<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

[X]      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001

                                       OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

             FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________

                           COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-27640

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.

             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

           DELAWARE                                    62-1622383
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

           2100 WEST END AVENUE, SUITE 800, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37203
               (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (615) 345-5500

         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
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days).

                                 YES [X] NO [ ]

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           CLASS                                OUTSTANDING AT MAY 10, 2001
           -----                                ---------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
 Common Stock, $.01 par value                            47,448,092
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   2


                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.

                                      INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PAGE NO.
                                                                                --------
<S>                                                                             <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements

          Consolidated Balance Sheets
               December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2001 (unaudited)...............    1

          Consolidated Income Statements - (unaudited)
               For the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001.............    2

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (unaudited)
               For the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001.............    3

          Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - (unaudited)........    4

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And
               Results of Operations..........................................    8

          Risk Factors .......................................................   11

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings ..................................................   18

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K....................................   19
</TABLE>


Note:    Item 3 of Part I, and Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Part II are omitted
         because they are not applicable


<PAGE>   3






PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,
                                                                 2000         2001
                                                               --------     --------
                                                                          (unaudited)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents ..............................    $ 29,902     $ 27,785
   Accounts receivable, net ...............................     122,816      134,237
   Inventories ............................................      12,881       13,794
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets ..............      19,188       17,704
   Income taxes receivable ................................       5,425           --
   Deferred income taxes ..................................      26,125       26,125
                                                               --------     --------
Total current assets ......................................     216,337      219,645
Property, plant and equipment, net ........................     139,573      144,475
Goodwill and other intangibles, net .......................     223,609      227,939
Other assets ..............................................       5,365        6,422
                                                               --------     --------
Total assets ..............................................    $584,884     $598,481
                                                               ========     ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable .......................................    $ 25,951     $ 25,017
   Income taxes payable ...................................          --        3,706
   Current portion of long-term debt ......................         476          513
   Other current liabilities ..............................      74,165       69,711
                                                               --------     --------
Total current liabilities .................................     100,592       98,947
Long-term debt, net of current portion ....................      58,316       49,174
Deferred income taxes .....................................      20,470       20,470
Minority interest .........................................      11,384       13,045
                                                               --------     --------
Total liabilities .........................................     190,762      181,636
                                                               --------     --------
Stockholders' equity:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000 shares
      authorized, none issued .............................          --           --
   Common stock, $.01 par value, 90,000 shares authorized,
      47,087 and 47,361 shares issued and outstanding at
      December 31, 2000 and March 31, 2001, respectively ..         471          474
   Additional paid-in capital .............................     234,738      239,744
   Retained earnings ......................................     158,913      176,627
                                                               --------     --------
Total stockholders' equity ................................     394,122      416,845
                                                               --------     --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ................    $584,884     $598,481
                                                               ========     ========
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements




                                       1
<PAGE>   4

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.
                         CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                           MARCH 31,
                                                       2000         2001
                                                     --------     --------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Net revenue .......................................  $149,657     $174,778
Operating costs and expenses:
   Patient care costs .............................    95,439      113,328
   General and administrative expenses ............    14,745       15,003
   Provision for doubtful accounts ................     4,097        4,800
   Depreciation and amortization ..................     7,772        8,852
                                                     --------     --------
Total operating costs and expenses ................   122,053      141,983
                                                     --------     --------
Income from operations ............................    27,604       32,795
Interest expense, net .............................     1,496          999
                                                     --------     --------
Income before minority interest and income taxes ..    26,108       31,796
Minority interest .................................     2,169        3,130
                                                     --------     --------
Income before income taxes ........................    23,939       28,666
Provision for income taxes ........................     9,091       10,952
                                                     --------     --------
Net income ........................................  $ 14,848     $ 17,714
                                                     ========     ========
Net income per share:
   Basic ..........................................  $   0.33     $   0.37
                                                     ========     ========
   Diluted ........................................  $   0.31     $   0.36
                                                     ========     ========
Weighted average shares outstanding:
   Basic ..........................................    45,579       47,259
                                                     ========     ========
   Diluted ........................................    47,492       49,611
                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>

