HIMSS Analytics recently announced that Riverside Medical Center has achieved Stage 7 on the EMR Adoption ModelSM (EMRAM).

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. Tracking their progress in completing eight stages (0-7), hospitals can review the implementation and utilization of information technology applications with the intent of reaching Stage 7, which represents an advanced electronic patient record environment.

One example of the hospital’s accomplishments is included in a news article found on HIMSS.org, highlighting RMC’s use of bedside robotics to enhance care provided to patients that had suffered a stroke.

“We have been tremendously fortunate that our team at Riverside has been able to work alongside several partners on this journey, including Cerner Corporation — our EMR platform provider,” CEO Peter Sullivan said. “It was the combination of strength in numbers with our partners and good old-fashioned hard work that helped get us here.

“We are extremely excited with having been validated as only the second HIMMS 7 independent Critical Access Hospital in the country. This recognition underscores the value Riverside Medical Center places on providing the highest levels of clinical care and patient safety. We may be small, with limited resources, but we have achieved a status that only approximately 11 percent of all hospitals in the country have been able to reach.”

Sullivan noted that the vast majority of HIMMS 7-validated institutions are affiliated with large health systems or academic medical centers.

“For RMC to have achieved this status as a stand-alone, rural community hospital is monumental,” Sullivan said. “It is something to be very proud of. I would like to thank Brittany Dillon, Taryn Hill, Jimmy Siebert, Dr. Tommy Bowden along with the entire team who worked so diligently to make this happen. We would also like to thank Riverside Medical Center’s Board of Commissioners for their support of this project.

“The future is bright for Riverside Medical Center and we could not be more excited to continue to provide you with the best possible care.”