Poudre Valley Health System has been named to Hospitals and Health Networks' Most Wired list for the eighth straight year.

PVHS was the only Colorado-based health system to make the list, which includes hospitals and health systems that use information technology to improve business processes, continuum of care and safety and quality for patients.

For example, PVHS and 66 percent of Most Wired hospitals and health systems use radio frequency identification (RFID) or bar codes at the bedside to make sure the right dose of the right medication is given to the right patient. By comparison, 54 percent of other hospitals and health systems use RFID and bar codes for medication safety.

"Poudre Valley Health System is leading the way in using technology to benefit our patients and improve care," said PVHS Chief Information Officer Russ Branzell. "We're committed to making health care safer and more convenient for our patients and community."

Most Wired winners are also outpacing other hospitals in their progress toward meeting so-called "meaningful use" standards set by the government as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Meaningful use standards are designed to encourage physicians and nurses to effectively use electronic record systems to improve outcomes and reduce costs; to improve quality of care; and to improve care coordination across the community. 

PVHS was among the first in the nation to register its intent to meet the first phase of meaningful use standards this year.

About Poudre Valley Health System

Poudre Valley Health System is a locally owned, private, nonprofit organization with a strong vision: to provide world-class health care. PVHS is a recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the highest presidential honor for quality and process improvement. Based in northern Colorado since 1925, PVHS provides evidence-based health care and wellness services in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, serving more than 50,000 square miles.

PVHS is a regional medical hub that includes Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies, both Magnet Award recipients, and a network of medical and behavioral health clinics. PVHS has more than 5,100 employees. The organization's mission is to be an integrated, independent, non-profit organization providing innovative, comprehensive care of the highest quality while exceeding expectations of the communities it serves. For more, visit pvhs.org.

--PVHS--

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