Sentara Healthcare remains among the top integrated health care networks (IHN) in the country, as reported by “Modern Healthcare” magazine last week. Landing on the 2012 IMS Top 100 IHN list at No. 4, Sentara had strong performance in several key metrics analyzed by the study, including physician participation, overall integration and the incorporation of technology.

With the ranking in its 15th year, Sentara remains the only IHN in the country to be listed among the top 10 each year. In addition, Sentara has landed in the No. 1 position three times, holding the top position in 2001, 2010 and 2011.

“This prestigious recognition is continued validation of the hard work by more than 20,000 physicians and health care professionals across the Sentara system who live our mission each and every day,” says David Bernd, chief executive officer of Sentara Healthcare. “I am proud to be a part of this team and honored to be part of a tradition of excellence in medicine.”

As noted by IMS Health, the company who took ownership of the list last November after acquiring data analytics firm SDI Health, the rankings in 2012 reflect stronger performance across the board from the country’s top health systems.

Researchers determine the Top 100 IHN rankings by compiling a system’s overall score measuring 33 attributes in eight differently weighted performance categories. Overall integration is the most heavily weighted. Other categories include integrated technology, financial stability, hospital utilization and contract capabilities. Services and access, outpatient utilization and physician services are also measured.

Sentara has remained a financially sound company in spite of the country’s recession. The investment in Sentara eCare, a robust electronic health record system, has led to clinical improvements and more seamless integration between physician offices and hospital providers. As part of a larger effort to transform the delivery of care, Sentara has brought together all aspects of its system and more fully engaged physicians to help redesign the way that care is provided.

Sentara has also continued to grow its system in recent years, expanding beyond the Hampton Roads region of Virginia to include service offerings and facilities throughout Virginia and parts of North Carolina.

“Our philosophy has always been that providing quality care costs less, and that serves as a guide for making sound clinical and financial decisions,” added Bernd. “We look forward to ongoing opportunities to grow programs and services in the future.”

As an integrated health care system, Sentara provides services that cover in and outpatient health care services, including physician practices, advanced imaging and diagnostics, long-term care, home health care services, medical transport and air ambulance services, as well as a health plan, Optima Health.