H
EALTHCARE INFORMATION AND Management Systems
Society Analytics has designated The MetroHealth System
as a Stage 7 ambulatory center for the sophistication of its
electronic medical records as well as the way it has used
them to improve immunization rates, crack down on pediatric
hypertension and improve patient care in a host of ways. All 16 of
MetroHealth's community health centers, along with the Cancer
Care Center and the Women & Children's Pavilion, have attained
"the pinnacle achievement" on HIMSS' ambulatory electronic
medical record adoption model (A-EMRAM).
Stage 7 providers are recognized for creating a truly paperless
environment. They support the sharing, exchange and immediate
delivery of patient data to improve quality of care. MetroHealth's
electronic medical records have ensured better care by:
+ Providing raw data on how many are suffering from undiagnosed
pediatric hypertension and alerting medical caregivers when a
patient's blood pressure merits follow through
+ Reminding patients when they are due for an immunization
+ Tracking incidental findings, unrelated medical issues that
pop up in treatment, and ensuring that they're addressed in a
timely manner
MetroHealth is reportedly among the first safety-net health
systems in the country to reach Stage 7 status. It is the first Stage 7
ambulatory health system in Northeast Ohio.
HIMSS Analytics developed A-EMRAM in 2011 as a method
for evaluating the progress and impact of EMR systems at
ambulatory facilities. ■
MetroHealth Earns
HIMSS Stage 7 Ambulatory Recognition
for EMR
