IT’S SEVEN FOR SEVEN:
PROVIDENCE GETS TOP 10 RANKING AND BEST
IN THE NORTHWEST IN NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SURVEY

Feb. 8, 2007

PORTLAND, Ore. - When it comes to excellence in health care, a new national survey finds that Providence keeps leading the way.

Verispan, a health care research firm, has just announced that Providence Health System in Oregon, for the seventh year in a row, is one of the top 10 nationally in its annual ranking of the 100 most highly integrated health care networks.

So what makes Providence so great? Some might say it’s the little things, all tied together to ensure convenience and excellence. Things such as:

Standardized electronic medical records, which provide access to a patient’s clinical information across Providence hospitals and clinics;
Seamless scheduling and billing; and
Expanding convenient access to care by adding and improving our facilities.

Verispan analyzes these factors and other key areas to assess the performance and integration of 570 health systems across the nation. It then compiles the information in the “Verispan IHN 100” ranking. In addition to being one of the best in the nation, Providence is also the survey’s top-ranked health system in the Northwest.

“This recognition again reflects our commitment to the highest quality of care for our patients,” said Russ Danielson, chief executive, PHS - Oregon. “We are focused on the best ways to organize a system of care and implement the highest level of clinical excellence. And we do that by working closely with our physicians, nurses and caregivers.”

Verispan is based in Yardley, Pa. The company looks at success factors for nearly 600 health systems, reviewing eight key categories to compile the “Top 100” listing: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, physicians, services and access.

The top six organizations on the Verispan list were separated by less than three points. Complete survey results are available at www.verispan.com.

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Providence Health System in Oregon, ranked as the sixth most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its seven hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 15,000 employees, Providence is the state’s second-largest private employer.