Civitas Networks for Health® is a national collaborative of member organizations working to use health information exchange, health data, and multi-stakeholder, cross-sector approaches to improve health. We were in Anaheim, California, this year for the Civitas Networks for Health 2025 Annual Conference. Join us as we recap selected sessions from this year’s events!
Monday, September 29, 2025
This conference session focused on the evolution and future of the Patient-Centered Data Home (PCDH), highlighting the shift from PCDH 1.0 to PCDH 2.0.
PCDH 1.0 has achieved significant milestones, including the exchange of over 1 billion alerts, demonstrating its capability as a national infrastructure for data exchange. However, it operates without a single “customer” for the entire network, relying on individual regional HIEs and various, often underfunded, business models. The reliance on state agencies for funding also creates vulnerabilities.
The need for PCDH 2.0 stems from several factors:
- Improved Provider Follow-up: Enhanced data exchange can reduce 30-day readmission rates.
- National Infrastructure Recognition: The network’s current data density justifies its classification as critical national infrastructure.
- Preserving Local Governance: The primary strength of individual networks lies in their local governance and trusted relationships.
- Addressing Funding and Vulnerabilities: The current funding models are often insufficient, and reliance on state agencies creates instability.
- Nationwide Coverage: Achieving nationwide coverage through locally governed networks is crucial for claiming national network status.
Market analysis reveals key requirements from commercial health plans, ACOs, and federal agencies for data from Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and Health Data Utilities (HDUs):
- Single Data Pipe: A unified access point for data.
- Standardized Agreements: A single data use agreement, contract, and payment terms and rates.
- Quantifiable Data Quality: Continuously improving data quality with service-level agreement (SLA) style treatment.
- Expanded Data Types and Access: A broader range of data types and access methods.
HIEs and HDUs require a single entity to organize real-world data into the nation’s critical data infrastructure. While data centralization isn’t mandatory, a common interface for customers that preserves network autonomy is essential.
Discussion during the session also touched upon:
- The Timeliness of PCDH 2.0: Hospitals are increasingly considering TEFCA due to bonuses, and federal agencies are recognizing the limitations of federated models for things like national alerting and research.
- Collaboration with eHealth Exchange (eHX): A representative from eHX in attendance said that eHX is willing to collaborate with PCDH as non-profits with similar interests.
- Operationalizing Data Quality: Data quality should be an integral part of the process, with potential for bonus payments for enhanced data in ADT messages.
The overall sentiment points to a critical juncture for PCDH, with a clear need for a more unified, sustainable, and high-quality approach to national health data exchange, while preserving the strengths of local networks.
