Novant Health ranks eighth among the Top 100 integrated healthcare networks in the United States, according to Verispan, a research firm that evaluates healthcare systems. The ninth annual survey was recently released in the national publication, Modern Healthcare. Novant improved 66 positions in the Top 100 listing, from 74th in 2005 to 8th in 2006.

"We are honored to be nationally recognized for the services we provide and the quality and efficiency of our health system," said Novant Health President Paul Wiles. "Perhaps most importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the talented employees who deliver excellent care to thousands of patients each day."

Verispan evaluates health systems based on the level of integration in eight categories: integration; integrated technology; contractual capabilities; outpatient utilization; financial stability; services and access; hospital utilization; and physicians.

To further its commitment of integrating a network of eight hospitals and 122 physician clinics, Novant recently formed a strategic alliance with South Carolina-based Palmetto Health. "Both hospital systems will collaborate on projects and share expertise and resources in an effort to continually provide safe, quality care for patients," explained Wiles.

Both organizations will also collectively evaluate new information technology such as electronic medical records and computerized physician order entry systems. In addition, Brunswick Community Hospital in Supply, NC recently joined Novant and will begin integration with the health system.

"Our recent expansion and alliance are just two examples of how Novant continually identifies ways to improve processes through integration -- all of which have the potential to dramatically improve patient care," said Wiles.

The national scorecard and ranking process for health systems began in 1997 and has become a fairly high-profile program for calling attention to organizations that are effectively leveraging the advantages of integrating services and sharing resources.