Receives Verispans Top 100 rating for fifth year in a row

For the fifth consecutive year, Health First has been named as a Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Network (IHN) by Verispan. Verispan's report, regarded as the nations premier rating system, evaluates IHNs on their performance and degree of integration.

Health First's 2008 ranking of 45th in the nation is based on performance, degree of integration, and critical success factors.

Based on Verispans IHN Rating System, each network is evaluated on its 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 physician participation.

The annual Verispan IHN Survey is a primary data source for healthcare systems across the country and allows Verispan to use a standard methodology for collecting data to rate IHNs.

"The IHN ranking recognizes the successful standardization of information technology and patient care processes across the Health First system. This strategy has enabled us to improve productivity, maximize operational efficiency, and enhance care delivery to our patients," said Rich Rogers, Health First's Senior Vice President Support Services/Chief Information Officer.

Verispan, a healthcare informatics joint venture of Quintiles Transnational Corp. and McKesson Corp., provides a broad array of information products and services to the healthcare industry.

To see the Top 100 Networks, or for more information on Verispans IHN Rating System, go to www.verispan.com.