HIMSS Analytics has awarded 230 Carolinas Health System clinics with Stage 7 Ambulatory Awards, becoming the first health system to achieve the award in North and South Carolina. Developed in 2011, the EMR Ambulatory Adoption Model provides a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for ambulatory facilities owned by hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics™ Database. Stage 7 represents the highest level of EHR adoption and indicates a health system’s advanced electronic patient record environment.
As of the fourth quarter of 2014, only 6.21 percent of the more than 30,000 U.S. ambulatory clinics in the HIMSS Analytics® Database received the Stage 7 Ambulatory Award.
Craig Richardville
“As the first healthcare system to achieve Stage 7 for both hospitals and physician offices in North and South Carolina, its shows our commitment and dedication to our patients to provide access to quality health and care,” said FACHE, MBA, senior vice president and chief information officer. “Using electronic medical records to its fullest potential connects our clinical providers and our patients across all points of health and care. That means our patients experience a seamless integrated system of care from their work or home, to their physicians’ offices, to the emergency department, to the hospital, at all points of care. Most importantly, our EHR engages our patients to become full partners with their providers to live healthier lives.”
Carolinas HealthCare System provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Carolinas HealthCare System works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
“Carolinas HealthCare System is clearly one of the country’s leaders in use of data derived from their ambulatory EHR to drive improvements in chronic disease management. They have abundant evidence that disease states are improving in their patient population, all made possible by the strong foundation of data derived from their wide reaching ambulatory EHR,” said John P. Hoyt, FACHE, FHIMSS, executive vice president, HIMSS Analytics.