           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements





                                       2
<PAGE>   5

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                             MARCH 31,
                                                                                          2000          2001
                                                                                       --------      --------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income .......................................................................     $ 14,848      $ 17,714
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization ..............................................        7,772         8,852
      Distributions to minority shareholders .....................................       (1,648)       (1,469)
      Income applicable to minority interest .....................................        2,169         3,130
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of effects from
         acquisitions ............................................................        6,354        (6,637)
                                                                                       --------      --------
         Net cash provided by operating activities ...............................       29,495        21,590

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment ..............................................       (8,329)      (10,540)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired .................................       (1,189)       (4,972)
Change in other assets ...........................................................       (1,273)       (3,266)
                                                                                       --------      --------
         Net cash used in investing activities ...................................      (10,791)      (18,778)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net repayments under line of credit ..............................................      (16,302)       (9,105)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ..........................................        3,650         4,176
                                                                                       --------      --------
         Net cash used in financing activities ...................................      (12,652)       (4,929)
                                                                                       --------      --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .................................        6,052        (2,117)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .................................       16,104        29,902
                                                                                       --------      --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .......................................     $ 22,156      $ 27,785
                                                                                       ========      ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest ...................................................................     $  1,411      $  1,001
                                                                                       ========      ========
      Income taxes ...............................................................     $  2,359      $  1,821
                                                                                       ========      ========
</TABLE>


           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements





                                       3
<PAGE>   6

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                 MARCH 31, 2001
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

OVERVIEW

         Renal Care Group, Inc. ("Renal Care Group" or the "Company") provides
dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure, also known as
end-stage renal disease ("ESRD"). As of March 31, 2001, the Company provided
dialysis and ancillary services to approximately 17,000 patients through 209
outpatient dialysis centers in 24 states, in addition to providing acute
dialysis services to more than 112 hospitals. The Company also provides limited
wound care and diabetic care services; however, as announced on September 20,
2000, the Company has determined to exit the wound care business by June 30,
2001.

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

         -        outpatient hemodialysis services;

         -        ancillary services associated with dialysis, primarily the
                  administration of erythropoietin (also known as Epogen(R) or
                  EPO);

         -        home dialysis services;

         -        inpatient hemodialysis services provided to acute care
                  hospitals and skilled nursing facilities;

         -        management contracts with hospital-based and medical
                  university dialysis programs; and

         -        laboratory services.

         Patients with end-stage renal disease typically receive three dialysis
treatments each week, with reimbursement for services provided primarily by the
Medicare ESRD program based on rates established by the Health Care Financing
Administration ("HCFA"). For the three months ended March 31, 2001,
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.
Effective on both January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2001, Congress increased the
Medicare composite rate by 1.2% each year. An additional increase of 1.2% took
effect April 1, 2001. The April 1, 2001 increase included an adjustment factor
that makes that 1.2% increase effective for all of 2001. Accordingly, the net
result of the 1.2% increases on January 1, 2001 and April 1, 2001, plus the
April adjustment factor, is an effective increase of 2.4% for calendar year
2001. In light of recommendations made by the Prospective Payment Assessment
Commission ("PROPAC") to keep the composite rate steady, management believes
that an increase in the composite rate for 2002 is unlikely.


                                       4
<PAGE>   7

         The Medicare composite rate applies to a designated group of outpatient
dialysis services, including the dialysis treatment, supplies used for such
treatment, certain laboratory tests and medications, and most of the home
dialysis services provided by Renal Care Group. Certain other services,
laboratory tests, and drugs are eligible for separate reimbursement under
Medicare and are not part of the composite rate, including specific drugs such
as EPO and some physician-ordered tests provided to dialysis patients.

         For patients with private health insurance, dialysis is typically
reimbursed at rates 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 generally is higher on a per treatment
equivalent basis than the Medicare composite rate. Because dialysis is a
life-sustaining therapy used 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. In February 2000, this manufacturer implemented a 3.9% increase in its
price for EPO, which represented its first price increase since before Renal
Care Group was formed in February 1996. In May 2001, this manufacturer
implemented an additional increase of 3.9%. This increase will not affect Renal
Care Group's results of operations in 2001 because Renal Care Group's current
contract with this manufacturer includes price protection for 2001. Management
believes this 2001 increase will adversely affect earnings in 2002.

