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Skip the Phone Call. Schedule Your Visit Online in Minutes. 

Camille Evans, Program Manager, Telehealth Operations 
April 30, 2026

Finding time to schedule a doctor’s appointment isn’t always easy, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and everything in between. 

With MyChart Direct Scheduling, you can book a visit anytime—day or night—without calling the clinic. 

It’s fast. It’s easy. And you stay in control of your care. 

What Is Direct Scheduling? 

Direct Scheduling lets you choose and book your appointment through your online MyChart account. 

That means you can: 

  • Schedule an appointment when its most convenient for you 
  • See available appointments in real time 
  • Schedule from your phone, tablet, or computer 
  • No waiting on hold. No back-and-forth calls.

How It Works 

Getting started is quick and easy!  

After logging into your MyChart account, select the option to schedule an appointment from the home screen. From there, you’ll choose the type of visit you need—such as a check-up, follow-up, or sick visit—and select your provider. 

You may be able to schedule with your regular provider or choose the next available appointment. Once you select a date and time that fits your schedule, simply review the details and confirm your visit. You’ll receive a confirmationthrough MyChart so you know everything is set. 

Who Can Use It 

Direct Scheduling is available for established patients of CommUnityCare Health Centers who have an active MyChart account.  

While many visit types can be scheduled online, some appointments may still need to be scheduled by phone. If you don’t see the option you need, care teams at CommUnityCare Health Centers are always ready to help. 

New to MyChart? 

MyChart is a free and secure way to manage your health in one place. You can schedule appointments, view test results, message your care team, and keep track of your health information. 

If you don’t have a MyChart account yet, sign up today! To get started, CLICK HERE.   

Making Care Easier 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, the goal is to make care more accessible and easier to navigate for Central Texas families. Direct Scheduling is one more way to support that, giving you more flexibility and control over how you receive care. 

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Important Notice: Recall of TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Meters 

Published April 30, 2026

CommUnityCare Health Centers is sharing an important update to help keep you safe and informed about your diabetes care. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, the most serious type, for all TRUE METRIX blood glucose meters due to a software issue that may affect how results are displayed.  

TRUE METRIX meters may show an “E-5” error message. According to the FDA, this message can mean two different things: 

  • Blood sugar is extremely high (over 600 mg/dL), or  
  • There is a problem with the test strip or device 

Because of this, patients may delay care or treat themselves incorrectly, which can lead to serious health risks. 

In some cases, this confusion has been linked to serious outcomes, including dehydration, loss of consciousness, and other complications when treatment is delayed or incorrect. 

What you should do 

You can continue using your TRUE METRIX meter for now. However, if you have access to another blood glucose meter, it is recommended that you use that instead when possible. For your safety, do not change your insulin or other diabetes medications based only on an “E-5” error message. 

Trividia Health is offering free replacements for certain TRUE METRIX® blood glucose meters. You should contact Trividia Health to verify if your meter is affected and to get a replacement. 

How to Contact for Replacement:

If you have an E-5 error and feel unwell: 

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are severe 
  • Contact your provider right away, or  
  • Call the CommUnityCare Patient Navigation Center at 512-978-9015 

Resources:  

FDA: Blood Glucose Monitor Recall: Trividia Health Issues Correction for TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems 

FDA: Risks of Using TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems by Trividia Health: FDA Safety Communication 

URGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE CORRECTION – UPDATED Trividia Health Correction for TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems (May 1, 2026)

 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Names Dr. Michael Stefanowicz as Chief Health Officer 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Stefanowicz as its new Chief Health Officer (CHO), a role designed to further integrate clinical care, quality, safety, and population health across the organization. 

The appointment follows a national search and reflects the continued evolution of CommUnityCare Health Centers as it grows in scale and complexity, with an increased focus on delivering coordinated, high-quality care to the communities it serves. 

“Throughout the search, we prioritized a leader who could operate at the intersection of clinical excellence and system execution—someone capable of translating strategy into day-to-day practice across a large, multidisciplinary organization and within our broader working relationship with Central Health,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nicholas Yagoda. “Dr. Stefanowicz has already demonstrated this ability, and we couldn’t be more confident in his leadership.” 

Dr. Stefanowicz most recently served as Associate Chief Medical Officer, where he led complex, system-level initiatives and demonstrated a strong ability to align clinical strategy with operational execution. His leadership has been especially impactful in high-priority areas, including care for patients living with HIV, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in recovery. 

A fellowship-trained HIV specialist and board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Stefanowicz has dedicated his career to advancing care for underserved populations. His experience in nontraditional care settings underscores his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building trust with patients and communities. 

As Chief Health Officer, Dr. Stefanowicz will focus on strengthening clinical quality, supporting care teams, and advancing an integrated model of care that improves access, outcomes, and patient experience across the system. 

