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PHA-Accredited Care Center Network

PHA-accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers demonstrate a commitment to early diagnosis, guideline-based treatment and continuous quality improvement.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center network is designed to improve health outcomes and quality of care for people with pulmonary hypertension, particularly those with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Through a formal accreditation process, PHCCS are recognized for their commitment to early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and ongoing management of PH. The initiative promotes high standards of care, supports better patient outcomes, and builds a nationwide network of trusted care centers.

PHA accredits two types of PH Care Centers:

PHA-accredited Center of Comprehensive Care

Is a PH center that provides patient care from highly trained and experienced physicians and PH team members. CCCs offer coordinated care with treatments tailored to individual needs, provide the full range of FDA-approved PH therapies, and are required to participate in and promote PH research. 

PHA-accredited Regional Clinical Program

Is a PH center staffed by experienced physicians and team members, with an emphasis on coordinated, high-quality care and close follow-up. RCPs must demonstrate proficiency with non-parenteral therapies. They are also required to collaborate with an accredited CCC by referring patients who may benefit from services not available at the RCP, such as advanced medications or participation in clinical research.

Raising the standard of care

PHA accreditation signifies that a pulmonary hypertension program meets a set of criteria established by PH experts. These criteria are based on current diagnosis and treatment guidelines, with input from physicians, allied health care professionals and PHA leadership. An accredited center has demonstrated its ability to accurately diagnose PH, including differentiating Group 1 (PAH) and Group 4 (CTEPH) from other forms of PH, and thoroughly manage patients using appropriate targeted therapies. The criteria require centers to evaluate all types of PH patients using published diagnostic algorithms, standards of care and consensus guidelines.

Pediatric PH accreditation standards

PHA recognizes that adult and pediatric PH care centers have different treatment approaches and services. To ensure appropriate evaluation and accreditation of pediatric sites, a task force of pediatric PH experts reviewed the existing Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers structure and criteria and recommended key changes. As a result, the Pediatric Comprehensive Care Center and Pediatric Regional Clinical Program designations each have their own criteria, distinct from those used for adult programs.

Accreditation process

The accreditation process includes five steps:

  1. Online application submission. To begin the application process, submit an application through the PHCC Online Application Portal at PHCareCenters.org.
  2. Online application review. PHA staff will review your application to ensure all required components are included. After the review, PHA will contact you to discuss the next steps.
  3. Site review. PHA will schedule a daylong site visit with two expert PH clinicians at a time that works for your program’s key staff.
  4. Accreditation decision. Following the site visit, the PHCC Review Committee will evaluate your application and site review notes. You will be notified of the final decision after a formal vote.
  5. Reaccreditation. Initial accreditation is valid for four years. An abridged review of the program will be conducted at the end of this period. Reaccreditation cycles last for three years.

Learn more about the accreditation process and criteria.

Application process

Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers

Find specialized care by locating a center or specialist near you.

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Accreditation and the PHA Registry

The PHA Registry is a national patient registry that collects health information from people with PH. The registry helps researchers and clinicians better understand PH and improve patient outcomes. Most accredited PH Care Centers participate in the PHA Registry to improve patient care and support research.

  • PHA Registry sites

    Find accredited care centers that participate in the PHA Registry with our interactive map.

  • scientist conducting genetic test
    PHAR research

    Researchers can apply to use data from the registry for specific research projects. Once approved, investigators receive limited datasets to pursue their proposals.

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