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
the Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, the information contained in
this quarterly report on Form 10-Q reflects all adjustments necessary to make
the results of operations for the interim periods a fair representation of such
operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Operating
results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may
be expected for the year as a whole. The Company suggests that persons read
these financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the related notes thereto included in the Company's Form 10-K, as
filed with the SEC on April 2, 2001.






                                       5
<PAGE>   8

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

         The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
income per share in accordance with SFAS 128.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                     MARCH 31,
                                                                  2000        2001
                                                                 -------     -------
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>
         Numerator:
            Numerator for basic and diluted income per share     $14,848     $17,714
         Denominator:
            Denominator for basic net income per share -
               weighted-average shares                            45,579      47,259
            Effect of dilutive securities:
               Stock Options                                       1,511       1,940
               Warrants                                              402         412
                                                                 -------     -------
            Denominator for diluted net income per share -
               adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed
               conversions                                        47,492      49,611
                                                                 =======     =======
         Net income per share:
            Basic                                                $  0.33     $  0.37
                                                                 =======     =======
            Diluted                                              $  0.31     $  0.36
                                                                 =======     =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 3 - CONTINGENCIES (IN THOUSANDS)

On August 30, 2000, nineteen patients were hospitalized and one patient died
shortly after becoming ill while receiving treatment at one of the Company's
dialysis centers in Youngstown, Ohio. One of the nineteen hospitalized patients
also died some time later. As of May 11, 2001, eight lawsuits related to this
matter were pending, three of which were pending as of March 31, 2001. Other
suits could be brought in the future. Management believes Renal Care Group's
insurance should be adequate to cover these events and does not anticipate a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or
results of operations.

On December 12, 2000, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi to settle claims arising
out of alleged inadequacies in physician documentation related to lab tests
performed by its laboratory subsidiary, RenaLab, Inc. The terms of such
agreement provide that the Company will pay $1,980 to the Medicare program. This
amount was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2000 and remains accrued for as
of March 31, 2001. The Company expects to pay this amount during the second
quarter of 2001 when such terms of a corporate integrity agreement are
finalized.

The Company is involved in other litigation and regulatory investigations
arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with legal counsel, these matters will be resolved without material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.



                                       6
<PAGE>   9

NOTE 4 - RESTRUCTURING CHARGE (IN THOUSANDS)

During the third quarter of 2000, the Company recorded a one-time restructuring
charge of $9,235 as a result of its plans to exit the wound care business. This
charge consisted of early contract termination costs of $1,377, goodwill and
property and equipment impairment charges of $5,973, severance costs of $1,200
and other administrative charges of $685. Management made the decision to exit
this business as part of a long-term strategy to focus on its core dialysis
business. Currently, management expects to cease operations of the wound care
business no later than the end of the second quarter 2001. Current estimates
indicate that the $9,235 restructuring charge recorded during the third quarter
was sufficient, and no subsequent adjustments have been made to the initial
charge. The following summarizes this restructuring charge:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     BALANCE IN
                                                                  ACCRUED EXPENSES
                                                      AMOUNT OF         AS OF
                                                   RESTRUCTURING      MARCH 31,
                                                       CHARGE           2001
                                                       ------           ----
   <S>                                             <C>             <C>
    Early contract termination costs                   $1,377          $   --
    Goodwill and property and equipment impairment      5,973              --
    Accrued severance costs                             1,200             718
    Other accrued costs                                   685             604
                                                       ------          ------
                                                       $9,235          $1,322
                                                       ======          ======
</TABLE>






                                       7
<PAGE>   10

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS.

