PROVIDENCE MAKES IT EIGHT IN A ROW: NEW NATIONAL
“TOP 10” RECOGNITION FOR HEALTH CARE INTEGRATION

Feb. 4, 2008

PORTLAND, Ore. - A new national survey focusing on health system integration comes to a compelling conclusion: Providence just keeps leading the way.

Verispan, a health care research firm, has just announced that Providence Health & Services - Oregon Region is seventh in the nation in Verispan’s annual ranking of the 100 most highly integrated health care networks. Verispan analyzes the performance and integration of 570 health systems across the nation to compile the “Top 100” list. This is the eighth consecutive year PH&S - Oregon has made the top 10. Providence also is the survey’s third-ranked system in the West and No. 1 in Oregon.

“Once again, this recognition demonstrates the commitment of everyone at Providence to the highest quality of care,” said Russ Danielson, chief executive, PH&S - Oregon Region. “Our vision in Oregon is to provide a connected experience of care built on a foundation of clinical excellence. This honor says so much about the way our physicians, nurses, caregivers and employees work together on behalf of our patients every day.”

Verispan is based in Yardley, Pa. To prepare the “Top 100” rankings, it evaluates a system’s ability to operate as a unified organization in each of eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization, and physicians. High scores in these areas can be indicators of increased patient satisfaction and a more streamlined care experience.

The rankings are published in the Feb. 4 edition of Modern Healthcare, and complete survey results are available at www.verispan.com.

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Providence Health System in Oregon, ranked as the seventh most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its seven hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 15,000 employees, Providence is the state’s second-largest private employer. Visit www.providence.org/oregon.