HIMSS Analytics (Health Information Management Systems Society) has announced that Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has achieved Stage 6 on their Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).

HIMSS Analytics developed EMRAM in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems (EMR) for hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics database. Tracking their progress in completing each stage, 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.

As of October, 2013, only 12% of the more than 5,400 hospitals tracked by HIMSS Analytics have reached Stage 6. YRMC is one of only 643 hospitals that have achieved this level of performance.

“It’s really an honor for YRMC and our community to be recognized by one of the premier advocates of Healthcare Information Technology for our ongoing commitment to electronic medical records. This is an important milestone in our journey to meet performance criteria required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relating to EMR use,” states Martin de Kort, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer for Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

YRMC has utilized EMR technology in different capacities for several years but made the commitment in 2012 to fully integrate over 55 solutions to create one of the most comprehensive EMR systems in the nation. Today, YRMC is one of a select group of hospitals who have replaced paper charting with faster, more reliable and safer electronic charting.

“Stage 6 recognition means that we have demonstrated an ability to use our EMR as a clinical decision tool to enhance patient care and to maintain the highest levels of safety for our patients,” said de Kort.

Stage 6 hospitals have achieved a significant advancement in their Information Technology capabilities that positions them to successfully address current healthcare transformations, such as meaningful use criteria in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, claims attachments for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, pay for performance, and government quality reporting programs.

“Our adoption of EMR technology is really a testament to the amazing team we have at YRMC,” states John Amos, YRMC President and CEO. “We have a great group of people who made the commitment to complete one of the largest EMR installations in the country. All of our clinical workflows were redesigned to support electronic charting and our medical staff adoption has set an example for others to follow. It’s an honor for me to work with this talented group of people.”

On October 1, 2013, John Amos began his role as YRMC’s new President and CEO. Clifford J. Morgan, MD, FACS, Chairman of the YRMC Board of Trustees, states, “We are exceedingly proud to have John in this role. The Board devoted two years to studying the qualities, characteristics and experience required of a top-quality healthcare system President and CEO. When we matched those variables with John’s background, his extensive screening performance and what we have observed while he served as East Campus COO, it was clear that he was the best candidate. The Board looks forward to an energy-filled and exciting future with John at the helm.”

John began his career at YRMC in 1992 as Director of Physical Rehabilitation Services. His background in occupational therapy and other clinical capacities has given him a wide range of experience working within a clinical scope. He was integral in creating the East Campus hospital in Prescott Valley from the ground up. In this endeavor he demonstrated his extensive skill in managing extraordinary change, while also showing respect for each person with whom he worked.

Dr. Morgan continued by saying, “John’s integrity and commitment to transparency will serve him and YRMC very well as we encounter unprecedented change in healthcare in the next few years. John’s values and his collaborative nature will create the foundation for a very successful future for YRMC. Yes, change is and will be paramount for YRMC and for the healthcare industry in general. We believe John has the courage and the clarity of vision to skillfully guide our organization to provide top quality, compassionate healthcare for our communities.”

Mr. Amos states, “Although this particular role is new for me, I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to establish, grow and develop the East Campus while also maintaining responsibilities on the West Campus. This unique experience of creating a brand new hospital, recruiting and developing staff, and establishing YRMC East as a new community resource was very gratifying. It also gave me many opportunities to develop good relationships throughout our region.”

John completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He then earned a master’s degree in Business from Northern Arizona University. John’s extensive professional experience includes working for a national physical therapy company, but his heart was always connected to YRMC.

John’s 21 years at YRMC has enabled him to get to know the organization and our communities very well. He and his family love the greater Prescott area and look forward to continuing their wonderful relationship with those in our community for many years to come.