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000

         Net Revenue. Net revenue increased from $149.7 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 to $174.8 million for the three months ended March
31, 2001, an increase of $25.1 million, or 16.8%. This increase resulted
primarily from a 9.3% increase in the number of treatments from 589,296 in the
2000 period to 644,146 in 2001. This growth in treatments is the result of the
acquisition and development of various dialysis facilities and a 6.1% increase
in same-center treatments for 2001 over 2000. In addition, average net revenue
per dialysis treatment increased 8.5% from $246 in 2000 to $267 in 2001. The
increase in revenue per treatment was generally due to a stronger payor mix in
two of the acquired businesses added in the fourth quarter of 2000, an
improvement in the Company's overall payor mix, the 1.2% increase in the
Medicare ESRD composite rate, increases in the utilization of certain drugs, and
increases in acute hospital services.

         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
$95.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000, to $113.3 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of 18.8%. This increase was
due 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 63.8%
in 2000 to 64.8% in 2001. Patient care costs per treatment increased 8.6% from
$162 in 2000 to $176 in 2001. This increase was due to Amgen's 3.9% increase in
the price of EPO, generally higher patient care costs in two of the acquired
businesses added in the fourth quarter of 2000, increased labor costs to address
wage pressures in many of the Company's markets, the cost of providing in-house
laboratory services for a larger percentage of the Company's patients, and other
health care inflation.

         General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
expenses include corporate office costs and facility costs not directly related
to the care of patients, including facility administration, accounting, billing
and information systems. General and administrative expenses increased from
$14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $15.0 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of 2.0%. General and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased from 9.9% in
2000 to 8.6% in 2001, primarily as the result of the increase in net revenue for
2001 and due to synergies accomplished with the successful integration of
maturing acquisitions and mergers.

         Provision for Doubtful Accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts is
determined as a function of payor mix, billing practices, and other factors.
Renal Care Group reserves 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 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 $4.1
million for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $4.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of $703,000, or 17.2%. The provision
for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net revenue remained relatively
consistent at approximately 2.7% in 2000 and 2001.

         Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased
from $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $8.9 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of 14.1%. 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 accounted for as purchases.



                                       8
<PAGE>   11

         Income from Operations. Income from operations increased from $27.6
million for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $32.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2001, an increase of 18.8%. Income from operations as a
percentage of net revenue increased from 18.4% in the 2000 period to 18.8% in
the 2001 period as a result of the factors discussed above.

         Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased from $1.5 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2000 to $1.0 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2001, a decrease of 33.3%. The decrease was the result of lower
average borrowings in 2001.

         Minority Interest. Minority interest represents the proportionate
equity interest of other partners in 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 1.8% in 2001 from 1.4% in 2000. This increase was the result of continued
operational improvements in the operations of Renal Care Group's joint ventures,
primarily those in Ohio and Oregon, as well as an increase in the number of
facilities operated as joint ventures.

         Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased from $9.1 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2000, to $11.0 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2001, an increase of 20.9%. The increase is a result of pre-tax
earnings increasing by approximately 19.7% increase.

         Net Income. Net income increased from $14.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 to $17.7 million for the three months ended March
31, 2001, an increase of $2.9 million or 19.6%. The increase is 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, and
to finance working capital needs. At March 31, 2001, the Company's working
capital was $120.7 million, cash and cash equivalents were $27.8 million, and
the Company's current ratio was approximately 2.2 to 1.

         Net cash provided by operating activities was $21.6 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2001. 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. Net
cash used in investing activities was $18.8 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2001. Cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of $5.0
million of cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and $10.5 million
of purchases of property and equipment. Net cash used in financing activities
was $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Cash used in
financing activities primarily reflects $9.1 million in net payments under Renal
Care Group's line of credit and $4.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance
of common stock.

         On June 23, 1999, the Company executed a Second Amendment to its First
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with a group of banks. The Second Amendment
provided for an increase in the credit facility from $125.0 million to $185.0
million through August 2000 at which point the lender commitments were reduced
to $157.3 million. Lender commitments will be further reduced to $129.5 million
in August 2001. Borrowings under the credit facility may be used for
acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate
purposes. No more than $25.0 million of the credit facility may be used for
working capital purposes. Within the working capital sublimit, Renal Care Group
may borrow up to $5.0 million in swing line loans.



