CHICAGO – HIMSS Analytics, a subsidiary of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, has recognized 15 hospitals with its first Stage 7 Award.

The awards recognize the hospitals for attaining the highest level on the EMR Adoption Model.

The 15 hospitals are part of two integrated delivery systems - 12 from Kaiser Permanente, based in Oakland, Calif., and three from the NorthShore University HealthSystem, in Evanston, Ill.

"These awards validate our commitment to putting technology in the hands of physicians and caregivers to improve quality, efficiency and ultimately transform the way care is delivered," said Andrew M. Wiesenthal, MD, SM, associate executive director of clinical information support at Kaiser Permanente.

 "These systems give our physicians access to information and images to better serve our patients as we continue to improve quality of care and patient safety."