher than Medicare rates. Representatives of CMS and some of these states have indicated that the states should consider reducing these higher reimbursement levels, and at least one of these states, Washington, has implemented, a reduction in Medicaid reimbursement. In addition, finance department officials in Wisconsin have proposed, but not implemented, a reduction in Medicaid reimbursement. Reductions in Medicaid reimbursement could have a material adverse effect on Renal Care Group’s earnings, financial condition and business.

Private Reimbursement/Acute Care Contracts

     Before Medicare becomes a patient’s primary payor, the patient’s own insurance plan or other health care coverage, if any, pays for his or her ESRD treatments. Reimbursement rates from these private payors are generally significantly higher than the rates paid by Medicare. Renal Care Group has negotiated managed care contracts with most of its managed care payors at rates that are higher than the Medicare ESRD composite rate. Rates under these managed care contracts are, however, generally lower than those Renal Care Group charges other private payors. After Medicare becomes a patient’s primary payor, private secondary payors generally reimburse Renal Care Group for the patient’s copayment of 20% of the applicable Medicare rate. Renal Care Group also receives payments from hospitals under its acute care contracts. The rates under these contracts are generally higher than the Medicare ESRD composite rate. Rates under these acute care contracts are the result of arms-length negotiations between the hospital and Renal Care Group and approximate fair market value of the services provided by the Company.

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GOVERNMENT REGULATION

General

     Federal, state, and local governments extensively regulate Renal Care Group’s operations, including the operation of the dialysis centers and laboratory owned by Renal Care Group. Applicable federal and state statutes and regulations require Renal Care Group to meet various standards relating, among other things, to licensure, billing and reimbursement, management of dialysis centers, patient care personnel, maintenance of proper records, confidentiality of medical records, equipment and quality assurance programs, and the treatment and disposal of biomedical waste. In addition, Renal Care Group’s laboratory operations are subject, among other laws, to the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, also known as CLIA. Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers and laboratory are subject to periodic inspection by state and federal agencies to determine if they satisfy applicable requirements. In addition, through certificate of need, or CON, programs, some states regulate the development or expansion of health care facilities and services, including dialysis centers. Renal Care Group’s operations also are subject to regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, concerning workplace safety and employee exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

     Renal Care Group is subject to federal and state laws governing, among other things, the relationships between Renal Care Group and physicians and other health care providers, patient referrals, and false claims. See “Government Regulation—Anti-Kickback Statute,” “Government Regulation—Stark Law” and “Government Regulation—Civil Monetary Penalties.” The federal government, many states, and private third-party payors have made combating fraud and abuse in the health care industry a high priority. As a result, scrutiny and investigation of health care providers and their relationships with physicians and other referral sources has increased significantly.

     Renal Care Group believes it substantially complies with applicable federal and state laws. However, if a state or the federal government finds that Renal Care Group has not complied with these laws, then Renal Care Group could be required to change its way of operating. Any changes could have a negative impact on the Company. To date, the dialysis centers owned by Renal Care Group have maintained their licenses and Medicare and Medicaid certifications. Any loss of certification to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs or loss of any required state or federal licenses or certifications would have a negative effect on Renal Care Group. Renal Care Group believes that the health care services industry will continue to be subject to extensive regulation at the federal, state, and local levels. Renal Care Group cannot predict the scope and effect of future regulation of its business and cannot predict whether health care reform will require Renal Care Group to change its operations or whether such reform will have a negative impact on Renal Care Group.

     Renal Care Group cannot predict whether it will be held responsible for actions previously taken by acquired companies or facilities before it purchased them. Renal Care Group also cannot predict whether its operations, or the previous operations of acquired companies or facilities, will be reviewed or challenged by the government. Any review or challenge of its operations could have a negative impact on Renal Care Group.

Medicare and Medicaid Certification and Reimbursement

     To receive reimbursement from federal health care programs for dialysis and laboratory services, the dialysis centers and laboratory operated by Renal Care Group must be certified as meeting certain requirements. For example, to receive Medicare reimbursement, Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers and laboratory must be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. All of the dialysis centers operated by Renal Care Group and its laboratory operations are certified under the Medicare program and many state Medicaid programs. In connection with its participation in Medicare, Renal Care Group must comply with conditions for coverage, including requirements concerning personnel, management, patient care, patient rights, medical records and physical environment. Renal Care Group must also comply with extensive billing rules governing, among other things, medical necessity and documentation. See “Government Regulation—False Claims Act” and “Government Regulation—Civil Monetary Penalties.”

     CMS has announced that it is in the process of revising the current Medicare conditions for coverage for ESRD services. Proposed revisions have not been published. Renal Care Group cannot predict when proposed rules will be published or finalized or what, if any, changes CMS might make to the current conditions for coverage. Renal Care Group also cannot predict whether

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it will be able to meet any new or revised conditions for coverage. Any changes to the Medicare conditions for coverage for ESRD facilities could require Renal Care Group to change its operations and could have a negative effect on the business and profitability of Renal Care Group. Any reduction in governmental payments for dialysis services or any reduction or elimination of coverage of dialysis services by a governmental party would have a negative impact on Renal Care Group’s business.

     The HHS Office of Inspector General, also known as the OIG, issued reports in the summer of 2000 recommending greater oversight of the quality of care in dialysis facilities. In January of 2003, the United States General Accounting Office, known as the GAO, issued a report finding that efforts by CMS to ensure quality care at certain facilities including kidney dialysis facilities continue to be jeopardized by problems in the performance of state inspections, complaint investigations, and enforcement of federal standards. Any increased oversight could lead to increased requirements and greater scrutiny of dialysis facilities, including those owned by Renal Care Group.

The Anti-Kickback Statute

     Under Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-funded health care programs such as the CHAMPUS program, federal and state governments enforce a federal law called the Anti-Kickback Statute. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits any person from offering, paying, soliciting or receiving any type of benefit (1) in exchange for the referral of a patient covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other federally-subsidized program or (2) for the leasing, purchasing, ordering or arranging for or recommending the lease, purchase or order of any item, good, facility or service covered by the programs. Remuneration prohibited by the Anti-Kickback Statute includes the payment or transfer of anything of value. Many states have similar anti-kickback statutes that are not necessarily limited to items or services for which payment is made by a federal or state health care program.

     Any person or entity that violates the Anti-Kickback Statute may be penalized. These penalties include criminal fines of up to $25,000 per violation and imprisonment. In addition, the government may impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, plus three times total remuneration offered, paid, solicited or received. Further, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, has the authority to exclude or bar individuals or entities who violate the Anti-Kickback Statute from participating in Medicare and Medicaid.

     The Anti-Kickback Statute is a broad law. Courts have stated that, under certain circumstances, the Anti-Kickback Statute is violated when just one purpose, as opposed to the primary purpose, of a payment is to induce referrals. To clarify what acts or arrangements will not be subject to prosecution by the Office of Inspector General of HHS or the United States Attorney, HHS adopted a set of safe harbor regulations and continues to publish clarifications to these safe harbors. If an arrangement meets all of the requirements of a safe harbor, it will not be considered to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.

     The types of arrangements covered by safe harbors include certain investments in companies whose stock is traded on a national exchange, certain small company investments in which physician ownership is limited, rental of space, rental of equipment, personal services and management contracts, sales of physician practices, physician referral services, warranties, discounts, payments to employees, group purchasing organizations, and waivers of beneficiary deductibles and co-payments. Each type of arrangement must meet a number of specific requirements in order to enjoy the benefits of the applicable safe harbor. Meeting the requirements of a safe harbor will protect an arrangement from enforcement action by the government. However, the fact that an arrangement does not meet the requirements of a safe harbor does not mean that the arrangement is necessarily illegal or will be prosecuted under the Anti-Kickback Statute.

     The OIG has issued a Special Fraud Alert concerning the pricing of laboratory testing at ESRD centers. Medicare pays for laboratory tests provided to ESRD patients in two different ways. Some laboratory tests are considered routine, and Medicare includes payment for those tests in the ESRD composite rate paid to the dialysis center. Some laboratory testing is not included in the composite rate, and these tests are billed by the laboratory directly to Medicare. In the Special Fraud Alert, the OIG stated it is aware of cases where a laboratory offers to perform tests included in the composite rate at a price below fair market value. In exchange, the ESRD facility agrees to refer all or most of its non-composite rate tests to the laboratory. The OIG identified such an arrangement as raising issues under the Anti-Kickback Statute. Renal Care Group believes that its arrangements with laboratories reflect fair market value and comply with the Anti-Kickback Statute.