                                       9
<PAGE>   12

         The Company has negotiated loan pricing based on a LIBO rate margin
pursuant to leverage tiers. These leverage tiers extend from 0.75 to 2.25 times
and are priced at a LIBO rate margin of 0.60% to 1.35%. Commitment fees are also
priced pursuant to leverage ratio tiers. Commitment fees range from 0.20% to
0.30% pursuant to leverage ratios ranging between 0.75 and 2.25. Under the loan
agreement, commitments range in amounts and dates from the closing date through
August 2003. Renal Care Group obtained lender commitments of $185.0 million that
were reduced to $157.3 million in August 2000. Lender commitments will remain at
$157.3 million through August 2001, and will then be reduced to $129.5 million
through August 2002 and $101.8 million through August 2003. All loans under the
loan agreement are due and payable on August 4, 2003. As of March 31, 2001,
there was $45.0 million outstanding under this agreement. These variable rate
debt instruments of the Company 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 subsidiaries has guaranteed all of Renal
Care Group's obligations under the loan agreement. Further, Renal Care Group's
obligations under the loan agreement, 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 this commitment.

         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
of Renal Care Group believes that existing cash and funds from operations,
together with funds available under the line of credit, 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 certain
large strategic acquisition opportunities, Renal Care Group may from time to
time incur additional short and long-term bank indebtedness and may 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 required, will be available on terms acceptable to
Renal Care Group.

         Renal Care Group plans to make capital expenditures of between $40.0
million to $45.0 million in 2001, primarily for equipment replacement, expansion
of existing dialysis facilities and construction of de novo facilities. The
Company has made capital expenditures of $10.5 million through March 31, 2001.
The Company expects that remaining capital expenditures in 2001 will be funded
with cash provided by operating activities and the Company's existing credit
facility. 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.




                                       10
<PAGE>   13

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 MEDICARE OR MEDICAID CHANGES ITS PROGRAMS FOR DIALYSIS, OUR REVENUE AND
EARNINGS COULD DECREASE

         If the government changes the Medicare, Medicaid or similar government
programs or the rates paid by those programs for our services, then our revenue
and earnings may decline. We estimate that approximately 57% of our net revenue
for 1999, 53% of our net revenue for 2000 and 51% of our net revenue for the
three months ended March 31, 2001 consisted of reimbursements from Medicare,
including the administration of EPO to treat anemia. We also estimate that
approximately 4% of our net revenue for 1999, 5% of our net revenue for 2000 and
6% of our net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2001 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 standard dialysis treatment; or

         -        changes in laws, or the interpretations of laws, which could
                  cause us to modify our operations.

         Specifically, Congress and the Health Care Financing Administration, or
HCFA, 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. HCFA 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.



                                       11
<PAGE>   14

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 both 1999 and 2000 and 27% of our net
revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Most of our payments for EPO
come from government programs. For the three months ended March 31, 2001,
government reimbursement represented approximately 57% of the total revenue we
derived from EPO. A reduction in the reimbursement rate for EPO could materially
and aversely 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 marketed to dialysis providers in the United States. In May
2001, Amgen announced a 3.9% increase in the price of EPO. This price increase
will not affect our earnings in 2001 because our contract with Amgen has pricing
protection through 2001. This price increase will, however, adversely affect our
earnings in 2002. In addition, Amgen implemented a 3.9% increase in the price of
EPO in February 2000. This price increase adversely affected our earnings in
2000. 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.
Amgen is also developing a new product that may replace EPO or reduce its use.
The Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved this new drug. We cannot
predict when, or whether, Amgen will seek to introduce this product into the
dialysis market or how it will impact our revenue or earnings if it is
introduced.

IF PAYMENTS BY PRIVATE INSURERS, HOSPITALS OR MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS
DECREASE, THEN OUR REVENUE AND EARNINGS COULD DECREASE

         If private insurers, hospitals or managed care organizations reduce
their rates or 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 39% of our net revenue for 1999,
42% of our net revenue for 2000 and 43% of our net revenue for the three months
ended March 31, 2001, 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. Additionally, payments we receive from managed care organizations are
typically at rates higher than Medicare and Medicaid rates but lower than those
paid by private insurers. 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;

         -        a portion of our business that is currently reimbursed by
                  private insurers or hospitals may become reimbursed by managed
                  care organizations, which currently 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.



