HIMSS Analytics has recently awarded two health systems with Stage 7 electronic medical record (EMR) Adoption Model accolades.
For one, HIMSS Analytics has recognized UC Health and its University of Cincinnati Medical Center location with an EMRAM Stage 7 Award, and 167 of their network practices with Stage 7 Ambulatory Awards. Also, the HIMSS research arm has awarded Orange Regional Medical Center (ORMC), in Middletown, N.Y., with a Stage 7 designation.
HIMSS Analytics developed the EMR Adoption Model (EMRAM) in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for hospitals in HIMSS Analytics Logic. There are eight stages (0-7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilization of information technology applications. The final stage, Stage 7, represents an advanced patient record environment. The validation process to confirm a hospital has reached Stage 7 includes a site visit by an executive from HIMSS Analytics and former or current chief information officers to ensure an unbiased evaluation of the Stage 7 environments. On the ambulatory side, tracking their progress in completing eight stages (0-7), ambulatory facilities can review the implementation and use of IT applications with the intent of reaching Stage 7, which also represents an advanced electronic patient record environment.
UC Health, the University of Cincinnati’s affiliated health system is the region’s only academic health system which includes University of Cincinnati Medical Center, three additional hospitals, and the University of Cincinnati Physicians, Cincinnati’s largest multi-specialty practice group with more than 700 board-certified clinicians and surgeons. “UC Health has gone above and beyond the EMRAM Stage 7 criteria. They have already extended the closed-loop medication administration process to their infusion clinic and for interventional radiology (IR) cases. Combined with a strong population health program, the UC Health team is making a real difference in their community,” John H. Daniels, global vice president, healthcare advisory services group, HIMSS Analytics, said in a statement.
“UC Health is honored to be recognized for our significant adoption of the electronic health record by achieving HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 in both our acute and ambulatory care settings. This accomplishment is due to our commitment to improved patient outcomes through the expanded use of information technology,” said Jay Brown, UC Health, senior vice president and chief information officer. “As the region’s only academic health system, we are surrounded by innovators and visionary leaders who have recognized the importance of leveraging these tools. The HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 Award highlights our dedication to delivering the highest quality of care and enhancing the experience of our patients."
Meanwhile, Orange Regional Medical Center, is a 383-bed academic medical center and employs approximately 2,400 healthcare professionals serving 450,000 patients throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties and beyond.
“Orange Regional Medical Center has made great progress in a very short time. In particular, they have implemented a predictive clinical decision support algorithm directly into the EHR to help physicians with precise insulin dosing. As a result, they have eliminated severe hypoglycemia cases and significantly reduced diabetes inpatient mortality. This is a data driven organization, and it shows,” said Daniels.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, only 4.2 percent of the more than 5,400 U.S. hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics Logic received the Stage 7 Award, and only 7.89 percent of the more than 34,000 ambulatory clinics in HIMSS Analytics LOGIC received the Stage 7 Ambulatory Award.
