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PHCC – Medical Professionals2019-10-28T18:44:51-04:00

PH Care Centers

Medical Professionals

PHCC Initiative Mission Statement

The purpose of the PHA-Accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers (PHCC) initiative is to establish a program of accredited centers with expertise in pulmonary hypertension that aspires to improve overall quality of care and ultimately improve outcomes of patients with pulmonary hypertension, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and life-threatening group of diseases.

Why the Need for Accreditation?

Despite the availability and success of PAH-targeted therapeutic options over the past two decades, there are still shortcomings with the diagnosis and management of PAH. One recent study observed that expert recommended diagnostic algorithms were not being followed to completion in up to 94% of PAH patients, and nearly 60% of PAH referrals to expert centers already on therapy were on so contrary to published guidelines. In addition, despite the available medical therapies, long-term outcomes are still not optimal as many patients still die from PH, require transplantation or require hospitalization.

PH Care Centers: What You Need to Know

Two types of centers are be accredited: Centers of Comprehensive Care (CCC) and Regional Clinical Programs (RCP). Please note that applications for Pediatric Regional Clinical Programs are not currently being accepted. Learn more about the PH Care Centers initiative:

PHCC News and Research

PHA 2024 Registration Opens March 29

Registration opens Friday, March 29, for PHA 2024 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. Take advantage of early registration discounts for the Aug. 15-18 event in Indianapolis. Make sure your Pulmonary Hypertension Association membership is up to date to receive the discounted member rate and apply for scholarships to further reduce conference costs. Scholarships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until June 15.

Hear Coach Bear Recount His PH Comeback at Houston Workshop

Former basketball coach Barron "Coach Bear" Honea knows the importance of resilience on and off the court. But his most formidable challenge didn’t come from a rival team – it came in the form of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Honea will share his PH comeback at the PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop in Houston. Join us April 6 for his keynote speech and other invaluable sessions.

PH Professionals: Help Us Create a New Advanced Practice Nursing Certificate

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is developing a certificate program to support advanced practice providers and nurses who work with PH patients. Help shape this educational program by sharing your educational requirements and preferences. Your input will guide us in developing tailored learning opportunities to support your professional growth and advancement. Complete this brief survey by April 1.

Discover These Must-Read Stories in New Pathlight

The most recent issue of Pathlight explores how access to PH care has grown by focusing on PHA’s 10-year-old accreditation program. Our quarterly member magazine also looks ahead at PHA 2024, including tips for traveling with oxygen, eight fun reasons to visit Indianapolis and insight from past attendees. Our cover story takes us behind the scenes of performing with PH with Steve Smith from Colorado.

Michigan Family Shares Daughter’s PH Journey

Cheryl Wegener felt grateful when her daughter’s former classmates chose PHA as a recipient of their senior class fundraiser. She thought the donation was a fitting tribute to Madison, who died during her freshman year of high school. Cheryl shares Madison’s story for PHA's spring fundraising campaign. She and her husband will present the check from the fundraiser at PHA 2022 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions, Aug. 15-18 in Indianapolis.

Oxygen Access Bill Introduced in Senate

Thanks to PHA and other patient organizations, a bill to improve oxygen access has been introduced in Congress. The legislation would remove supplemental oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding process, among other reforms. The bill’s introduction in the Senate is just the first step,” says Katie Kroner, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s vice president of advocacy and patient engagement. “Advocate voices are essential to drive the new bill through the legislative process.”

2 Papers That Show How PHA Supports PH Research

New research papers that increase understanding of pulmonary hypertension are linked to PHA research initiatives. One paper was authored by Catherine Simpson of Johns Hopkins University, the recipient of a Pulmonary Hypertension Association research grant. The other, by Jacqueline DesJardin of University of California-San Francisco and colleagues, was based on data from the PHA Registry.

Start a PHA Support Group

Leading a support has more benefits than you might expect. “I wanted to help bring hope to PH patients, but what I learned is that they actually have given me hope,” says Monica Penaranda, leader of PHA’s Greater Los Angeles Support Group. “It’s a beautiful thing.” Learn how to start a PHA support group in your area.

Tampa Walk Raises $20K

The sixth annual Tampa O2breathe 5K and Walk was raised more than $20,000 for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. The Feb. 18 event at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, Florida, memorialized Missy Stok Rizzo.

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