                                       12
<PAGE>   15

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO MAKE ACQUISITIONS IN THE FUTURE, 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 continue 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 likely 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 60% of the total 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, we may not meet our growth
expectations.

IF WE FAIL TO INTEGRATE ACQUIRED COMPANIES, WE WILL BE LESS PROFITABLE

         We have grown significantly by acquisitions of other dialysis providers
since our formation in February 1996. We have completed some of our acquisitions
as recently as January 2001. 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 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.

IF WE COMPLETE FUTURE ACQUISITIONS, WE MAY DILUTE EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS BY
ISSUING MORE OF OUR COMMON STOCK OR WE MAY INCUR ADDITIONAL 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 and amortization
expense related to goodwill and other intangible assets in future acquisitions.
We have used the pooling-of-interests accounting method for many of our
acquisitions, and as a result we have not recorded goodwill (the excess of
acquisition cost over identifiable tangible assets) in these acquisitions. In
those instances where we have used the purchase accounting method in
acquisitions, we have recorded goodwill and other intangible assets, which are
then amortized yearly against our earnings at a blended average life of 35
years. We had approximately $227.9 million of goodwill and other intangibles,
net, as of March 31, 2001. The SEC and accounting policy makers have announced
that they are considering policy and rule changes that will eliminate the
pooling-of-interests method. The elimination of the pooling-of-interests method
would likely result in the recording of goodwill for our future acquisitions.
Under the proposed rule and policy changes goodwill would not be amortized to
expense; however, we would be required to review all goodwill at regular
intervals and to charge an appropriate amount to expense when we identify
goodwill impairment. Interest expense on additional debt incurred to fund
acquisitions and amortization expense from acquisitions may significantly reduce
our profitability.



                                       13
<PAGE>   16

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 prospective sellers, 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 REFERRING PHYSICIANS STOP REFERRING TO OUR CENTERS OR WERE PROHIBITED
FROM REFERRING FOR REGULATORY REASONS, OUR REVENUE AND EARNINGS WOULD DECLINE

         Our dialysis centers depend on referrals from local nephrologists.
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 referring physicians could have a material adverse
effect on the operations of that center. The loss of the patient base of a
significant number of referring physicians could cause our revenue and earnings
to decline. In many instances, the primary referral sources for our centers are
physicians who are also stockholders and serve as medical directors of our
centers. If stock ownership or the medical director relationship were deemed to
violate applicable federal or state law, including fraud and abuse laws and laws
prohibiting self-referrals, the physicians owning our stock or acting as medical
directors may 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 serves as a medical
director.

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
regarding the following:

         -        fraud and abuse prohibitions under health care reimbursement
                  laws;

         -        prohibitions and limitations on patient referrals;

         -        billing and reimbursement, including false claims prohibitions
                  under health care reimbursement laws;

         -        collection, use, storage and disclosure of patient health
                  information;

         -        facility licensure;

         -        health and safety requirements;

         -        environmental compliance; and

         -        medical and toxic waste disposal.

         Much of this regulation, 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



                                       14
<PAGE>   17

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 restrictions, we could be
subject to:

         -        criminal or civil penalties;

         -        claims by persons 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. For example, the OIG has indicated that it is focusing on a number
of areas related to ESRD in its 2001 work plan, and one of our competitors,
DaVita, Inc., recently announced that it is the subject of an investigation by
the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. If any of our
operations are found to violate these laws, we may be subject to severe
sanctions or 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 occur, 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 remains in a period of
rapid 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 capital expenditures. In addition, proposals to reform
the health care system have been considered by Congress. These proposals, if
enacted, may further increase government regulation of or other 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, WE COULD LOSE MARKET SHARE AND OUR RATE OF GROWTH COULD SLOW

         The dialysis industry is rapidly consolidating. 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.
Several of our competitors are part of larger companies that also manufacture
dialysis equipment, which allows them to lower equipment costs. Several of our
competitors, including these equipment manufacturers, are much larger than we
are and have substantially greater financial resources and more established
operations and infrastructure than us. We also experience competition from
nephrologists who open their own dialysis centers. There can be no assurance
that we will be able to compete effectively with any of our competitors.



