Since the regulatory changes implemented in 2002, the provision of care for end-stage chronic kidney disease—and in particular the number of dialysis stations—must be determined not on the basis of demographic indicators but in accordance with the needs of the population. However, unlike many other countries, France does not yet have a registry of dialysis patients covering its entire territory. To clarify the epidemiology of end-stage chronic kidney disease treated by dialysis and pending the full rollout of the Rein registry (Network for Epidemiology and Information in Nephrology), the Ministry of Health (DHOS) and the National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers (CNAMTS), in collaboration with professional societies, nephrologists, patient associations, and hospital federations, conducted a study in June 2003 across all dialysis facilities located in metropolitan France and the overseas departments (DOM). The objectives of this study were to determine the number and prevalence of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated by dialysis and to describe their demographic and clinical characteristics as well as their mode of care. (Introduction)