“I am humbled and profoundly appreciative of the trust that our leaders and colleagues have vested in me. As it has been for many of our patients and our team members alike, I have called CommUnityCare home for some time now, and I am honored to partner in our growth and successes together in this next chapter” said Dr. Stefanowicz. “I am grateful to the many friends, mentors, colleagues and patients who have shaped me into the physician leader I am today and for teaching me what it truly means to place the patient at the center of our work. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes out to the countless frontline healthcare workers who lead with love each and every day.” 

The organization also recognizes Dr. Susan Dubois for her leadership as Interim Chief Medical Officer during a pivotal period. Her steady guidance and continued contributions over the last 18 months have helped support clinical teams and ensure continuity of care. 

Dr. Stefanowicz’s appointment marks an important step forward as CommUnityCare Health Centers continues to enhance coordination across clinical services and expand its impact in Central Texas communities. 

 

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Central Health Opens Hancock Phase 1, Bringing Comprehensive Care to the Heart of Austin 

April 24, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health and CommUnityCare Health Centers today opened the doors of Central Health Hancock to patients, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality, coordinated care for Travis County.  

Located at 1000 E. 41st St. at the Hancock Center—the former site of Austin’s flagship Sears store—the Phase 1 opening of the $150 million facility brings together the David Powell Health Center, pharmacy services, and lab services through Quest Diagnostics, offering patients a one-stop care experience in Central Austin for the first time.  

The Central Health system—which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans—designed the campus to bring coordinated, whole-person care together under one roof.  

“This is a major milestone for our system and an important step forward for the future of care in Travis County,” said Dr. Pat Lee, president and CEO of Central Health. “Hancock represents exactly where the Central Health system is headed: bringing services closer together, making care more connected and convenient, and creating a better experience for the patients we serve. As we open our doors, we are especially proud to welcome patients to the new home of the David Powell Health Center, where they will continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. We are so proud to open our doors and grateful to the partners, elected leaders, and taxpayers who helped make this remarkable project possible.”  

A New Home for a Decades-Long Legacy 

Among the services now operating at Central Health Hancock is the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center, one of the most recognized HIV care clinics in Central Texas. Founded in 1990 and named after HIV/AIDS advocate David Powell, the clinic has provided comprehensive medical care and support services to thousands of patients living with HIV for more than three decades.  

The relocation to Central Health Hancock allows the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center to continue its legacy of care in a modernized, expanded environment—one designed to meet the growing needs of patients while remaining rooted in the values of dignity, access, and community. Co-locating the clinic within a larger health care campus also helps reduce the stigma associated with HIV care, ensuring patients are met with respect at every step of their care journey.  

“Central to everything that we do as a system, as practitioners, is upholding the dignity of our patients, ensuring their full, whole-person needs are addressed,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CommUnityCare Health Centers CEO and executive vice president of ambulatory services at Central Health. “This is one of the greatest realizations of that promise—primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, dentistry, acute walk-in clinics, laboratory services, diagnostic services, all woven together so that this is not a one-size-fits-all. This is a one-size-fits-one, and each individual will have their unique experience when they walk through these doors.” 

One-Stop Care for Travis County Residents 

Phase 1 services now available at Central Health Hancock include: 

  • David Powell Health Center — HIV treatment and prevention services, relocating from its longtime location to a modernized clinical environment. 
  • Pharmacy services — On-site CommUnityCare pharmacy serving patients across the Central Health system. 
  • Lab services — Quest Diagnostics on-site, providing convenient diagnostic services for patients.  

 CommUnityCare Convenient Care services, currently operating at the Central Health Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic, are set to begin services by mid-May.  

A Building With History, Reimagined for the Future 

The Central Health Hancock site transforms the former Sears department store—a fixture of the Central Austin community since it opened in 1963—into a health care hub with 90,000 square feet of clinical space as part of a nearly 200,000-square-foot campus. Construction began in fall 2024 and represents a $150 million investment for the Central Health system, approved by the Central Health Board of Managers in fiscal year 2021.  

The project was financed through certificates of obligation—a form of long-term municipal debt—allowing Central Health to spread costs over time and preserve reserves for patient care. Owning the property also saves taxpayer dollars down the road, avoiding the ongoing expense of leasing comparable space. This approach reflects Central Health’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and maximizing the value of every public dollar.   

Looking Ahead: Phase 2 and the Full Hancock Opening 

Phase 1 represents the first step in a broader transformation of the Central Health Hancock facility. When construction on the full facility is complete—anticipated in 2027—the nearly 200,000-square-footsite will become the flagship headquarters of the Central Health system, housing: 

  • Expanded primary and specialty care services 
  • Administrative offices for Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans 
  • Central Health Board of Managers meeting space and community rooms 
  • Additional clinical capacity to reduce wait times and serve patients 

At completion, Central Health Hancock will be the largest facility in the Central Health system, designed to serve as both a clinical hub and the operational heart of a unified, patient-centered system of care.  