                                       15
<PAGE>   18

IF WE LOSE ANY OF OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, OR ARE UNABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN
QUALIFIED MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND MEDICAL DIRECTORS, OUR ABILITY TO RUN OUR
BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, AND OUR REVENUE AND EARNINGS COULD DECLINE

         We are dependent upon the services of our executive officers Sam A.
Brooks, Jr., our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and 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 Mr. Brooks and these three Executive
Vice Presidents would be very difficult to replace. We do not carry key-man life
insurance on any of our officers. Further, our growth will depend in part upon
our ability to attract and retain skilled employees, for whom competition is
intense. We also believe that our future success will depend on our ability to
attract and retain qualified physicians to serve as medical directors of our
dialysis centers. We have entered into medical director agreements with the
physicians serving as medical directors of our dialysis centers, most of which
contain noncompetition covenants of varying durations.

IF WE ARE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES IN LITIGATION, OUR INSURANCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT
TO COVER SUCH POTENTIAL DAMAGES

         On August 30, 2000, nineteen patients were hospitalized and one patient
died shortly after becoming ill while receiving treatment at one of our dialysis
centers in Youngstown, Ohio. One of the nineteen hospitalized patients also died
some time later. Eight lawsuits had been filed against us as of May 11, 2001,
and other suits could be brought in the future. While management believes Renal
Care Group's insurance should be adequate to cover these events, if we are found
liable for damages in litigation stemming from these illnesses, our present
insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover such damages.

IF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS DOES NOT APPROVE AN ACQUISITION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
OF RENAL CARE GROUP, OUR STOCKHOLDERS 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 stockholders receive an attractive offer
for their shares or if a substantial number or even a majority of our
stockholders believe the takeover may be 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
prior to pursuing the 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 stockholders;

         -        blank check preferred stock that may be issued by our board of
                  directors without stockholder 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.



                                       16
<PAGE>   19

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

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 Nasdaq National Market. The market
price of our common stock has been volatile, ranging from a low of $23.813 per
share to a high of $27.438 per share during the three months ended March 31,
2001. 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;

         -        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.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

         Some of the information in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains
forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. 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 statements that contain these words 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 are not
accurately able to predict or over which we have no control. The risk factors
listed above, as well as any cautionary language in or incorporated by reference
into this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, 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 above risk factors, elsewhere
in or incorporated by reference into this quarterly report on Form 10-Q 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 above 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.



                                       17
<PAGE>   20

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

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

         In March 2001, the Company 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 May 11, 2001, a total of eight suits
were pending. The suits allege negligence, medical malpractice and product
liability. Additional defendants are named in each of the suits. Additional
defendants include the water system vendors who installed and maintained the
water system in the dialysis centers. 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.

         These suits are styled:    Renee Chesney, et al. v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Clifford Hickson v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Joanne Hight, et al. v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Andrew Kraynack, et al. v. Physicians
                                           Dialysis Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Kay F. Lingo v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Charles J. Lowry, Sr. v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    Lawrence Payne v. Physicians Dialysis
                                           Centers, Inc., et al.
                                    William E. Repasky, et al. v. Physicians
                                           Dialysis Centers, Inc., et al.

         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.




                                       18
<PAGE>   21

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

         (a)  Reports on Form 8-K

                  Form 8-K filed January 16, 2001.
                  Form 8-K filed March 9, 2001.


                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                    RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.  (Registrant)



May 14, 2001                        BY: /s/ R. DIRK ALLISON
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                         R. Dirk Allison
                                         Executive Vice President,
                                         Chief Financial Officer, and Principal
                                         Financial Officer and Principal
                                         Accounting Officer









                                       19
<PAGE>   22

                             RENAL CARE GROUP, INC.

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

      NUMBER AND
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
----------------------



























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