N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority and the Rural Health Transformation Program: Support for Rural Providers
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federal initiative authorized in July 2025 that provides five years of funding to states to strengthen health care in rural communities. In North Carolina, part of this work will focus on improving health information technology infrastructure and helping rural health care providers connect to and effectively use NC HealthConnex.
How NC HIEA Is Supporting Rural Health Transformation
The N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority (NC HIEA) is partnering with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to strengthen health information technology infrastructure across rural North Carolina.
As part of this effort, NC HIEA plans to support more than 170 rural provider Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrations with NC HealthConnex, North Carolina's statewide health information exchange, during the first two years of the program.
Who May Be Eligible for Support?
Funding is available to eligible rural NC HealthConnex participant providers to help offset one-time costs associated with NC HealthConnex integration and adoption after successful connection within the funding period.
Rural provider integrations will be prioritized based on factors such as:
- Potential population health impact
- Rural populations served
- Demonstrated engagement
- The provider's place in the NC HIEA connection queue
What Costs Can the Funding Help Cover?
RHTP funding may help offset EHR vendor fees and other expenses associated with connecting to NC HealthConnex once a participating organization successfully completes onboarding and meets applicable program requirements.
The amount of support will vary by participant based on the type of interface or service needed and the anticipated work involved. Funding is intended to assist with one-time technical and workflow-related expenses associated with establishing the NC HealthConnex connection.
Why Does Connecting to NC HealthConnex Matter?
NC HealthConnex allows participating health care providers to securely access and share important patient health information.
Effective use of the health information exchange can help providers:
- Make more informed care decisions
- Reduce unnecessary duplication of services
- Improve transitions of care
- Coordinate services across care settings
- Support value-based care efforts
How Rural Providers Can Get Started
Rural providers interested in participating should contact the NC HIEA Rural Health Transformation Program team at RHTP.HIEA@nc.gov.
After receiving your information, the program team can review your organization's circumstances and follow up about next steps. This may include confirming eligibility, reviewing your current NC HealthConnex connection status, discussing EHR readiness, identifying potential support needs, and outlining the steps required to move forward.
NC AHEC Practice Support Can Help
Rural practices do not have to navigate this process alone.
If you are a rural primary care practice, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health Clinic (RHC), or local health department, NC AHEC Practice Support can assist with the process.
Practice Support Coaches can help rural organizations:
- Navigate and facilitate the NC HIEA application and onboarding process
- Understand NC HealthConnex requirements and next steps
- Prepare for successful implementation
- Address training needs
- Integrate NC HealthConnex into practice workflows
To get assistance, contact your local NC AHEC Practice Support Coach or email practicesupport@ncahec.net.
Take the Next Step
If your rural practice is considering connecting to NC HealthConnex or is already in the onboarding process, now is a good time to explore whether Rural Health Transformation Program support may be available.
For RHTP and NC HealthConnex questions: RHTP.HIEA@nc.gov
For practice support, training, and workflow assistance: practicesupport@ncahec.net
