Yale-New Haven Hospital has attained Stage 7 status from HIMSS Analytics, joining just 3.7 percent of U.S. hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics database to have been awarded this distinction as of the second quarter of 2015.

YNHH is a nationally-recognized not-for-profit hospital and the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine. The 1,541-bed institution serves patients on campuses including the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital.

[See also: Benchmarks: Stage 7 success stories]

The EMR Adoption Model was developed by HIMSS Analytics in 2005 to evaluate the progress of hospitals using integrated electronic medical record systems. Clinics, outpatient centers and physician practices are evaluated for their use of technology.

To achieve Stage 7 status, a hospital must have a complete EMR system in an advanced IT setting. A HIMSS Analytics executive and or chief information officer must make a site visit to confirm their status.

"It was clear from my visit to Yale-New Haven Hospital that they are serious about their mission, vision and values," said John H. Daniels, global vice president of HIMSS Analytics' healthcare advisory services group, in a press statement. "They are leveraging their EHR technology in very innovative ways."

Among YNHH's achievements: "They are saving time and improving the patient experience through radiology protocolling using the EHR," said Daniels. "Their eICU has proven its value, particularly when caring for patients in isolation; research recruitment is integrated in the patient portal; and they have proven the value of clinical decision support evidenced by their smoking cessation protocol compliance project."

"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Thomas Balcezak, MD, chief medical officer at YNHH, in a statement. Attaining Stage 7, he said, shows "our commitment to using technology in every aspect of our operations from bedside care to business intelligence."

"Fully adopting the EHR, helps us to provide highly reliable, safer, better care to patients every day," he continued.

Yale-New Haven Hospital will be recognized at the 2016 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, Feb. 29-March 4, 2016, in Las Vegas.