Health System lauded in InformationWeek 500 list
Published: Sept. 12, 2012
Sparrow Health System ranks first for technology innovations in the healthcare industry nationwide, according to a new analysis from InformationWeek magazine.
Besides the top healthcare ranking, Sparrow was rated 16th among all U.S. companies in results announced Tuesday in California.
The 2012 InformationWeek 500 list places Sparrow above such giants as Toyota, FedEx, and IBM. It marks the second time Sparrow has made the list, having ranked 22nd overall in 2010. "It's gratifying to see a respected magazine recognize what a great team of caregivers we have here at Sparrow. This award recognizes our commitment to use innovation and cost effective technology to deliver the best care possible for our Patients," said Tom Bres, Sparrow Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
The business technology magazine has recognized innovators for the last 24 years, and tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of American's best-known companies.
Sparrow's ranking is the result of hard work by Sparrow Caregivers and our system-wide focus on innovation and transformation of care. A planned Dec. 1, 2012, launch of iSparrow electronic medical records (EMR) at Sparrow Hospital, Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Sparrow Clinton and Sparrow Ionia is another step towards our vision of being recognized as a national leader in quality and patient care by empowering patients and their families to be active participants in the care process. More than 14,000 patients already use MySparrow, the web-based patient portal that allows patients to access their medical record, test results, renew prescriptions, and send messages to their doctor.
"In just the last two years Sparrow converted 23 physician practice locations to EMR, implemented a fully electronic charting/workflow system in 600-plus departments, and introduced internal/external cloud technology," said Patrick Hale, Sparrow Chief Technology Officer.
To be ranked in the InformationWeek 500, companies with annual revenue of at least $250 million must complete a rigorous application about their technology strategy. The applications are reviewed by a panel of editors who determine the rankings based on quality and quantity.