Wisconsin Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is investing in workforce growth, technology upgrades, shared infrastructure, and coordinated care across rural communities.

Burrows Consulting works with healthcare organizations to evaluate readiness, identify gaps, and prepare for RHTP funding and implementation.

RHTP is focused on practical improvements that strengthen care delivery, support providers, and improve long-term financial stability for rural healthcare organizations. Some urban providers may participate through rural partnerships.

Core Focus Areas

Community Health Workforce Expansion

Wisconsin DHS is planning a statewide study on Community Health Workers to support long-term sustainability. The program will also support WI SCOPE psychiatric education for providers to strengthen behavioral health capacity in rural communities.

Technology and Innovation

The program supports improved IT systems, stronger connectivity, and expanded use of devices for both providers and patients. Technology readiness will affect participation and future funding.

Shared Patient Information Platform

Wisconsin plans to create a single statewide platform for sharing patient information across partners. Organizations will need compatible workflows, data sharing capability, and interoperable systems.

Multi-Sector Team-Based Care

RHTP promotes coordinated care models that include pharmacies, community health centers, aging centers, rural clinics, tribal organizations, health departments, schools, and other local partners.

Financial Stability for Rural Providers

The program aims to improve long-term financial stability for rural providers through redesigned care models and improved support systems.

Advisory Council Opportunity

Applications for the RHTP Advisory Council are open through February 27. Eligible participants include hospitals, clinics, tribal organizations, EMS, Community Health Workers, peer specialists, and other organizations supporting rural care delivery. Participation does not affect eligibility for future grant funding.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Additional grant opportunities are expected in:

• Rural Workforce (2026)

• Care coordination

• Other targeted program areas

Organizations that prepare early will be better positioned when funding is released.

Vendor and Procurement Requirements

Organizations working with vendors must use existing state contracts or complete procurement when required. Vendors must be registered in the Wisconsin state procurement system.

Ideas to Meet and Support These Initiatives

Strengthen the Community Health Workforce

Develop Community Health Worker career pathways, improve CHW-provider coordination, and prepare referral workflows for the future shared platform.

Enhance Technology and Innovation

Conduct IT readiness assessments, pilot remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions, and create standardized data sharing protocols.

Prepare for the Shared Information Platform

Align documentation workflows, train staff on interoperability basics, and begin testing with partner organizations.

Build Multi-Sector Care Models

Develop regional care teams, use schools and aging units as access points, and define partner roles for care coordination.

Support Financial Stability

Review reimbursement gaps, improve revenue cycle performance, and explore shared staffing or care delivery models.

Prepare for Advisory Council and Grants

Identify representatives, build a grant readiness packet, and begin early vendor coordination with state procurement rules.

Moving Forward

The Wisconsin RHTP focuses on workforce, technology, and financial stability for rural providers. Organizations that prepare now gain an early advantage as the program moves forward.

Burrows Consulting works with healthcare organizations to evaluate readiness, identify gaps, and prepare for RHTP funding and implementation.