The Kishwaukee Health System was rated among the best in the country for the second year in a row.

The system made it onto the “most wired list” for small and rural health systems conducted by Hospitals and Health Networks magazine. The small and rural list includes 25 of the top-rated health systems in the country.

The “most wired list” is the list of health systems and hospitals that are the most advanced and use the most technology.

Kishwaukee Health System is the center for 26 other area health systems that are connected electronically.

“The health systems that make the ‘most wired list’ are based on technology,” said Dick Shurson, systems director for Kishwaukee’s Health System Information. “It’s not just about having the information and technology, it’s how you use it.”

Almost all work done at Kishwaukee Health System is done electronically.

The system consists of a wireless network between the facilities and doctors, according to a Kishwaukee press release. This allows the facilities and doctors to obtain information through the Internet and an intranet. This also allows the doctors to obtain medical records while at their job and at home.

“About 80 percent of things are done electronically here,” Shurson said.

The system is considered wired for various elements. According to a Kishwaukee news release, some of these elements include X-rays that can be seen on the computer at the hospital or at the patient’s home. Another reason Kishwaukee is so advanced is because of the Picture Archiving and Communication System. Some of the advancements this system provides is work with digital diagnostic images and electronic medical recording. The system gives the staff an opportunity to make decisions quicker than usual.

There are several reasons why the Kishwaukee Health System is rated well, Shurson said. The reasons are a young and aggressive administration, cohesive medical staff and a forward-thinking board.

“All of these together make us very powerful,” Shurson said.

Making the list for two consecutive years does some important things for the Kishwaukee Health System.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to show what we’re all about,” Shurson said. “It will be great for recruiting; if people see this they will be more inclined to take a look at us.”