Blumenthal names final two RECs, expands coverage in Florida
David Blumenthal, MD, national coordinator for health IT, has selected two regional extension centers (RECs), completing a system of 62 organizations to help physicians, clinics and hospitals move from paper-based medical records to EHRs.
The awardees, with award amounts covering two years, are:
In addition, service areas were expanded for two already-named Florida RECs: Community Health Centers Alliances will cover additional areas in Glades and Hendry counties, and Health Choice Network of Florida will cover additional areas in Indian River, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.
RECs will target their assistance to eligible primary care providers in smaller practices as well as small and rural hospitals and public health clinics, the Department of Health and Human Services stated. Each REC organization has identified a target number of primary care physicians (PCPs), based on population needs to be assisted in the first two years of the program.
For awardees announced, the targets are:
The awardees, with award amounts covering two years, are:
- CalOptima Foundation, covering Orange County, Calif.: $4.6 million; and
- Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative, covering the state of New Hampshire: $5.1 million.
In addition, service areas were expanded for two already-named Florida RECs: Community Health Centers Alliances will cover additional areas in Glades and Hendry counties, and Health Choice Network of Florida will cover additional areas in Indian River, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.
RECs will target their assistance to eligible primary care providers in smaller practices as well as small and rural hospitals and public health clinics, the Department of Health and Human Services stated. Each REC organization has identified a target number of primary care physicians (PCPs), based on population needs to be assisted in the first two years of the program.
For awardees announced, the targets are:
- Orange County: 1,000 PCPs;
- New Hampshire: 1,000 PCPs;
- Glades and Hendry, Fla.: 21 PCPs; and
- Indian River, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee, Fla.: 1,000 PCPs.