Rural Health Clinics
Receive enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas.
Photo credit: Marlous Bleazard
About RHC
Rural Health Clinics (RHC) were established by Public Law 95-210, Rural Health Clinic Service Act in 1977. Rural Health Clinics serve to increase primary care access for Medicaid and Medicare patients in rural communities and must be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area/Population to be originally certified. Clinics may be operated as a public, private, or non-profit entities. The advantage of becoming a certified Rural Health Clinic is receiving enhanced reimbursement rates for providing Medicaid and Medicare services in rural areas.
How to participate
Thank you for expressing interest in participating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Rural Health Clinic program (CMS RHC). To be eligible for participation, your primary care clinic must be in compliance with the program requirements. Below, you will find links to the required application documents, which need to be completed and returned promptly to avoid any unnecessary delays in the approval process.
When it is determined that all requirements are met, the Health Insurance Benefits Agreement will be countersigned and a copy will be returned. If operation of the entire institution is later transferred to another owner, ownership group, or to a lessee, the agreement can be transferred by submitting a new CMS Form 855A with the Change of Ownership (CHOW) information completed. You are required to notify the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and the Office of Licensing at the time you are planning such a transfer.
Become a Rural Health Clinic
If you are interested in becoming certified as a Rural Health Clinic, please refer to the Health Facility Licensing, Certification, and Resident Assessment.
Clinics must comply with specific requirements established by federal law and guidance by CMS to become certified by CMS. For example, although NPs are able to practice independently in Utah, a physician must be at least contracted to be the medical director of the RHC. The RHC must also employ (W-2) at least one NP or PA. Please click the learn more button to view the Division of Licensing and Background Checks.
National Association of Rural Health Clinics
The National Association of Rural Health Clinics' mission is to educate and advocate for Rural Health Clinics, enhancing their ability to deliver cost-effective, quality health care to patients in rural, underserved communities.
NOSORH RHC Resources
Starting a
Rural Health Clinic
RHCs and FQHCs
Shortage Designations
Resources for becoming a Rural Health Clinic
Program contact info
Liz Craker
Health Systems Support Coordinator
801.604.2856
[email protected]
Codes and rules
Read about the codes and rules that govern this office.