In the three years since launching Epic, UTHealth Houston has not only met but exceeded its ambitious goal of becoming the best electronic health record in Texas, as evidenced by a remarkable three-peat performance recognized by Epic.
Earning Level 10 Gold Stars for three consecutive years, an achievement unmatched by any other Texas health care organization, UTHealth Houston has firmly established itself as a leader in health care technology. This prestigious accolade, attained by only 10% of Epic customers globally this year, underscores the university’s relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to delivering top-tier patient care. The journey is far from over, but with each milestone, UTHealth Houston continues to set new standards in the industry, proving that staying at the top demands even greater innovation and dedication.
The Gold Stars program
“We’ve had our eye on a three-peat since our recognition last year at Epic’s campus in Wisconsin,” said Babatope O. Fatuyi, MD, chief medical information officer, UTHealth Houston. “Level 10 designation is a testament to our continued focus and desire to provide the best patient care by helping providers operate efficiently within the EHR.”
The Gold Stars program provides a clear, structured path to make these improvements possible. It encourages continuous improvement by helping institutions understand their strengths within the system and where to focus in the future. But it’s more than just the technology – it’s a game changer for the entire institution.
“By optimizing our EHR, we boost our quality of care, help make patients and providers happier, and improve financial performance,” said Martin J. Citardi, MD, vice dean of clinical technology. “Our efforts enable us to make a difference for our patients and the organization.”
An inspiration across the university
It’s not always easy to stay at the top, but being in this position inspires university leadership.
“This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to improving both our technology and patient care,” said Andrew Casas, senior vice president of UTHealth Houston and chief operating officer of UT Physicians. “It reminds us that staying at the forefront requires continuous effort. We’re motivated to keep advancing health care technology while ensuring our patients receive the best possible experience.”
