Sarasota Memorial Hospital frequently touts groundbreaking procedures offered at the facility. Now, a national organization recognized it as one of the “most wired” hospitals in the country.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives recognized the local institution for displaying some of the highest and most innovative uses of technology. A total of 71 hospitals nationwide were certified by the organization as Level 9 or 10 in health IT. Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the only Sarasota or Manatee hospital on the list, was among the Level 9 institutions, and ranked No. 51 overall; about 30,000 hospitals participated in a survey to determine results.

“This award is a testament to SMH’s ongoing commitment to deploying the most advanced technology and innovative tools to enhance patient care, communication and connectivity,” said SMH Chief Information Officer Pam Ramhofer.

Only one Florida hospital earned the Level 10 designation, awarded to just seven health care organizations nationwide including Jackson Health System in Miami (No. 7). The other Florida hospitals to make Level 9 included Baptist Health Care System (No. 8), Cleveland Clinic Martin Health in Stuart (No. 14), Memorial Health Care system in Hollywood (No. 31) and Tampa General Hospital (No. 58).

The digital connectivity of hospitals saw particular importance this year. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed forward increased telehealth usage this year, with more patients connected with physicians and clinicians remotely.

“Digital technology has been a driver of innovation in healthcare for many years now, but never to the degree that we saw in 2020 with the pandemic,” said Russell P. Branzell, CHIME President and CEO.

“The Digital Health Most Wired program underscores why health care organizations keep pushing themselves to be digital leaders and shows what amazing feats they can achieve. This certification recognizes their exemplary performance in 2020.”   

SMH also earned points in the survey this year for implementing sophisticated monitoring systems and data access audits to detect unauthorized access or outside intrusions in systems. The hospital network also boasts an electronic records system with advanced tools to support clinical decision making and population health initiatives.