FirstHealth of the Carolinas has been named one of the top 100 integrated health-care networks in the country.

Results of the 11th annual assessment were announced this month in the national publication Modern Healthcare after their release by Verispan, a health-care data and consulting firm.

The Yardley, Pa.-based Verispan evaluated health networks on their performance and degree of integration.

"This national ranking analyzes FirstHealth's performance in a number of key areas," said Charles T. Frock, CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas. "The approach that was used comprehensively rates hospital systems versus individual hospitals. Garnering such a notable recognition from an outside company is truly a testament to our outstanding employees and physicians.

"Working together is part of our 2020 Vision, and integration throughout our health system is essential to our current and future success and to the organization."

The rankings indicate that FirstHealth and its employees and staff are succeeding at providing top-quality care for all patients, Frock said.

"Patients benefit the most from our efforts to enhance integration because of greater coordination of services, improvement in quality, safety and satisfaction," Frock said. "Because FirstHealth has taken full advantage of being an integrated health-care system, our patients benefit from reduced inconsistencies and increased efficiencies -- frankly, without even knowing it, because we do it so well.

"Our local physicians and clinics have also made major investments in information technology to provide seamless coordination among providers. They have upgraded their own network capabilities, which has broadened their reach and strengthened their connections with FirstHealth facilities."

According to Verispan, the nation's best-performing health-care systems continue to improve efficiency and have the bottom lines to show it. Improved occupancy, well-integrated information systems and strong margins marked the results for the 2007 ranking of health system efficiency and performance.

FirstHealth of the Carolinas was one of only three health networks in North Carolina to receive the top 100 recognition. Also recognized were Novant Health of Winston-Salem and Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro.

Headquartered in Pinehurst, FirstHealth includes three hospitals with 559 licensed beds (the flagship Moore Regional in Pinehurst, Montgomery Memorial in Troy and Richmond Memorial in Rockingham), as well as a rehabilitation center, a skilled nursing facility, three sleep disorder centers, three dental clinics, seven family care centers, six fitness centers, a laundry, four charitable foundations, a Hospice program, home care services, an insurance plan, and critical care transport, EMS and medical transport services.

To determine the top 100 integrated networks, Verispan looked at more than 580 health systems, grading them on operations, quality, scope of services and efficiency. Ratings were based on a system that evaluated each network's ability to operate as a unified organization in each of eight categories: integration, technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization and physicians.

More than half of the top 100 (54 percent) improved scores by better managing occupancy rates and adjusting staffing to meet fluctuating demand.

"In other words," said Frock, "we are making the best use of our resources."

Contact Tom Embrey by e-mail at tembrey@ thepilot.com.