Public Health Informatics and Data Exchange (PHID) Unit
Public health informatics is the systematic application of information, computer science, and technology to public health practice, research, and learning to improve the health of individuals and communities. The DSHS Public Health Informatics and Data Exchange (PHID) Unit serves as the primary connection point for providers, health care facilities, and laboratories who are required to submit electronic laboratory reports and electronic case reports of Texas notifiable conditions to public health. PHID delivers a critical function in serving as a platform where public health surveillance, epidemiology, medical data, and informatics converge to develop key metrics that inform and guide public health epidemiologists and surveillance staff as well as public health leadership.
PHID is comprised of the following areas with subject matter experts:
- Electronic Laboratory Reporting and Electronic Case Reporting Onboarding and Validations,
- Helpdesk and Customer Support/Communications,
- Data Analytics and Quality Assurance,
- Data Integration and Interoperability,
- National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)
- Base System (NBS) System Design and Implementation Team.
PHID processes essential infectious disease related data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The critical work conducted through the PHID is ongoing with the goal of informing public health. PHID team serves the entire state of Texas. PHID serves as a direct connection to thousands of providers, laboratories, and healthcare facilities across Texas as well as throughout the nation. We value the partnership and collaboration that we share with all of you as we work together to improve the health of all Texans.
This page will serve as a base hub that provides quick access to all DSHS informatics programs. Please see links above for information on our sister programs at DSHS. Please check back with us for future updates.
Training Videos for Laboratory Submitters
Learn how to submit electronic laboratory reporting for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
PHID Insider Newsletter
Get important news on electronic laboratory reporting and electronic case reporting. View key updates, opportunities, and tools to help you submit data.
View the Newsletter editions:
National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS)
Visit the NEDSS site for more information on processing and distributing electronic laboratory reports (ELRs).
NEDSS | ImmTrac2 Registry | Texas Cancer Registry | TXS2 Texas Syndromic Surveillance