Sutter Recognized for Using Technology to Improve Care

NORTHERN CALIF. — Two years into a digital transformation, Sutter Health has results to show and accolades to tout. Today, the not-for-profit health system that cares for 3.5 million patients across Northern California was awarded three Most Wired certifications from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives or CHIME.

These certifications are unique in the industry. To earn a top score — 8, 9 or 10 out of 10 — a health system must demonstrate that it follows information technology best practices and invests in innovative digital applications. A strong foundation without cutting-edge elements, or the inverse, will not win.

“Scoring survey responses this way is how CHIME recognizes the importance of both evolution and revolution, and that each fuels the other,” says Laura Wilt chief digital officer at Sutter. “I couldn’t agree more. Our transformation at Sutter is equally focused on strengthening the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that powers our system and advancing the visible innovations that improve care delivery. We’re not just building the future, we’re also improving the foundation it stands on, so solutions perform, scale and last.”

The individual certifications that Sutter earned this year further echo the dual importance of stretch goals and sustained success. Sutter raised one Level (from 8 to 9) in the ambulatory or outpatient care category and earned its first-ever certification (Level 8) in the long-term post-acute care category. The system also maintained its Level 8 certification in the acute or hospital-based category for the third consecutive year.

According to CHIME, organizations that reach Level 8 or 9 are ahead of the curve in ‘digital health maturity’ and typically have advanced capabilities in the areas of cybersecurity, data analytics, and data management. These top-earning health systems are also using digital tools to engage patients, improve clinical quality and safety, and enable population health. Finally, recognition from CHIME often reflects progress that is already being felt by patients and providers.

That’s certainly the case at Sutter, where successful digital transformation has improved the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of care – as the examples below illustrate.

• Remote patient monitoring: Launched in March 2025, Sutter Sync helps patients monitor their health from anywhere while giving clinicians real-time insights to tailor care. The program empowers patients to take charge of conditions like high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, backed by a dedicated team of providers, health education resources and first-of-their-kind devices.
• Harnessing artificial intelligence: Sutter is taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to incorporating AI in clinical and non-clinical contexts. One example is Sutter’s careful review of AI-enhanced cameras that screen for Diabetic Retinopathy. Last Summer six Sutter primary care offices tested the technology to validate its accuracy and compatibility with current workflow. Those early tests paved the way for adoption that saw an additional 22 offices adopt the technology and a cumulative 10% improvement in Sutter’s annual screening rate for this ‘silent’ cause of blindness. Additional examples of clinical AI in use at Sutter include detection and diagnosis for lung cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer.
• Predictive analytics: Launched in May 2025, Sutter’s Targeted Condition Outreach program uses predictive analytics and proactive care management to help patients avoid preventable complications, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, cellulitis, and influenza. Nurses, pharmacists and care coordinators connect with high-risk patients, record outreach activities in the patient’s electronic health record, and support timely follow-up with each patient’s primary care provider.
• Patient portal improvements: Sutter is creating a more connected and convenient experience for patients and much of that has been driven through improvements to its patient portal. Usage of the patient portal has grown 154% since 2018, with 1.2 million active users each month, giving patients access to a suite of expanded self-service tools for booking appointments online, requesting medication refills, viewing lab results and conducting virtual visits. Tools like Fast Pass digital waitlist and appointment confirmation by text have also streamlined common patient needs.
• Virtual Care: Launched in July 2025, Sutter now offers on-demand video visits. With more than 8,000 visits conducted to-date the offering has been extremely successful and will be expanded before the end of the year; going from 8am – 8pm to 24/7. Sutter also offers a real-time virtual chat assistant, two-way texting and a centralized phone line with 24/7 nurse advice available.
• EHR enhancements: In 2024 Sutter helped return more than 1 million hours of work across its system through digital automation, AI-powered tools, enhanced technology, and streamlined workflows. That momentum continued in 2025, with an additional 1.4 million hours saved by expanding and deepening these advancements; time that allows clinicians and staff to focus more on patient care and delivering a better overall experience.
• Evolving care models: Two ideas that emerged from Sutter’s inaugural Innovation Challenge are proceeding to the pilot phase, both with the potential to revolutionize care. The first, a smartphone-based screening tool to help detect cognitive decline early, is now being piloted at Sutter sites in Sacramento and San Francisco. The second, an evidence-based outreach program delivering brief, encouraging text messages over a year to youth (ages 13–26) after receiving psychiatric care, will be piloted in 2026.