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     Renal Care Group seeks to satisfy as many safe harbor requirements as possible when it is structuring its business arrangements. However, not all of Renal Care Group’s arrangements satisfy all elements of a safe harbor. Management believes that Renal Care Group has a reasonable basis for concluding that it substantially complies with the Anti-Kickback Statute and other applicable related federal and state laws and regulations. The Company believes that its current arrangements with physicians including nephrologists owning Renal Care Group’s common stock, medical directors, laboratories, suppliers, hospitals, and other sources of referrals to its dialysis centers and its acute dialysis services agreements with hospitals materially comply with the Anti-Kickback Statute. However, a government agency might take a position contrary to the interpretations made by Renal Care Group or may require the Company to change its practices. If an agency were to take such a position, it could adversely affect Renal Care Group.

The Stark Law

     Congress has also passed significant prohibitions against certain physician referrals of patients for health care services. These prohibitions are commonly known as the Stark Law. The Stark Law prohibits a physician from making referrals for particular health care services (called designated health services) to entities with which the physician, or an immediate family member of the physician, has a financial relationship. If an arrangement is covered by the Stark Law, the requirements of a Stark Law exception must be met for the physician to be able to make referrals to the entity for designated health services.

     The term “financial relationship” is defined very broadly to include most types of ownership or compensation relationships. The Stark Law also prohibits the entity receiving the referral from seeking payment under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for services rendered pursuant to a prohibited referral. If an entity is paid for services rendered pursuant to a prohibited referral, it may incur civil penalties and could be excluded from participating in Medicare or Medicaid.

     As originally enacted, the Stark Law restricted referrals for clinical laboratory services. This version of the Stark Law is also called Stark I. Effective January 1, 1995, the Stark Law was expanded to include physical therapy services; occupational therapy services; radiology services, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, and ultrasound services; radiation therapy services and supplies; durable medical equipment and supplies; parenteral and enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies; prosthetics, orthotics, and prosthetic devices and supplies; home health services; outpatient prescription drugs; and inpatient and outpatient hospital services. This version of the Stark Law is also known as Stark II.

     The Stark Law defines a financial relationship to include (1) a physician’s ownership or investment interest in an entity and (2) a compensation relationship between a physician and an entity. Under the Stark Law, financial relationships include both direct and indirect relationships. Renal Care Group has compensation arrangements with its medical directors or the professional practices of the medical directors. The medical directors or their practices may also own shares, and options to purchase shares, of common stock of Renal Care Group. In addition, other physicians who refer patients to Renal Care Group’s centers may own stock of Renal Care Group. If so, the medical directors and other physicians would have a financial relationship with Renal Care Group. Accordingly, these physicians would not be able to refer patients to Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers for designated health services unless a Stark Law exception applies.

     Dialysis is not listed as a designated health service under the Stark Law. However, the definition of “designated health services” includes some items and services that are components of dialysis or which may be provided to patients by Renal Care Group in connection with their dialysis services. On January 4, 2001, HHS issued final regulations to the Stark II provisions of the Stark Law for some provisions of the Stark Law. These regulations became effective on January 4, 2002. The final regulations exclude from the definition of covered designated health services those services that are reimbursed by Medicare as part of a composite rate. The final regulations also contain an exception under the Stark Law for clinical laboratory services that are included in the Medicare ESRD composite rate. Therefore, services that are included in the Medicare ESRD composite rate are not covered by the Stark Law.

     Further, the Stark II final regulations exclude from the referral prohibition EPO and other drugs required as part of dialysis if certain requirements are met. If the requirements are met, this exception applies whether or not these drugs are included in the Medicare ESRD composite rate.

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     The final regulations also exclude from the definition of “inpatient hospital services” any dialysis services provided by a hospital that is not certified by CMS to provide outpatient dialysis services. This rule would have the effect of excluding from the Stark Law prohibition, any dialysis services provided by Renal Care Group under an acute dialysis contract with a hospital, if that hospital is not certified to provide outpatient dialysis. The final Stark II regulations exclude from the definition of “durable medical equipment” all equipment and supplies used in connection with home dialysis. These Stark II regulations exclude most of the items and services connected with dialysis from the Stark Law prohibitions.

     HHS has accepted comments to the Stark II final rules and has stated that it will issue further regulations to the Stark Law in the future. HHS has stated that it will issue additional Stark II final regulations in the future, but proposed regulations have not been published. Renal Care Group cannot predict whether HHS will revise the final regulations or will adopt additional regulations that affect Renal Care Group’s business.

     If the Stark Law applies to the relationships between Renal Care Group and its referring physicians, there are exceptions to the Stark Law which, if certain requirements are met, would permit such physicians to refer patients to Renal Care Group for designated health services. The Stark Law contains exceptions for certain physician ownership or investment interests in entities and certain physician compensation arrangements with entities. The exceptions for compensation arrangements include employment relationships, personal services contracts, and space and equipment leases. If a compensation arrangement between a physician, or immediate family member, and an entity satisfies all requirements for a Stark Law exception, then the Stark Law will not prohibit the physician from referring patients to the entity for designated health services. Renal Care Group believes its compensation arrangements with physicians who refer to Renal Care Group meet the requirements for an exception under the Stark Law. For example, the Company believes that its agreements with medical directors or their professional practices materially satisfy the Stark Law exception for personal services agreements.

     The Stark Law also includes an exception for a physician’s ownership or investment interest in certain entities through the ownership of stock. If a physician owns stock in an entity, and the stock is listed on a national exchange or is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market and the ownership meets certain other requirements, then the Stark Law will not apply to prohibit the physician from referring to the entity for designated health services. The requirements for this Stark Law exception include a requirement that the entity issuing the stock have at least $75.0 million in stockholders’ equity at the end of its most recent fiscal year or on average during the previous three fiscal years. As of March 11, 2003, Renal Care Group had stockholders’ equity of more than $562.0 million. Renal Care Group believes that physician ownership of Renal Care Group stock satisfies this Stark Law exception.

     If an entity violates the Stark Law, it could be subject to civil penalties of up to $15,000 per prohibited claim and may be excluded from Medicare and Medicaid. If the Stark Law applies to the relationships between Renal Care Group and its referring physicians and no exceptions under the Stark Law are available, then Renal Care Group will be required to restructure these relationships or refuse to accept referrals for designated health services from these physicians. If Renal Care Group were found to have submitted claims to Medicare for services provided pursuant to a referral prohibited by the Stark Law, then Renal Care Group would be required to repay amounts it received from Medicare for those services and could be subject to civil monetary penalties. If Renal Care Group is required to repay amounts to Medicare or is subject to fines, the Company could be harmed.

     Many states have physician relationship and referral statutes that are similar to the Stark Law. Renal Care Group believes it is in substantial compliance with applicable state laws on physician relationships and referrals. However, any finding that Renal Care Group is not in compliance with these state laws could require the Company to change its operations and could have a negative impact on Renal Care Group.

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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

     In an effort to combat health care fraud, Congress included several anti-fraud measures in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, also called HIPAA. Among other things, HIPAA broadened the scope of certain fraud and abuse laws, extended criminal penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud to other federal health care programs, and expanded the authority of the OIG, to exclude persons and entities from participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. HIPAA also extended the Medicare and Medicaid civil monetary penalty provisions to other federal health care programs, increased the amounts of civil monetary penalties, and established a criminal health care fraud statute.

     Federal health care offenses under HIPAA include health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters. Under HIPAA, among other things, any person or entity that knowingly and willfully defrauds or attempts to defraud a health care benefit program is subject to a fine, imprisonment or both. Also under HIPAA, any person or entity that knowingly and willfully falsifies or conceals or covers up a material fact or makes any materially false or fraudulent statements in connection with the delivery of or payment of health care services by a health care benefit plan is subject to a fine, imprisonment or both.

     HIPAA also required the OIG, to issue advisory opinions to outside parties regarding the interpretation and applicability of the Anti-Kickback Statute and other OIG health care fraud and abuse sanctions. An OIG advisory opinion only applies to the people or entities that requested it. However, advisory opinions are published and made available to the public, and they provide guidance on those practices the OIG believes may violate federal law. Renal Care Group has not requested any advisory opinions from the OIG. However, the OIG has issued several advisory opinions addressing practices of companies owning ESRD centers.

     In advisory opinions addressing practices of companies owning ESRD centers, the OIG has advised ESRD companies that they may not pay policy premiums for Medicare supplemental insurance for patients, even patients with proven financial hardship. Prior to the adoption of HIPAA and the issuance of these OIG opinions, Renal Care Group had paid premiums for Medicare supplemental insurance for some patients with demonstrated financial need. The Company stopped making such payments following the adoption of HIPAA. Consistent with the advisory opinions, the Company has made grants to charitable foundations that may, but are not required to, make premium payments on behalf of ESRD patients. Renal Care Group believes, but cannot promise, that its current practices regarding supplemental insurance substantially comply with the general principles expressed by the OIG in these advisory opinions. In 2000, HHS issued proposed regulations that would permit dialysis facilities to pay for supplemental insurance premiums on behalf of ESRD patients if certain requirements are satisfied. However, in December of 2002, the OIG withdrew this proposed exception.

