Texas Regional Extension Center Resource Center

Information and Resources

REC map

 

Regional Extension Centers (RECs) in Texas have been supporting physicians since 2009 with individualized on-site services, technical assistance, and ongoing support to select, implement or upgrade Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and guidance to MACRA/MIPS/Promoting Interoperability and the program formerly called meaningful use. Please contact the REC covering your service area for details on pricing and service offerings. 

 

 

Texas REC Contact Information

Gulf Coast Regional Extension Center (GCREC):
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
For more information, call (713) 500-3479 or visit the GCREC website

 

North Texas Regional Extension Center (NTREC):
The NTREC is no longer open. Physicians can request services from any of the other Texas RECs.

 

CentrEast Regional Extension Center (CentrEast REC):
Texas A&M Health Science Center
For more information, call (979) 436-0390 or visit the CentrEast website

 

West Texas Regional Extension Center (WTxHITREC):
Texas Tech Health Science Center
For more information, call (806) 743-7960 or visit the WTxHITREC website


Your REC can help you decide: 

  • Is my practice ready for an EHR?
  • Which EHR should I choose?
  • What type of training will my staff need?
  • How do I install an EHR with minimal disruption to my practice?
  • How do I meet the MACRA/Promoting Interoperability requirements so it helps my patients and earns me an incentive bonus?
  • How can I qualify for incentives with my existing EHR?
  • How do I meet the MACRA requirements?

Who is eligible for REC services?

  • Primary care physicians (Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and OB-GYN)
  • Specialists
  • Community and Rural Health Centers primarily serving uninsured, underinsured and medically underserved

Each REC can provide pricing information.


 Avoid Medicare Penalties 

Penalties for non-participation in the Medicare Incentive Program began Jan. 1, 2015 and will end Dec. 31, 2018. Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, physicians are then subject to MACRA payment adjustments. Physicians should meet the MACRA / MIPS (Promoting Interoperability) requirements and attest to avoid the penalties. Penalties only apply to Medicare. Learn more.

 

Receive Medicaid Incentives

2016 was the last year physicians could begin participation in the Medicaid Incentive Program to qualify for an incentive, which pays out until 2021. If you need assistance meeting the requirements, contact one of the RECs to find out how they can help you.


Why a Texas REC?

Regional extension centers provide assistance with selecting and implementing EHR systems, achieving Medicaid Incentive requirements, and meeting the MACRA requirements. Services from your REC include:

  • Initial Practice Assessment 
  • Vendor Evaluation/Selection 
  • Practice Workflow Analysis and Process Redesign 
  • Implementation Project Review 
  • Post-Implementation Review 
  • Security Risk Assessment
  • MACRA/MIPS Quality Payment Program Consulting
  • Medicaid Incentive program
  • Audit Assistance
  • HIPAA training
  • Patient Engagement
  • Improve Quality Measures

Last Updated On

July 25, 2023

Originally Published On

April 20, 2016

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