Covenant Health and Covenant Medical Group Receive National Recognition for IT Achievements

Knoxville, Tenn. – October 2021 – Covenant Health and Covenant Medical Group have earned 2021 “Digital Health Most Wired” recognitions from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Covenant Health received a Level 8 Acute designation. Covenant Medical Group, the health system’s physician practice organization, received the Level 8 Ambulatory designation.

The Digital Health Most Wired program aims to elevate the health and care of communities by using information technology. An annual survey identifies, recognizes and certifies the adoption, implementation and use of information technology by healthcare providers from early stages of development to industry-leading best practices, using 10 levels of designation. A total of 36,674 organizations were represented in four survey categories for the 2021 recognitions.

Level 8 is awarded to health organizations that have deployed technologies and strategies for data analysis and are achieving meaningful clinical and efficiency outcomes. These organizations are adapting more advanced technologies, such as telehealth services, to expand access to care.

Since completion of the 2021 Digital Health Most Wired survey, Covenant Health has implemented tele-ICU care for critically ill patients to support the bedside team, 24/7 virtual urgent care services, and tele-psychiatry appointments for emergency department patients with mental or behavioral health needs.

“I am proud to be a part of healthcare at such a critical time of health crisis, and honored that Covenant Health is receiving recognition for the hard work and investments made by so many people across multiple operational areas of our organization,” said Mike Ward, senior vice president and chief information officer. “We’re excited to see how recent investments and accomplishments will be the springboard for new technologies and processes as we continue working to fulfill our mission of improving the health of patients in the communities we are honored to serve.”

Each award recipient receives a detailed scoring report that covers eight segments: infrastructure, security, business/disaster recovery, administrative/supply chain, analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement and clinical quality/safety.

“Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME president and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.”

As Covenant Health continues to implement and adapt to new technology, health system leaders recognize the amount of work that goes into the technological infrastructure.

“Covenant Health leadership sets the vision, expectation and pace of change to be the leading edge of healthcare, relying on the passion and commitment of our employees to ensure the vision is realized,” Ward said. “This recognition is confirmation of that commitment.”

About College of Healthcare Information Management Executives

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is the professional organization for Chief Information Officers and other senior healthcare IT leaders. CHIME enables its members and business partners to collaborate, exchange ideas, develop professionally and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, visit chimecentral.org.