     On August 17, 2000, HHS published final regulations governing electronic transactions involving health information. These regulations are part of the administrative simplification provisions of HIPAA. These regulations are commonly referred to as the Transaction Standards rule. The rule establishes standards for eight of the most common health care transactions by reference to technical standards promulgated by recognized standards publishing organizations. Under the new standards, any party transmitting or receiving health transactions electronically must send and receive data in a single format, rather than the large number of different data formats currently used. Health care providers, health care clearinghouses and large health plans who submitted a compliance extension plan to HHS by October 15, 2002 have until October 16, 2003 to comply with the Transaction Standards rule. Health care providers, health care clearinghouses and large health plans who did not submit a compliance extension plan to HHS by the deadline were required to comply with these requirements as of October 16, 2002. The Transaction Standards rule applies to Renal Care Group in connection with submitting and processing health claims. The Transaction Standards rule also applies to many of our payors and to our relationships with those payors. Since many of our payors might not have been able to accept transactions in the format required by the Transaction Standards rule by the original compliance date, Renal Care Group filed a timely compliance extension plan with HHS. Renal Care Group intends to comply with the Transaction Standards rule by the required compliance date.

     On December 28, 2000, HHS published final regulations implementing HIPAA that adopted standards for privacy of individually identifiable health information. The regulations cover health care providers, health care clearinghouses and health plans. The privacy regulations, among other things, require companies covered by the regulations:

•

to obtain patient authorization prior to certain uses or disclosures of protected health information,

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	•		to provide notice of privacy practices to patients and obtain an acknowledgement that the patient has received the notice,
	•		to respond to requests from patients for access to or to obtain a copy of their information,
	•		to respond to patient requests for amendments of their information,
	•		to designate a privacy officer,
	•		to use and disclose only the minimum necessary information to accomplish a particular purpose, and
	•		to establish policies and procedures with respect to uses and disclosures of protected health information.

     These regulatory requirements impose significant administrative and financial obligations on companies that use or disclose individually identifiable information relating to the health of a patient. Renal Care Group’s current processes for receiving, using and disclosing patient information were designed to maintain patient privacy and therefore already include many of the HIPAA-required privacy elements. The privacy regulations are extensive, and Renal Care Group will need to change some of its practices to comply with them.

     The effective date of these privacy regulations is April 14, 2001, and most covered entities, including Renal Care Group, are required to comply with the regulatory requirements by April 14, 2003. Renal Care Group intends to comply with the privacy regulations by the required compliance date.

     On August 12, 1998, HHS published proposed regulations implementing HIPAA that governs the security of health information. HHS recently published the final security regulations. Most covered entities will be required to comply with these regulations by April 21, 2005. Renal Care Group is studying the new regulations and may be required to change some of its practices to comply with them.

The False Claims Act

     The federal False Claims Act gives the federal government an additional way to police false bills or requests for payment for health care services. Under the False Claims Act, the government may fine any person who knowingly submits, or participates in submitting, claims for payment to the federal government that are false or fraudulent, or that contain false or misleading information. Any person who knowingly makes or uses a false record or statement to avoid paying the federal government may also be subject to fines under the False Claims Act. Under the False Claims Act, the term “person” means an individual, company, or corporation. The federal government has used the False Claims Act widely to prosecute fraud against Medicare and other governmental programs in areas such as coding errors, billing for services not provided and submitting false cost reports. The False Claims Act has also been used to prosecute people or entities that bill services at a higher reimbursement rate than is allowed and billing for care that is not medically necessary.

     The penalty for violation of the False Claims Act ranges from $5,500 to $11,000 for each fraudulent claim plus up to three times the amount of damages caused to the government as a result of each fraudulent claim. In addition to the False Claims Act, the federal government may use several criminal statutes to prosecute the submission of false or fraudulent claims for payment to the federal government. Many states have similar false claims statutes that impose liability for the types of acts prohibited by the False Claims Act.

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Civil Monetary Penalties

     The Secretary of HHS may impose civil monetary penalties on any person or entity that presents or causes to be presented certain ineligible claims for medical items or services. The amount of penalties varies, depending on the offense, from $2,000 to $50,000 per violation. HHS can impose penalties for false or fraudulent claims and those that include services not provided as claimed. In addition, HHS may impose penalties on claims:

	•		for physician services the person or entity knew or should have known were rendered by a person who was unlicensed, or misrepresented either (1) his or her qualifications in obtaining his or her license or (2) his or her certification in a medical specialty;
	•		that were furnished by a person who was, at the time the claim was made, excluded from the program to which the claim was made; or
	•		that show a pattern of medically unnecessary items or services.

     Penalties also may be imposed on a person or entity that violates rules regarding the assignment of payments, that knowingly gives false or misleading information that could reasonably influence the discharge of patients from a hospital, or that offers inducements to beneficiaries for program services. Persons who have been excluded from the program and who retain ownership in a participating entity, or who contract with excluded persons, may be penalized. Penalties also are applicable in certain other cases, including violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, payments to limit certain patient services and improper execution of statements of medical necessity.

Government Investigations

     Last year, the federal government continued to investigate practices of health care providers, including providers of dialysis. Renal Care Group expects that the number of government investigations of dialysis providers will continue to increase in 2003. The OIG has indicated in its 2003 Work Plan that it will be focusing this year on a number of areas of ESRD services, including home dialysis billing and transportation services for dialysis patients.

     The federal government also continues to investigate practices of laboratories. Each of the laboratories owned and operated by the major dialysis providers, including the laboratory owned and operated by Renal Care Group, has been the subject of a government investigation. These laboratories, including our laboratory, could be the subject of future investigations.

     Renal Care Group has developed and implemented a compliance program that is designed to prevent violations of the law. The existence of an effective compliance program may reduce the severity of civil and criminal penalties for certain offenses. Renal Care Group believes its compliance program is effective.

Health Care Legislation

     Congress may enact legislation in the future which may significantly change the Medicare ESRD program or reduce the amount that Medicare and Medicaid will pay for services offered by Renal Care Group. Federal and state statutes or regulations may be enacted to impose additional requirements on Renal Care Group to continue to provide services to ESRD patients, to provide new services, or to maintain eligibility to participate in federal and state payment programs. Any new legislation or regulations, or new interpretations of existing statutes and regulations, governing reimbursement to Renal Care Group or the manner in which Renal Care Group provides services to patients could have a material impact on Renal Care Group and could adversely affect its profitability.

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COMPETITION

     The dialysis industry is highly competitive. Competition for qualified physicians to act as medical directors is also intense. According to CMS, there were more than 4,000 outpatient facilities providing dialysis in the United States at the end of 2001. Renal Care Group believes that approximately 65% of these facilities are currently owned by multi-center dialysis companies, approximately 17% are owned by independent physicians, small chains and other small operators, and approximately 18% are hospital-affiliated centers. The largest multi-center dialysis company is Fresenius Medical Care, Inc. A.G. Other large competitors include DaVita, Inc. and Gambro Healthcare, Inc.

     Fresenius and Gambro are both vertically integrated providers that manufacture and sell dialysis equipment and supplies, which may give them certain competitive advantages. There are also a number of health care providers that have entered or may decide to enter the dialysis business. Some of Renal Care Group’s competitors have substantially greater financial resources than Renal Care Group and may compete with the Company for acquisitions, development and/or management of dialysis centers and nephrology practices. Renal Care Group believes that competition for acquisitions has, over time, increased the cost of acquiring dialysis centers. Renal Care Group may also experience competition from centers established by former medical directors or other referring physicians. There can be no assurance that Renal Care Group will compete effectively with any of its competitors.

INSURANCE

     Renal Care Group maintains professional liability insurance and general liability insurance policies for all of its operations. Renal Care Group also maintains insurance in amounts it deems adequate to cover property and casualty risks, workers’ compensation, and directors and officers liability. During 2002 the cost to Renal Care Group of most types of insurance, particularly professional liability insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, and employee health insurance, increased substantially, both in terms of premiums and deductibles. In addition, the availability of insurance diminished in 2001 and 2002. Management expects that these trends will continue in the future and that Renal Care Group will be required to take more risk in its insurance program. There can be no assurance that the aggregate amount and types of Renal Care Group’s insurance are adequate to cover all risks it may incur or that insurance will be available in the future.

EMPLOYEES

     At December 31, 2002 Renal Care Group employed 5,447 full-time employees and 866 part-time employees. Of the total employees, 53 were employed at the Company’s headquarters and 6,260 were employed at the Company’s facilities or regional business offices. In management’s opinion, employee relations are good.

