Hospital named to ‘most wired’ list

Whitman Hospital and Medical Center has been named among the nation’s most wired hospitals, according to an American Hospital Association journal. The designation recognizes hospitals that are advancing the use of information technology faster than others. WHMC is one of 25 small and rural hospitals to make the 2010 list. It also made the list last year.

A survey of capabilities is conducted annually by the association’s Hospitals and Health Networks magazine, which received responses from 1,280 hospitals of all sizes. Results were reported in the magazine’s July issue.

Many portions of an electronic medical record system are in place at the hospital. The hospital also uses telemedicine to access specialists in other cities and conducts long-distance training. Barcode technology was implemented earlier this year to ensure that the right medications are given to patients.

“Our next big step is to implement computerized physician order entry,” stated CEO, David Womack. “We plan to go live in November.”

“The only reason we’re doing all this work is to improve the quality of care and safety for our patients,” said Denise Fowler Chief Clinical Officer. “Studies have shown better information speeds clinical care and reduces errors.”

“For a small and rural hospital to make that list is no small task,” said Michael Weinstock, senior editor of the magazine. “These systems are hard to put in. They’re expensive, and for small and rural hospitals to make that kind of commitment is pretty impressive,” he said.

“Our investment should pay off soon,” remarked Jim Heilsberg who serves as Chief Financial & Information Officer. “The federal government will begin offering financial incentives to hospitals that meet specific information technology criteria.”

“Hospitals that don’t meet the criteria by 2015 will face penalties. We’re ahead of the curve, but that’s just a side benefit - It’s all about the patient,” he said.