Upstate University Hospital makes national list of “most wired” hospitals for second straight year

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate University Hospital has made the 2017 national list of “most wired” hospitals for a second straight year.

The Chicago, Illinois–based American Hospital Association (AHA) made the announcement after surveying hospitals nationwide “to assess their technology use and capability,” Upstate said in a news release.

“This is outstanding recognition for the talented team at our information-management and technology department,” Steven Scott, interim CEO of Upstate University Hospital, said in the release. “The information-management and technology professionals are vital members of our health-care team as they help manage the process that transmits millions of bits of information each day that are essential to ensuring quality care and patient safety.”

In the past year, Upstate has added new applications for radiology, infection control, dental and case management to its electronic medical-record system, which the hospital also upgraded, it said.

Upstate also added a bedside lab-specimen collection application.

“Technology is transforming health care in many ways, from how medical care is delivered to how vital patient information is stored and secured,” Terry Wagner, Upstate’s chief information officer, said in the release. “These investments in health-care technology bring benefits to our patients, whether they receive their care in the hospital or in one of our many outpatient clinics.”

Upstate is also using its technology to help areas of the state that lack specific care, such as Upstate’s telestroke service.

Upstate partners with nine regional hospitals to provide neurological consultations with possible stroke patients, the hospital said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com