INTERNET WEBSITE

     The Company’s internet website can be found at www.renalcaregroup.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through our internet website, access to our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed, or furnished, to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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RISK FACTORS

     You should carefully consider the risks described below before investing in Renal Care Group. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing Renal Care Group. Other risks and uncertainties that we have not predicted or assessed may also adversely affect our company.

     If any of the following risks occur, our earnings, financial condition or business could be materially harmed, and the trading price of our common stock could decline, resulting in the loss of all or part of your investment.

If Congress or CMS Changes the Medicare or Medicaid Programs for Dialysis, Then Our Revenue and Earnings Could Decrease

     If the government changes the Medicare, Medicaid or similar government programs or the rates those programs pay for our services, then our revenue and earnings may decline. We estimate that approximately 53% of our net revenue for 2000, 49% of our net revenue for 2001 and 50% of our net revenue for 2002 consisted of reimbursements from Medicare, including the administration of EPO to treat anemia. We also estimate that approximately 5% of our net revenue for 2000, 6% of our net revenue for 2001 and 7% of our net revenue for 2002, consisted of reimbursements from Medicaid or comparable state programs. Any of the following actions in connection with government programs could cause our revenue and earnings to decline:

	•		a reduction of the amount paid to us under government programs;
	•		an increase in the costs associated with performing our services that are subject to inflation, such as labor and supply costs, without a corresponding increase in reimbursement rates;
	•		the inclusion of some or all ancillary services, for which we are now reimbursed separately, in the flat composite rate for a dialysis treatment; or
	•		changes in laws, or the interpretations of laws, which could cause us to modify our operations.

     Specifically, Congress and CMS have proposed reviewing and potentially recalculating the average wholesale prices of certain drugs, including some drugs that we bill for outside of the flat composite rate. CMS has indicated that it believes the average wholesale prices on which it currently bases reimbursement are too high and that Medicare reimbursement for these drugs is, therefore, too high. Because we are unable to predict accurately whether reimbursement will be changed and, if so, by how much, we are unable to quantify what the net effect of changes in reimbursement for these drugs would have on our revenue and earnings.

If States Lower Medicaid Reimbursement, Then We Would be Less Profitable

     The Medicaid programs in some of the states in which we operate reimburse us at rates higher than those paid by Medicare. Some of these programs, like Washington’s, have approved reductions in reimbursement. Other programs, like Wisconsin’s, have proposed reductions or have announced that they are considering reductions. In addition, a number of the states where we operate are experiencing budget shortfalls, and some of these states may consider reducing Medicaid reimbursement or changing their Medicaid programs to cut costs. Actions to reduce Medicaid reimbursement rates would adversely affect our revenue and earnings.

If Reimbursement for EPO Decreases, Then We Could Be Less Profitable

     If government or private payors decrease reimbursement rates for EPO, for which we are currently reimbursed separately outside of the flat composite rate, our revenue and earnings will decline. EPO is a bio-engineered hormone that is used to treat anemia. Revenues from the administration of EPO were approximately 26% of our net revenue for 2000, 25% of our net revenue for 2001 and 23% of our net revenue for 2002. Most of our payments for EPO come from government programs. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement represented approximately 57% of the total revenue we

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derived from EPO. A reduction in the reimbursement rate for EPO could materially and adversely affect our revenue and earnings.

If Amgen Raises the Price for EPO or if EPO Becomes in Short Supply, Then We Could Be Less Profitable

     EPO is produced by a single manufacturer, Amgen Inc., and there are no substitute products currently marketed to dialysis providers in the United States. In April 2002, Amgen announced a 3.9% increase in the price of EPO. This price increase did not affect our earnings in 2002 because our contract with Amgen had pricing protection through 2002, but it will adversely affect our earnings in 2003. In addition, Amgen implemented a 3.9% increase in the price of EPO in May 2001. That price increase did adversely affect our earnings in 2002. If Amgen imposes additional EPO price increases or if Amgen or other factors interrupt the supply of EPO, then our revenue and earnings will decline.

If Amgen Markets Aranesp for ESRD Patients, then We Could Be Less Profitable

     Amgen has developed and obtained FDA approval for a new drug to treat anemia marketed as Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa). Aranesp® is a longer acting form of bio-engineered protein that, like EPO, can be used to treat anemia. EPO is usually administered in conjunction with each dialysis treatment. Aranesp® can remain effective for between two and three weeks. If Amgen markets Aranesp® for the treatment of dialysis patients, then our earnings could be materially and adversely affected by either of the following factors:

	•		Our margins realized from the administration of Aranesp® could be lower than the margin realized on the administration of EPO; or
	•		Physicians could decide to administer Aranesp® in their offices, and we would not recognize revenue or profit from the administration of EPO or Aranesp® .

If Payments by Private Insurers, Hospitals or Managed Care Organizations Decrease, Then Our Revenue and Earnings Could Decrease

     If private insurers, managed care organizations or hospitals reduce their rates or if we experience a significant shift in our revenue mix toward additional Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, then our revenue and earnings will decline. We estimate that approximately 42% of our net revenue for 2000, 45% of our net revenue for 2001 and 43% of our net revenue for 2002, were derived from sources other than Medicare and Medicaid. In general, payments we receive from private insurers and hospitals for our services are at rates significantly higher than the Medicare or Medicaid rates. Payments we receive from managed care organizations are also at rates higher than Medicare and Medicaid rates but lower than those paid by private insurers. In addition, we have been able to implement annual price increases for these private payors that we have not been able to implement for federal programs. As a result, any of the following events could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and earnings:

	•		any number of economic or demographic factors could cause private insurers, hospitals or managed care companies to reduce the rates they pay us or to refuse to pay price increases or work to reduce the rate of our price increases;
	•		a portion of our business that is currently reimbursed by private insurers or hospitals may become reimbursed by managed care organizations, which generally have lower rates for our services; or
	•		the scope of coverage by Medicare or Medicaid under the flat composite rate could expand and, as a result, reduce the extent of our services being reimbursed at the higher private-insurance rates.

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If Local Physicians Stop Sending Patients To Our Centers or Were Prohibited From Doing So for Regulatory Reasons, Then Our Revenue and Earnings Would Decline

     Our dialysis centers depend on local nephrologists sending patients to the centers. Typically, one or a few physicians’ patients make up all or a significant portion of the patient base at each of our dialysis centers, and the loss of the patient base of one or more of these physicians could have a material adverse effect on the operations of that center. The loss of the patient base of a significant number of local physicians could cause our revenue and earnings to decline. In many instances, the primary referral sources for our centers are physicians who also serve as medical directors of our centers and may be shareholders. If the medical director relationship or stock ownership were deemed to violate applicable federal or state law, including fraud and abuse laws and laws prohibiting self-referrals, then the physicians acting as medical directors or owning our stock could be forced to stop referring patients to our centers. Further, we may not be able to renew or renegotiate our medical director agreements successfully, which could result in a loss of patients since dialysis patients are typically treated at a center where their physician or a member of his or her practice group serves as a medical director. We believe that our future success will depend in part on our ability to attract and retain qualified physicians to serve as medical directors of our dialysis centers.

If Our Business Is Alleged or Found To Violate Heath Care or Other Applicable Laws, Our Revenue and Earnings Could Decrease

     We are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation. The laws that apply to our operations include, but are not limited to, the following:

	•		fraud and abuse prohibitions under state and federal health care laws;
	•		prohibitions and limitations on patient referrals;
	•		billing and reimbursement rules, including false claims prohibitions under health care reimbursement laws;
	•		rules regarding the collection, use, storage and disclosure of patient health information, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to as HIPAA, and state law equivalents of HIPAA;
	•		facility licensure;
	•		health and safety requirements;
	•		environmental compliance; and
	•		medical and toxic waste disposal.

     Much of the regulation of our business, particularly in the areas of fraud and abuse and patient referral, is complex and open to differing interpretations. Due to the broad application of the statutory provisions and the absence in many instances of regulations or court decisions addressing the specific arrangements by which we conduct our business, including our arrangements with medical directors, physician stockholders and physician joint venture partners, governmental agencies could challenge some of our practices under these laws.

     New regulations governing electronic transactions and the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of health information impose significant administrative and financial obligations on our business. If, after the required compliance date, we are found to have violated these regulations, we could be subject to:

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	•		criminal or civil penalties, including significant fines;
	•		claims by people who believe their health information has been improperly used or disclosed; and
	•		administrative penalties by payors.

     Government investigations of health care providers, including dialysis providers, have continued to increase. We have been the subject of investigations in the past, and the government may investigate our business in the future. One of our competitors, DaVita, Inc., has announced that it is the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and another competitor, Gambro Healthcare, Inc., has announced that it is the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Louis, Missouri. If any of our operations are found to violate applicable laws, we may be subject to severe sanctions, or we could be required to alter or discontinue the challenged conduct or both. If we are required to alter our practices, we may not be able to do so successfully. If any of these events occurs, our revenue and earnings could decline.

