The Texas Primary Care Office (TPCO) works with health care providers and communities to improve access to care for the underserved. The TPCO works towards this goal by:

Measuring Access to Primary Medical, Dental and Mental Health Care

By evaluating provider and population data for the designation of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas/Populations (MUA/Ps) across Texas, the TPCO seeks to improve the allocation of resources to the areas that need it the most..

Providing Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Support and Assistance

Several programs, administrated at the federal, state and local levels, provide incentives for health professionals who work in designated shortage areas and serve underserved populations. The TPCO serves as a liaison between these programs, interested health professionals and health care facilities seeking to fill open positions with qualified health professionals.

Providing Assistance and Support to our Partners

The TPCO provides technical assistance, support and collaboration to individuals and organizations who share the TPCOs vision of improving access to primary care services across the state and region.

Making J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendations for the Texas Conrad 30 Program

Another important tool for placing qualified health professionals in areas of need is the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program. Each year, the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program is able to recommend J-1 waivers for up to 30 international medical graduates who will serve in designated shortage areas across Texas.

Funding for the programs and activities of the TPCO is provided through the Cooperative Agreement for State Primary Care Offices from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and through application fees for the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program. Use the index on the left to find more information about the TPCO activities.  Definitions for commonly used terms and acronyms are on the TPCO Definitions page.

Contact Information

Email: TexasPCO@dshs.texas.gov

J-1 Visa Waiver Email: Conrad30@dshs.texas.gov 

Phone Numbers:

• General Questions: (512) 776-7518
• Shortage Area Designations: (512) 776-2179
• National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Student Loan Repayment Programs: (512) 776-2127
• Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver and National Interest Waiver Letters: (512) 776-6164

Fax: (512) 776-4232     

Mailing Address*:

Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Primary Care Office
PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1898
Austin, TX 78756

Physical Address (for overnight deliveries):

Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Primary Care Office
1100 W. 49th St, Mail Code 1898
Austin, TX 78756 

*Note: For mailing J-1 Visa applications, please see the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program policy manual.

Disclaimers:

The TPCO does not provide clinical services.  For help in finding medical services near you, dial 211.
No solicitation for professional recruiting services or any professional endorsements.