University Health Systems among nation’s 100 best integrated networks

Feb. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- GREENVILLE, N.C. – A national health care research firm has rated University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina (UHS) among the nation’s most highly integrated health care networks.

UHS ranks 100th in SDI’s 13th annual IHN (integrated health networks) 100 list. The rankings recognize national leaders in health care information technology, measuring 33 data elements in eight categories.

“We’re committed to bringing the best care possible to eastern North Carolina, and we’re proud to earn recognition for that work,” said UHS Chief Administrative Officer Janet Mullaney. “It speaks to how we use technology and service to create a positive patient experience across the region. Integration helps us use each UHS hospital’s strength to consistently deliver quality to our patients, at a local level.”

UHS marks its seventh consecutive year on the list, which was formerly compiled by Verispan. SDI purchased Verispan in July 2008.

SDI’s ranking reflects the work UHS has put into information systems, technology and organizational development. Over the last two years, UHS facilities have adopted HealthSpan, a multipurpose software package that makes an electronic patient record seamlessly available throughout UHS. In 2008, UHS adopted a new picture archiving and communication system, which makes X-rays and other images available digitally via HealthSpan.

UHS has also brought cutting-edge imaging technologies to rural areas surrounding its regional hospitals.

UHS has made strides in developing a strong organizational culture throughout the system. It has adopted mission, vision and values statements that apply across the system. UHS facilities also operate under a unifying strategic framework, and a standardized set of metrics gauge system-wide success.

“We want patients throughout eastern North Carolina to know they’re getting outstanding care when they see the UHS name,” said Phil Flowers, chairman of the UHS Board of Directors. “The more integrated our system is, the more confident our patients can be about the care they receive.”

The 2010 SDI IHN 100 recognizes the most highly integrated of 570 local and regional health care networks in the U.S. The ratings are based on SDI’s IHN Rating System™, which evaluates each network’s ability to operate as a unified organization in eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization and physicians.

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University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina Inc., a mission-driven, not-for-profit corporation, owns, leases or has a majority membership interest in six eastern North Carolina hospitals and has management agreements with two others. UHS includes Albemarle Health, Bertie Memorial Hospital, Chowan Hospital, Duplin General Hospital, Heritage Hospital, Outer Banks Hospital, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, University Home Health and Hospice; ViQuest and physician practices, and is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. On the web at http://www.uhseast.com .