Changes In the Health Care Delivery, Financing or Reimbursement Systems Could Adversely Affect Our Business

     The health care industry in the United States may be entering a period of change and uncertainty. Health care organizations, public or private, may dramatically change the way they operate and pay for services. Our business is designed to function within the current health care financing and reimbursement system. During the past several years, the health care industry has been subject to increasing levels of government regulation of, among other things, reimbursement rates and relationships with referring physicians. In addition, proposals to reform the health care system have been considered by Congress. In light of the continued increases in the cost of health care and the current economic weakness, there may be new proposals to change the health care system and control costs. These proposals, if enacted, could further increase the government’s oversight role and involvement in health care, lower reimbursement rates and otherwise change the operating environment for health care companies. We cannot predict the likelihood of those events or what impact they may have on our business.

The Dialysis Business Is Highly Competitive. If We Do Not Compete Effectively in Our Markets, Then We Could Lose Market Share and Our Rate of Growth Could Slow

     The dialysis industry is largely consolidated, and the consolidation trend continues as large providers acquire smaller providers. There is a small number of large dialysis companies that compete for the acquisition of outpatient dialysis centers and the development of relationships with referring physicians. Two of our major competitors are part of larger companies that also manufacture dialysis equipment, which allows them to benefit from lower equipment costs. Several of our competitors, including these equipment manufacturers, are significantly larger than we are and have greater financial resources and more established operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively with any of our competitors.

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If We Lose Any of Our Executive Officers, or Are Unable To Attract and Retain Qualified Nurses, Then Our Ability To Run Our Business Could Be Adversely Affected, and Our Revenue and Earnings Could Decline

     We depend on the services of our executive officers Sam A. Brooks, Jr., our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Raymond Hakim, M.D., Ph.D., R. Dirk Allison and Gary Brukardt, each an Executive Vice President. Mr. Brooks, Dr. Hakim and Mr. Brukardt have each been with Renal Care Group since its formation. The services of our executive officers would be difficult to replace. We recently announced that we are searching for a new Chief Executive Officer to replace Mr. Brooks. Further, our growth will depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain skilled nurses to provide services in our facilities, for whom competition is intense.

If We are Unable to Make Acquisitions in the Future, Then Our Rate of Growth Will Slow

     Much of our historical growth has come from acquisitions. Although we intend to continue to pursue growth through the acquisition of dialysis centers, we may be unable to identify and complete suitable acquisitions at prices we are willing to pay, or we may be unable to obtain the necessary financing. Further, due to the increased size of our Company since its formation, the amount that acquired businesses contribute to our revenue and profits will continue to be smaller on a percentage basis. Also, as a result of consolidation in the dialysis industry, the four largest providers of outpatient dialysis services own approximately 65% of the outpatient dialysis facilities in the United States. We compete with these other companies to identify and complete suitable acquisitions. We expect this competition to intensify in light of the smaller pool of available acquisition candidates and other market forces. As a result, we believe it will be more difficult for us to acquire suitable companies on favorable terms. Further, the businesses we acquire may not perform well enough to justify our investment. If we are unable to make additional acquisitions on suitable terms, then we may not meet our growth expectations.

If We Complete Future Acquisitions, We May Dilute Existing Stockholders by Issuing More of Our Common Stock or We May Incur Expenses Related to Debt and Goodwill, Which Could Reduce Our Earnings

     We may issue equity securities in future acquisitions that could be dilutive to our shareholders. We also may incur additional debt in future acquisitions. Interest expense on debt incurred to fund our acquisitions may significantly reduce our profitability. While goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized to expense under recently adopted accounting rules, we are required to review all of these assets at regular intervals for impairment and to charge an appropriate amount to expense when impairment is identified. If impairment is identified and we are required to write off a significant portion of our intangible assets at one time, then there could be a material adverse impact on our stock price.

If We Fail to Integrate Acquired Companies, Then We Will Be Less Profitable

     We have grown significantly by acquisitions of other dialysis providers since our formation. We intend to pursue acquisitions of more dialysis businesses in the future. We are unable to predict the number and size of any future acquisitions. We face significant challenges in integrating an acquired company’s management and other personnel, clinical operations, and financial and operating systems with ours, often without the benefit of continued services from key personnel of the acquired company. We face these challenges particularly in larger acquisitions. We may be unable to integrate the businesses we acquire successfully or to achieve anticipated benefits from an acquisition in a timely manner, which could lead to substantial costs and delays or other operational, technical or financial problems, including diverting management’s attention from our existing business. Any of these results could damage our profitability and our prospects for future growth.

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If Acquired Businesses Have Unknown Liabilities, Then We Could Be Exposed to Liabilities That Could Harm Our Business and Profitability

     Businesses we acquire may have unknown or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for failure to comply with health care laws. Although we generally attempt to identify practices that may give rise to unknown or contingent liabilities and conform them to our standards after the acquisition, private plaintiffs or governmental agencies may still assert claims. Even though we generally seek to obtain indemnification from the sellers of businesses we buy, unknown and contingent liabilities may not be covered by indemnification or may exceed contractual limits or the financial capacity of the indemnifying party.

If Our Costs of Insurance and Claims Increase, Then Our Earnings Could Decrease

     Renal Care Group currently maintains programs of general and professional liability insurance and directors’ and officers’ insurance with significant deductible amounts on each claim. In addition, we generally self-insure our employee health plan and workers’ compensation program, while maintaining excess insurance for some very large claims. We have accepted higher deductibles and self-insurance exposure in each of the last several years to offset in part increases in premiums for the programs. These deductibles and premiums increased substantially in 2002, and we believe they are likely to increase substantially again in 2003. Our earnings could be materially and adversely affected by any of the following:

	•		further increases in premiums and deductibles;
	•		increases in the number of liability claims against us or the cost of settling or trying cases related to those claims; and
	•		an inability to obtain one or more types of insurance on acceptable terms.

If Our Board of Directors Does Not Approve an Acquisition or Change in Control of Renal Care Group, Then Our Shareholders May Not Realize the Full Value of Their Stock

     Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain a number of provisions that may delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition or change in control of Renal Care Group that is not first approved by our board of directors. This could occur even if our shareholders receive an attractive offer for their shares or if a substantial number or even a majority of our shareholders believe the takeover is in their best interest. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring Renal Care Group to negotiate with and obtain approval from our board of directors before pursuing a transaction. Provisions that could delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition or change in control of Renal Care Group include the following:

	•		a staggered board of directors that would require two annual meetings to replace a majority of the board of directors;
	•		restrictions on calling special meetings at which an acquisition or change in control might be brought to a vote of the shareholders;
	•		blank check preferred stock that may be issued by our board of directors without shareholder approval and that may be substantially dilutive or contain preferences or rights objectionable to an acquiror; and
	•		a poison pill that would substantially dilute the interest sought by an acquiror.

     These provisions could also discourage bids for our common stock at a premium and cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

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Our Stock Price Is Volatile and as a Result, the Value of Your Investment May Go Down for Reasons Unrelated To the Performance of Our Business

     Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The market price of our common stock has been volatile, ranging from a low closing price of $27.72 per share to a high closing price of $35.80 per share during the year ended December 31, 2002. The market price for our common stock could fluctuate substantially based on a variety of factors, including the following:

	•		future announcements concerning us, our competitors or the health care market;
	•		the threat of litigation or government investigation;
	•		changes in government regulations; and
	•		changes in earnings estimates by analysts.

     Furthermore, stock prices for many companies fluctuate widely for reasons that may be unrelated to their operating results. These fluctuations, coupled with changes in demand or reimbursement levels for our services and general economic, political and market conditions, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

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Item 2. Properties

PROPERTIES

     As of December 31, 2002, Renal Care Group operated dialysis centers in 27 states, of which 235 are located in leased facilities and 33 are owned. The following is a summary of Renal Care Group’s outpatient dialysis centers by state.

OUTPATIENT FACILITIES BY STATE

     Some of Renal Care Group’s centers are leased from physicians who practice at the center and who are stockholders of the Company. Renal Care Group’s leases generally have terms ranging from one to 15 years and typically contain renewal options. The size of Renal Care Group’s centers ranges from approximately 1,000 to 25,000 square feet. Renal Care Group leases office space in Nashville, Tennessee for its corporate headquarters under a lease that expires in 2009. The Company leases other office space in and around Nashville, Tennessee for certain billing and computer operations. Renal Care Group considers its physical properties to be in good operating condition and suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.

     Expansion or relocation of Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers is subject to compliance with conditions relating to participation in the Medicare ESRD program. In states that require a certificate of need, approval of an application submitted by the Company is usually necessary for expansion of an existing dialysis center or development of a new center.

