Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 29, 2002 - Baptist Memorial Health Care was named among the top health care networks in the nation in a recent survey published by Modern Healthcare and conducted by SMG Marketing Group.

Baptist placed 26th overall in SMG's list of the Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks -- a nationwide study of nearly 600 integrated health care networks, which includes some of the most prestigious health care systems in the country. Baptist was the only health care system from Arkansas and Tennessee to make the list.

"We are delighted with this recognition," said Stephen Reynolds, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care. "It acknowledges our excellent staff and demonstrates how they are working together to make a difference in health care for our community."

For the past five years, Chicago-based SMG has recognized health care systems, which integrate hospitals, medical care practices and other health care services under one umbrella. This marks the fourth year that Baptist has been included in the top 100. This list ranks health care systems on the basis of their performance level and degree of integration. The rating system is based on eight critical success factors: integration, integrated technology, services and access, physicians, financial stability, hospital utilization, outpatient utilization and contract capabilities.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is an integrated health care delivery system offering a full continuum of care to communities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Baptist is home to many world-renowned physicians, and the system has received numerous national awards, such as being among U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals." With the intention of caring for people close to their homes, the Baptist network consists of 17 hospitals; more than 2,900 affiliated physicians; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical clinics; a chain of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by the Baptist College of Health Sciences.

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