The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has achieved Stage 7, the highest level on the Electronic Medical Records Adoption Model (EMRAM), which is used to track EMR progress at hospitals and health systems.

“University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is honored to receive the prestigious HIMSS Stage 7 recognition,” said Lee Carmen, chief CIO and associate vice president for IT. “This designation is a positive reflection of the hard work and dedication of our clinicians and our information technology staff. We will continue that hard work to leverage our clinical information systems to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care that we deliver to our patients every day.”

[See also: Banner Health earns Stage 7 recognition]

HIMSS Analytics developed the EMR Adoption Model in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems for hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics Database. There are eight stages (0-7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilization of information technology applications. 

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.

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will be recognized at the 2013 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, March 3-7, 2013. 

As of Quarter 2, 2012, the University of Iowa Hospital is one of only 95 U.S. facilities, or 1.7 percent, of the more than 5,000 U.S. hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics Database, to be awarded the HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 Award.

[See also: Deaconess Health System reaches Stage 7]

Information technology specialists at UI Hospitals and Clinics have a history of using sophisticated information systems to support the institution’s commitment to providing patient-focused care in an environment devoted to innovative care, patient safety and exceptional outcomes.