     Renal Care Group generally owns the equipment used in its outpatient centers. Renal Care Group considers its equipment generally to be in good operating condition and suitable for the purposes for which it is being used.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     On August 30, 2000, 19 patients were hospitalized and one patient died shortly after becoming ill while receiving treatment at one of Renal Care Group’s dialysis centers in Youngstown, Ohio. One of the 19 hospitalized patients also died some time later.

     In March 2001, Renal Care Group was sued in Mahoning County, Ohio by one of the affected patients for injuries related to the August 30, 2000 illnesses. Additional suits have been filed, and as of December 31, 2002, a total of 11 suits were pending. The suits allege negligence, medical malpractice and product liability. Additional defendants are named in each of the suits. Additional defendants in some of the suits include the water system vendors who installed and maintained the water system in the dialysis center. Renal Care Group has denied the allegations and has filed cross-claims against the water system vendors. Renal Care Group intends to pursue these cross-claims vigorously.

     Additional suits arising out of these illnesses may be filed in the future. Management believes that Renal Care Group’s insurance should be adequate to cover these illnesses and does not anticipate a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operation.

     In addition, the Company is subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business, including those arising from patient treatment, which claims and suits the Company believes will be covered by its liability insurance.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     No matter was submitted to a vote of stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2002.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Company’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

     The Company’s common stock was traded on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol “RCGI” from February 7, 1996 until November 11, 2001, at which time the Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RCI”. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low closing sales prices as reported on the Nasdaq National Market System and the New York Stock Exchange for the last two fiscal years.

HOLDERS

     As of March 1, 2003, the approximate number of registered stockholders was 183, and the Company had approximately 14,100 beneficial owners.

DIVIDEND POLICY

     Renal Care Group has never paid any cash dividend on its capital stock. Renal Care Group currently anticipates that all of its earnings will be retained to finance the growth and development of its business or to repurchase common stock. Unless there are changes in United States income tax law, Renal Care Group does not anticipate that any cash dividend will be declared or paid on the common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future declaration of dividends will be subject to the discretion of Renal Care Group’s Board of Directors and its review of Renal Care Group’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and surplus, contractual restrictions to pay such dividends and other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant.

SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

     There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2002.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (share amounts in thousands)

     The following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2002:

     (1) Renal Care Group currently has three option plans that were assumed in connection with a merger, acquisition or other transaction. The first such plan was adopted by Renal Disease Management by Physicians, Inc. (“RDM”) in 1997 under which there are 14 options issued and outstanding to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $18.18. The second plan was adopted by Dialysis Centers of America, Inc. (“DCA”) in 1995 under which there are 17 options issued and outstanding to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $25.58. The third plan was adopted in 1994 and there are 8 options issued and outstanding under such plan to purchase shares at a weighted average exercise price of $3.33.

     (2) These options were issued outside of our existing stock option plans to certain employees, officers, directors, and other key persons. These options vest over various periods of up to five years and have a term of ten years from the date of issuance.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     The selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements and related notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, together with the related Report of Independent Auditors are included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. Please read the following data in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” that appear elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Selected Financial Data
(in thousands, except per share data)

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements about our plans and expectations of what may happen in the future. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and our results could differ materially from the results anticipated by our forward-looking statements as a result of many known or unknown factors, including, but not limited to, those factors discussed on pages 19-25 under the heading “Risk Factors.” See also the cautionary notice regarding forward-looking statements set forth at the beginning of this report.

     Please read the following discussion in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes contained elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Overview

     Renal Care Group provides dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure. As of December 31, 2002, the Company provided dialysis and ancillary services to approximately 20,500 patients through 268 outpatient dialysis centers in 27 states, in addition to providing acute dialysis services to approximately 120 hospitals.

     Renal Care Group’s net revenue has been derived primarily from the following sources:

	•		outpatient hemodialysis services;
	•		ancillary services associated with outpatient dialysis, primarily the administration of erythropoietin (also known as Epogen® or EPO) and other drugs;
	•		home dialysis services;
	•		inpatient hemodialysis services provided to acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities;
	•		laboratory services; and
	•		management contracts with hospital-based medical university dialysis programs.

     Most patients with end-stage renal disease receive three dialysis treatments each week in an outpatient setting. Reimbursement for these services is provided primarily by the Medicare ESRD program based on rates established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately 57% of the Company’s net revenue was derived from reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Medicare reimbursement is subject to rate and other legislative changes by Congress and periodic changes in regulations, including changes that may reduce payments under the ESRD program. Congress increased the Medicare composite rate in 2000 by 1.2% and by 2.4% in 2001. Neither Congress nor CMS approved an increase in the composite rate for either 2002 or 2003.

     The Medicare composite rate applies to a designated group of outpatient dialysis services, including the dialysis treatment, supplies used for the treatment, certain laboratory tests and medications, and most of the home dialysis services provided by Renal Care Group. The Company receives separate reimbursement outside the composite rate for some other services, laboratory tests, and drugs, including specific drugs such as EPO and some physician-ordered tests provided to dialysis patients.

     If a patient has private health insurance, that patient’s dialysis is typically reimbursed at rates significantly higher than Medicare during the first 30 months of treatment. After that period Medicare becomes the primary payor. Reimbursement for dialysis services provided pursuant to a hospital contract is negotiated with the individual hospital and is usually higher than the Medicare composite rate. Because dialysis is a life-sustaining therapy to treat a chronic disease, utilization is predictable and is not subject to seasonal fluctuations.

     Renal Care Group derives a significant portion of its net revenue and net income from the administration of EPO. EPO is manufactured by a single company, Amgen Inc. In April 2002, Amgen implemented its third EPO price increase of 3.9% in as many years. This increase did not affect Renal Care Group’s results of operations in 2002 because Renal Care Group’s contract with Amgen included price protection for all of 2002. The Company’s contract with Amgen for 2003 generally provides that the Company’s 2002 pricing formula will remain in effect for 2003. As a result, the Company believes, although it can give no assurances, that it will be able to mitigate a substantial portion of the 2002 price increase in 2003.

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Critical Accounting Policies

     The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a financial reporting release, FR-60, Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies. In accordance with that release, management has identified the following accounting policies that it considers critical to the business of Renal Care Group. Management identified these policies based on their importance to the Consolidated Financial Statements and on the degrees of subjectivity and complexity involved in these policies. In addition to these critical policies, a summary of significant accounting policies is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes, contained elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Net Revenue and Contractual Provisions

     Renal Care Group recognizes revenue net of contractual provisions as services are provided. Contractual provisions represent the difference between Renal Care Group’s gross billed charges and the amount the Company expects to receive. Under the Medicare ESRD program, Medicare reimbursement rates for outpatient dialysis treatments are fixed under a composite rate structure. The composite rate applies to a designated group of outpatient dialysis services, including the dialysis treatment, supplies for the treatment, some laboratory tests and some medications. There are other drugs, laboratory tests and services that are eligible for separate reimbursement outside the composite rate. Most state Medicaid plans follow reimbursement methodologies that are similar to the Medicare program, but other payors, particularly private insurance plans and managed care payors, reimburse Renal Care Group under contractual arrangements. Each of these payor sources provides unique challenges to the process of recording contractual provisions.

     Renal Care Group has made significant investments in human resources and information systems to enable it to estimate the appropriate amount of contractual provisions as services are provided. Actual levels of reimbursement, however, are sometimes difficult to determine due to the complexity of the applicable regulations or contracts. As a result, Renal Care Group may in fact collect more or less than the amount it expects when the services are provided. In addition, regulations and contracts may be changed, making system updates and maintenance necessary for estimating net revenue accurately. As a result, management may make adjustments to the contractual provisions estimated by the system based on actual collection experience and other factors.

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

     Collecting outstanding accounts receivable is critical to Renal Care Group’s success. Renal Care Group’s primary source of collection risk is related to the portion of its gross charges for which the patient is responsible. The patients’ responsibility is typically between 15% and 20% of gross charges. The Company records its estimate of the provision for doubtful accounts in the period in which the revenue is recognized based on management’s estimate of the net collectibility of the accounts receivable. Management estimates and monitors the net collectibility of accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors, including the analysis of payor mix, subsequent collection analysis and review of detailed agings of accounts receivable. Significant changes in payor mix or business office operations of Renal Care Group could have a significant impact on Renal Care Group’s results of operations and cash flows.

