Sentara Recognized by CIO Magazine with CIO Award 

Norfolk, Virginia – June 4, 2009 – CIO magazine has chosen Sentara Healthcare as a recipient of the 2009 CIO 100. The 22nd annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

“Technology plays an increasingly important role in the delivery and improvement of patient care,” says Sentara Vice President and Chief Information Officer Bert Reese. “We have been steadily working in recent years to implement a comprehensive electronic medical record system, Sentara eCare®, and our early results have been so encouraging.”

Sentara began its hospital implementation of Sentara eCare® in 2008. In addition, it has been implementing Sentara eCare® electronic medical record technology across its network of Sentara Medical Group physicians. Full implementation is expected to be complete in 2010. In its hospital settings, Sentara is already experiencing physician order entry rates that exceed the national average. In addition, the length of time from drugs being ordered by a physician to administration to the patient has reduced dramatically – from an average of 132 minutes to about 35.

“This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are both innovating and creating business value with IT despite the economic downturn,” said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. “These winners are an inspiration to businesses everywhere.”

“Even more significant than the original business case that was made for Sentara eCare® is the positive impact this technology has had (and will continue to have) on improving patient care,” adds Reese. “We are better able to promote best practices, avoid adverse drug interactions and for the first time identify trends in real time that will help us make improvements moving forward.”

The 2009 CIO 100 awards will be presented at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 25 at the conclusion of the eleventh annual CIO 100 Symposium® and Awards Ceremony.

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