Uniform Data System

The Uniform Data System (UDS) is a standardized data set and annual program requirement that is defined in Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. Health Centers are expected to have a system in place to collect and organize data related to the HRSA-approved scope of project, as required to meet Health and Human Services (HHS) reporting requirements, including those data elements for UDS reporting.

A young family holds their toddler in a group hug, with trees in the background.
A young family holds their toddler in a group hug, with trees in the background.

Through the UDS, Health Centers report annually on patient characteristics, services provided, clinical processes and health outcomes, staffing, patients’ use of services, and costs and revenues.

These data help inform efforts to further expand access to care, improve quality of care, and reduce health care costs. UDS data are also used to document program effectiveness; identify administrative, clinical, and financial trends over time; and compare clinical quality measures (CQMs) with national benchmarks.

A woman nurse kneeling down next to an elderly woman in a wheelchair, talking together.

The following resources and materials are provided to assist Health Center staff as they go through the Annual State-based UDS Training, hosted by WYPCA. To access all guidance for the Uniform Data System, go to Uniform Data System (UDS) Training and Technical Assistance | Bureau of Primary Health Care.