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Self-Insurance Accruals

     From time to time, Renal Care Group is subject to medical malpractice or workers compensation claims or lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. To mitigate a portion of this risk, the Company maintains insurance for malpractice claims exceeding certain individual amounts and workers compensation claims exceeding certain individual and aggregate amounts. The Company estimates the self-insured retention portion of the malpractice risks using third-party actuarial calculations that include historical claims data, demographic factors and other assumptions. Workers compensation risks are estimated by the Company using historical claims data and other assumptions. The estimated accrual for malpractice and workers compensation claims could be significantly affected if current and future occurrences differ from historical claims trends. While management monitors current claims closely and considers outcomes when estimating its insurance accruals, the complexity of the claims, the wide range of potential outcomes and changes in the legal climate often complicate the Company’s ability to make precise estimates.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

     Renal Care Group reviews goodwill, long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles for impairment at least once a year and at any other time management identifies events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the discounted present value of future net cash flows management expects the asset to generate. The computation of future net cash flows is often complex and includes subjective assumptions. If management determines that assets are impaired, then the impairment is equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets, as determined by independent appraisals or estimates of discounted future cash flows.

Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth results of operations (in thousands) for the periods indicated and the percentage of net revenue represented by the respective financial line items:

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Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

     Net Revenue. Net revenue increased from $755.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $903.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $148.3 million, or 19.6%. This increase resulted primarily from a 12.4% increase in the number of treatments performed by Renal Care Group from 2,686,181 in 2001 to 3,019,675 in 2002 and a 6.8% increase in the average patient revenue per dialysis treatment from $278 in 2001 to $297 in 2002. The growth in treatments was the result of the acquisition and development of various dialysis facilities and a 5.8% increase in same-market treatments for 2002 over 2001. The increase in revenue per treatment was largely due to a rate increase to private payors that Renal Care Group implemented in the fourth quarter of 2001 and, to a lesser extent, an increase in utilization of certain ancillary drugs.

     Patient Care Costs. Patient care costs consist of costs directly related to the care of patients, including direct labor, drugs and other medical supplies, and operational costs of facilities. Patient care costs increased from $489.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $589.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of 20.5%. This increase was due principally to the increase in the number of treatments performed during the period, which was reflected in corresponding increases in the use of labor, drugs and supplies. Patient care costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 64.8% in 2001 to 65.3% in 2002. Patient care costs per treatment increased 7.1% from $182 in 2001 to $195 in 2002. The increases in patient care costs as a percentage of net revenue and patient care costs per treatment were due to increases in the price of EPO, increased labor costs to address wage pressures in many of the Company’s markets, increases in the cost of insurance, increases in self-insurance accruals, the increase in utilization of certain ancillary drugs and the increased cost of the drug Heparin following a recall by its manufacturer. Management believes that the Company will continue to face increases in the cost of EPO, insurance and self-insurance, and labor throughout 2003.

     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include corporate office costs and other costs not directly related to the care of patients, including facility administration, accounting, billing and information systems. General and administrative expenses increased from $64.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $78.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of 21.0%. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased from 8.5% in 2001 to 8.6% in 2002 primarily as a result of expenses incurred in connection with closing two dialysis facilities (one in Texas and one in Alabama) in 2002.

     Provision for Doubtful Accounts. Management determines the provision for doubtful accounts as a function of payor mix, billing practices and other factors. Renal Care Group reserves for doubtful accounts in the period when the revenue is recognized based on management’s estimate of the net collectibility of the accounts receivable. Management estimates the net collectibility of accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, analyzing revenues generated from payor sources, performing subsequent collection testing and regularly reviewing detailed accounts receivable agings. Management makes adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts as necessary based on the results of management’s reviews of the net collectibility of accounts receivable. The provision for doubtful accounts increased from $20.3 million in 2001 to $23.5 million in 2002, an increase of $3.2 million, or 15.8%. The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue decreased slightly from 2.7% in 2001 to 2.6% in 2002 as a result of improved collection efforts.

     Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased from $38.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of 3.8%. This increase was due to the start-up of dialysis facilities, the normal replacement costs of dialysis facilities and equipment, the purchase of information systems and the amortization of separately identifiable intangible assets associated with acquisitions. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 5.2% in 2001 to 4.5% in 2002, primarily as a result of the implementation of SFAS No. 142, under which the Company stopped amortizing goodwill effective January 1, 2002. For 2001, the Company recorded goodwill amortization of $6.4 million.

     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased from $142.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $171.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of 20.9%. Income from operations as a percentage of net revenue increased from 18.8% in 2001 to 19.0% in 2002 principally as a result of the factors discussed above.

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     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense decreased from $2.6 million for the year-ended December 31, 2001 to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was principally the result of lower average borrowings in 2002, partially offset by costs incurred when the Company restructured its lines of credit in 2002.

     Minority Interest. Minority interest represents the proportionate equity interest of other owners of the Company’s consolidated entities that are not wholly owned whose financial results are included in the Company’s consolidated results. Minority interest as a percentage of net revenue increased to 2.4% in 2002 from 2.0% in 2001. This increase was the result of continued financial improvements of Renal Care Group’s larger joint ventures, primarily those in Ohio, Oregon and Washington, as well as an increase in the number of facilities operated as joint ventures.

     Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased from $47.3 million in 2001 to $56.7 million in 2002, an increase of $9.3 million or 19.7%. The increase is a result of pre-tax earnings increasing by 20.3%. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased from 38.2% in 2001 to 38.0% in 2002. This decrease was primarily the result of eliminating goodwill amortization for financial reporting purposes as required by SFAS No. 142 while goodwill continued to be amortized for income tax purposes.

     Net Income. Net income increased from $76.6 million in 2001 to $92.5 million in 2002, an increase of $15.9 million or 20.7%. This increase was a result of the items discussed above.

Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2000

     Net Revenue. Net revenue increased from $622.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $755.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of $132.5 million, or 21.3%. This increase resulted primarily from an 11.1% increase in the number of treatments from 2,418,619 in 2000 to 2,686,181 in 2001 and a 10.8% increase in the average patient revenue per dialysis treatment from $251 in 2000 to $278 in 2001. The growth in treatments was the result of the acquisition and development of various dialysis facilities and a 5.4% increase in same-center treatments for 2001 over 2000. The increase in revenue per treatment was generally due to the implementation of price increases to commercial payors implemented beginning in the fourth quarter of 2000, a stronger payor mix in two businesses acquired in the fourth quarter of 2000, the effect of the 2.4% increase in the Medicare ESRD composite rate and increases in the utilization of certain drugs.

     Patient Care Costs. Patient care costs consist of costs directly related to the care of patients, including direct labor, drugs and other medical supplies, and operational costs of facilities. Patient care costs increased from $402.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $489.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 21.7%. This increase was due principally to the increase in the number of treatments performed during the period, which was reflected in corresponding increases in the use of labor, drugs and supplies. Patient care costs as a percentage of net revenue increased from 64.6% in 2000 to 64.8% in 2001. Patient care costs per treatment increased 9.6% from $166 in 2000 to $182 in 2001. The increases in patient care costs as a percentage of net revenue and patient care costs per treatment were due to increased labor costs to address wage pressures in many of the Company’s markets, the increase in the cost of EPO, the increase in the utilization of certain drugs and generally higher patient care costs in two businesses acquired in the fourth quarter of 2000.

     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include corporate office costs and other costs not directly related to the care of patients, including facility administration, accounting, billing and information systems. General and administrative expenses increased from $57.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $64.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 13.0%. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 9.2% in 2000 to 8.5% in 2001, primarily as the result of leveraging general and administrative costs over a larger base of business as acquisitions have been integrated without a corresponding increase in general and administrative expense.

     Provision for Doubtful Accounts. Management determines the provision for doubtful accounts as a function of payor mix, billing practices and other factors. Renal Care Group reserves for doubtful accounts in the period when the revenue is recognized based on management’s estimate of the net collectibility of the accounts receivable. Management estimates the net collectibility of accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, analyzing revenues generated from payor sources, performing subsequent collection testing and regularly reviewing detailed accounts receivable agings. The provision for doubtful accounts increased from $16.9 million in 2000 to $20.3 million in 2001, an increase

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of $3.3 million, or 19.7%. The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue remained consistent at 2.7% in both 2000 and 2001.

     Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased from $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $38.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 20.5%. This increase was due to the start-up of dialysis facilities, the normal replacement costs of dialysis facilities and equipment, the purchase of information systems and the amortization of the goodwill and other intangible assets associated with acquisitions closed prior to June 30, 2001, that were accounted for as purchases.

     Restructuring Charge. The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $9.2 million during 2000. The charge resulted from the Company’s decision to cease providing wound care services and to focus on its core dialysis business. The restructuring charge principally represented impairment charges for goodwill and property and equipment associated with the wound care business along with anticipated severance costs, contract termination costs and other associated charges. During the second quarter of 2001, the Company sold some of the assets and transferred some of the liabilities associated with the wound care business in a transaction with a third party. Proceeds from this transaction equaled the net book value of the assets sold less liabilities transferred; accordingly, no gain or loss was recognized in 2001.

     Merger Expenses. Merger expenses of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, represent legal, accounting and employee severance costs and related benefits and other costs associated with the assimilation and transition of the merger with Renal Disease Management by Physicians, Inc.

