Freakonomics on kidneys/dialysis

[RationalExpectations]

Here is a chart of the 10-year performance of the stock of DaVita (in black) compared to the S&P 500 Index. They actually track fairly well. DaVita is not stellar by any means. Actually, it is a very mediocre investment. Far better to own the diversified S&P 500 than to own DaVita. No excess profits.

[RationalExpectations]

Here's the 10 year chart of Fresenius vs. the S&P 500. Fresenius' financial performance is even worse:

[lchoro]

No. People confuse end-stage with end of life. The kidney is the organ that goes into failure, and people can live for decades. If you're young, you can apply for Medicare coverage. Medicare expanded coverage to dialysis in 1972, probably because the life expectancy was dramatically increasing and people could continue to work while getting treatment.