Baptist Health earns Most Wireds Most Improved recognition
Baptist Health has been recognized as one of the nation's "Most Wired" hospital systems, according to the 18th annual Health Care's Most Wired® survey, released last week by the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Health Forum.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (July 6, 2016) - Baptist Health has been recognized as one of the nation’s “Most Wired” hospital systems, according to the 18th annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey, released last week by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Forum.
The health system was recognized in the Most Improved category. This is the first year that the seven-hospital system has been recognized for its use of technology to improve communication with and service to patients – from scheduling appointments to sending secure messages to physicians.
In October 2015, Baptist Health began rolling out its electronic health records system to its physician offices and hospitals. Baptist Health is working with Epic Systems, used by some of the nation’s largest health systems for electronic health records.
Four hospitals are now using Epic – Baptist Health Louisville, Baptist Health La Grange, Baptist Health Lexington and Baptist Health Corbin – with the remaining three hospitals expected to go live with the system by early 2017.
"Three years ago a task force including a majority of physicians unanimously chose the information system we are installing currently. This recognition is a tribute to them and our excellent information system team, operational leadership, and Board of Directors’ commitment,” said Steve Hanson, Baptist Health CEO.
"The Board of Directors and leadership of Baptist Health are committed to developing the best information technology environment possible to support our commitment to excellent patient care. This recognition lets us know that we are well on our way to doing just that,” added David Bensema, MD, chief information officer.
Out of more than 2,200 U.S. hospitals, only 414 made the Most Wired list this year. One major area of growth noted in this year’s survey was telehealth to fill gaps in care. Baptist Health uses telehealth services to assist home care and psychiatric patients in several communities that it serves.
"Hospitals are breaking-out of their traditional four walls and providing care where and when patients need it,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of AHA. “These Most Wired hospitals exemplify this transformation by harnessing technology, engaging patients and offering services remotely. And, removing policy and other barriers to telehealth will allow even faster adoption of these amazing technologies.”
HealthCare’s Most Wired® survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2016, is published annually by Health & Hospitals Network (H&HN).