     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased from $101.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 to $142.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, an increase of 40.4%. Income from operations as a percentage of net revenue increased from 16.3% in 2000 to 18.8% in 2001 principally as a result of the factors discussed above.

     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense of $2.6 million for the year-ended December 31, 2001 decreased $2.4 million compared to $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The decrease was the result of lower average borrowings as the Company successfully repaid all amounts due under its outstanding line of credit, which amounts were $54.0 million at the beginning of the year.

     Minority Interest. Minority interest represents the proportionate equity interest of other owners of the Company’s consolidated entities that are not wholly owned whose financial results are included in the Company’s consolidated results. Minority interest as a percentage of net revenue increased to 2.0% in 2001 from 1.6% in 2000. This increase was the result of the continued expansion of the operations of Renal Care Group’s joint ventures, primarily those in Ohio, Washington and Oregon, as well as an increase in the number of facilities operated as joint ventures.

     Provision for Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased from $34.7 million in 2000 to $47.3 million in 2001, an increase of $12.6 million or 36.4%. The increase is a result of pre-tax earnings increasing by 43.8%. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased from 40.3% in 2000 to 38.2% in the current year. This decrease is primarily the result of certain non-deductible costs in 2000 that resulted from the restructuring charge described above and certain non-deductible merger costs incurred in 2000.

     Net Income. Net income increased from $51.5 million in 2000 to $76.6 million in 2001, an increase of $25.1 million or 48.9%. This increase was a result of the items discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Renal Care Group requires capital primarily to acquire and develop dialysis centers, to purchase property and equipment for existing centers, to repurchase shares of its common stock and to finance working capital needs. At December 31, 2002, the Company’s working capital was $110.5 million; cash and cash equivalents were $38.4 million; and the Company’s current ratio was 1.8 to 1.0. Renal Care Group’s working capital increased during the year primarily as a result of the increase in operating cash flows.

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     Net cash provided by operating activities was $168.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Cash provided by operating activities consists of net income before depreciation and amortization expense, adjusted for changes in components of working capital, primarily accounts receivable. Cash provided by operating activities was favorably affected in 2002 by the resolution of Medicare provider number issues related to certain facilities acquired in 2001. Net cash used in investing activities was $97.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of $61.6 million of purchases of property and equipment and $40.5 million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Net cash used in financing activities was $60.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Cash used in financing activities primarily reflects repurchases of Renal Care Group common stock of $90.9 million, partially offset by $7.4 million in net borrowings under the Company’s line of credit and $22.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common stock as stock options were exercised.

     Effective July 1, 2002, Renal Care Group entered into two credit agreements with a group of banks totaling $150.0 million and consisting of a $100.0 million Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Multi-Year Facility”) and a $50.0 Loan Agreement (the “364-day Facility”). The Multi-Year Facility has a final maturity of July 1, 2005 and the 364-day Facility has a final maturity of June 30, 2003. The Multi-Year Facility replaced the Company’s First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreements may be used for acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. These variable rate debt instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Specifically, variable rate debt may result in higher costs to the Company if interest rates rise.

     Each of Renal Care Group’s wholly-owned subsidiaries has guaranteed all of Renal Care Group’s obligations under the loan agreements. Further, Renal Care Group’s obligations under the loan agreements, and the obligations of each of its subsidiaries under its guaranty, are secured by a pledge of the equity interests held by Renal Care Group in each of the subsidiaries. Financial covenants are customary based on the amount and duration of these commitments.

     A significant component of Renal Care Group’s growth strategy is the acquisition and development of dialysis facilities. There can be no assurance that Renal Care Group will be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates or to close acquisition transactions with them on acceptable terms. Management believes that existing cash and funds from operations, together with funds available under existing credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet Renal Care Group’s acquisition, expansion, capital expenditure and working capital needs for the foreseeable future. However, in order to finance large strategic acquisition opportunities, Renal Care Group may need to incur additional short and long-term bank indebtedness or to issue equity or debt securities. The availability and terms of any future financing will depend on market and other conditions. There can be no assurance that any additional financing, if needed, will be available on terms acceptable to Renal Care Group.

     Capital expenditures of between $65.0 million and $75.0 million, primarily for equipment replacement, expansion of existing dialysis facilities and construction of de novo facilities are planned in 2003. The Company expects that these capital expenditures will be funded with cash provided by operating activities and the Company’s existing credit facilities. Management believes that capital resources available to Renal Care Group will be sufficient to meet the needs of its business, both on a short- and long-term basis.

     Management, from time to time, determines the appropriateness of repurchasing its common stock in accordance with a repurchase plan initially authorized by the Board of Directors in October 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2001, Renal Care Group began repurchasing shares of its common stock by purchasing 100,000 shares of common stock for approximately $3.1 million. In the first and second quarters of 2002, Renal Care Group repurchased 700,000 shares of common stock for approximately $22.2 million. In November 2002, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved an increase in the repurchase plan to allow the purchase of up to a total of $200.0 million. In the third and fourth quarters of 2002, the Company repurchased 2.2 million shares of common stock for approximately $68.7 million. Through December 31, 2002, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of 3.0 million shares under the plan, for a total of approximately $94.0 million. As of March 11, 2003, the Company had repurchased approximately 152,000 additional shares of common stock for approximately $4.4 million subsequent to year end.

     The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a financial reporting release, FR-61, Commission Statement about Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. This release encourages public companies to give investors additional information about funds that will be required to operate its business in the future under agreements that are in place today. In accordance with FR-61, the following table gives information about the Company’s existing contractual obligations. At December 31, 2002, Renal Care Group had no significant contingent commitments.

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Newly Issued Accounting Standards

     On June 29, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) approved the issuance of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141”), and No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”). SFAS No. 141 eliminated the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for all business combinations except those initiated prior to July 1, 2001. Additionally, this statement changed the criteria for recognizing intangible assets apart from goodwill. SFAS No. 142 superseded APB Opinion No. 17, Intangible Assets, which previously required goodwill and intangible assets be amortized over a life not to exceed 40 years. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but reviewed at least annually for impairment. Separable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. SFAS No. 142 does not impose a limit on the useful lives of separable intangible assets. Following the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, the provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to all goodwill and intangible assets acquired by the Company. During 2002, the Company completed its transitional impairment test and identified no impairments. The Company also completed its first annual impairment test as of September 30, 2002 and identified no impairments.

     In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), which supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of (“SFAS No. 121”), and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. SFAS No. 144 removes goodwill from its scope and clarifies other implementation issues related to SFAS No. 121. SFAS No. 144 also provides a single framework for evaluating long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale. Renal Care Group adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 144 during 2002, which did not have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

     In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS No. 148”), which amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods for Companies electing to implement the fair-value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Statement also requires that certain disclosures be made in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting and the related effect of the method used on reported results. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148 and SFAS No. 123, and accounts for its stock option plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and does not utilize the fair-value method.

Impact of Inflation

     A substantial portion of Renal Care Group’s net revenue is subject to reimbursement rates that are regulated by the federal government and do not automatically adjust for inflation. Renal Care Group is unable to increase the amount it receives for the services provided by its dialysis business that are reimbursed under or by reference to the Medicare composite rate.

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Increased operating costs due to inflation, such as labor and supply costs (including the cost of EPO), without a corresponding increase in reimbursement rates, may adversely affect Renal Care Group’s results of operations, financial condition and business.

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     Renal Care Group maintains all cash in United States dollars in highly liquid, interest-bearing, investment grade instruments with maturities of less than three months, which the Company considers cash equivalents; therefore, the Company has no “market risk sensitive instruments,” and no disclosure is required under this Item.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     The Consolidated Financial Statements and financial statement schedule in Part IV, Item 15(a) (1) and (2) of the report are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     None.

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PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company

     The information required by this item will appear in, and is incorporated by reference from, the sections entitled “Proposals for Stockholder Action - Proposal 1. Election of Directors” and “Management — Directors and Executive Officers” included in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     The information required by this item will appear in the section entitled “Executive Compensation” included in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information, other than the Compensation Committee Report and Performance Graph required by Items 402(k) and (l) of Regulation S-K, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     The information required by this item will appear in, and is incorporated by reference from, the section entitled “Security Ownership of Directors, Officers and Principal Stockholders” included in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     The information required by this item will appear in, and is incorporated by reference from, the sections entitled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” included in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 14. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-14 (c) and 15d-14 (c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) within 90 days prior to the filing of this report and concluded, as of the date that evaluation was completed, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

     There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls since the date last evaluated.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors
Renal Care Group, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Renal Care Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of stockholders’ equity, and statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Renal Care Group, Inc. at December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2002 the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
February 24, 2003

F-1

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Renal Care Group, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-2

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Renal Care Group, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

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Renal Care Group, Inc.

Consolidated Income Statements