State and National Connections

National networks refer to larger-scale networks that facilitate the secure sharing of electronic health information across different health information systems and organizations throughout the Nation. These national networks aim to ensure that different electronic health record systems can communicate and exchange data seamlessly. Health information exchanges like PHIX connect to national networks to ensure that different health data systems can communicate effectively and seamlessly to facilitate the exchange of information, which is crucial for improving patient health outcomes and reducing duplicative services. See below for some of PHIX’s national connections.

  • eHealth Exchange connects healthcare providers, regional and state health information exchanges, public health authorities, payers, and federal agencies to exchange medical data and improve patient care and public health.

    Click here to see a full list of our state and national partners through eHealth Exchange.

  • The Texas Immunization Registry managed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is a secure and confidential system that consolidates and stores immunization records from multiple sources in one centralized database.

    HIEs establish a data exchange connection with ImmTrac2 which involves setting up secure data transfer protocols and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Healthcare providers and HIEs submit immunization data to ImmTrac3 electronically. This data includes vaccination records that help in maintaining accurate and up-to-date immunization information for patients.

    Additionally, PHIX developed a vaccination system that includes safety checks, rapid demographic data collection, and electronic reporting to the Texas immunization registry (ImmTrac2). This system was created to support the COVID19 vaccine roll-out and has since been adapted to support other types of vaccinations as well.

  • During declared disasters Patient Unified Lookup System for Emergencies (PULSE) is activated to allow verified and onboarded responders to securely access patient documents from providers connected through local HIEs and national networks.

    PULSE leverages national networks like eHealth Exchange and Carequality. These networks facilitate the sharing of patient data across different healthcare systems and regions. PULSE also integrates with local HIEs to pull data from various sources. This integration helps in creating a comprehensive view of the patient’s medical history.

  • The Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is an electronic database that collects and monitors prescription data for Schedule II, III, IV, and V Controlled Substances dispensed by pharmacies in Texas.

    Physicians are required to check their patients’ PMP history before dispensing or prescribing controlled substances in Texas.

    PHIX is connected to the Texas PMP. This connection will enable our physician users to easily access their patients’ history of controlled substance prescriptions.

    When a physician uses the health information exchange, they can now review a patient’s medical history from across the community and pull their PMP report securely and electronically.