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About CommUnityCare Health Centers 

Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of 30+ federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The services at CommUnityCare Health Centers are available regardless of insurance status or household income. For more information, please visit https://communitycaretx.org. 

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About Central Health  

Central Health is the hospital district serving Travis County. Created by voters in 2004, Central Health plans, pays for, and provides care for residents with low income, ensuring care is free or highly affordable for those who need it most. Together with CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, the Central Health system forms a unified, publicly accountable health system focused on expanding access, reducing wait times, and delivering measurable value for patients and taxpayers across Central Texas. 

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Little Wins, Big Confidence. The Power of Occupational Therapy.

Allyson Basse, MSOT, OTR, Occupational Therapist  
April 23, 2026

Kids are always learning through play, movement, and everyday routines. But when small tasks start to feel big, it can impact a child’s confidence and a family’s daily routine. 

That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) can help. 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, occupational therapists support children in building the skills they need to take on everyday tasks with confidence, at home, at school, and out and about in the community. From infancy through young adulthood, our teams develop individualized treatment plans to target deficits and overcome challenges to help children grow and thrive.  

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize the important role these everyday skills play in helping children thrive. 

Does my child need Occupational Therapy? 

Every child develops at their own pace. But if daily routines feel harder than they should, extra support can make a big difference. Occupational Therapy (OT) benefits children who struggle with the skills and confidence that they need to be independent in everyday life.  

Challenges may include:  

  • Fine Motor Skills: zipping their jacket, holding a pencil/markers, or using utensils  
  • Gross Motor Skills: climbing on the playground, coordination going up stairs, or keeping up with daily routines such as bathing 
  • Processing Sensory Input: over or under responding to sounds, textures, movement, light, or clothing 
  • Executive Function Skills: managing emotions, problem-solving, or organizing thoughts 
  • Visual Motor Integration: putting together puzzles, using scissors, or playing catch 
  • Daily Self-Care Tasks: brushing teeth, getting dressed, or using the toilet  
  • Handwriting: forming letters, writing clearly, or finishing schoolwork  
  • Attention and Focus Abilities: managing distractions at school, following directions (like set the table), or ability to move from one activity to the next 

If some of these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many families have similar concerns, and support is available. 

Pictured: Seven-year-old Navaeh Mondragon throws and catches a balloon during her occupational therapy visit with Crystal Wagner, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Pictured: Navaeh practices her fine motor skills by using utensils to cut Play-Doh during her OT session at the CommUnityCare Carousel Pediatrics Springdale Clinic.

Everyday Activities That Support Your Child’s Development 

If your child seems to have lots of energy or is always on the move, “heavy work” activities can help them feel calmer and more focused. Heavy work uses your child’s muscles and joints to help their body feel more organized and aware of where they are in their surrounding space. 

The best part? You can build it into your everyday routine, no special equipment needed. 

Try a few of these “heavy work” activities at home: 

  • Push or pull a laundry basket or wagon  
  • Carry couch cushions to build a fort or obstacle course  
  • Drink a thick smoothie through a straw 
  • Blow bubbles in the bath  
  • Scoop and pour rice, beans, or sand in a sensory bin  
  • Rip cardboard or hole punch paper to make confetti 
  • Help water plants at home or in a community garden  
  • Join a free hands-on kids workshop at a local store (ex. Home Depot) 
  • Climb, jump, and play at your neighborhood park (ex. Alliance Children’s Garden) 

Navaeh’s Story: How Occupational Therapy Is Helping Her Thrive 

Inside the CommUnityCare Carousel Springdale Pediatrics Clinic, seven-year-old Navaeh Mondragon works through a series of small but meaningful movements with her occupational therapy care team. Each stretch, each attempt, each moment of focus represents progress, progress that is building her confidence and helping her navigate everyday life. 

For her mother, Maria Magdalena Mondragon, those moments mean everything. 

“From the very first day she was born, she has been a Carousel Pediatrics patient. They have always taken wonderful care of us. They care about Navaeh very much,” said Maria Mondragon. “She already knows where to go, she knows which room to go to. She feels at home here.” 

Like many parents, Maria wants her daughter to grow with independence and confidence. At a very young age, she noticed Navaeh was experiencing developmental delays, tasks that required extra patience, guidance, and support. Navaeh was later diagnosed with autism. Seeking answers and support, Maria turned to her CommUnityCare pediatric care team, who connected Navaeh to a range of therapy services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy. 

Through occupational therapy, Navaeh is developing essential skills for daily life, strengthening coordination, improving mobility, and building the confidence to engage more fully with the world around her. 

Maria sees that impact every day. 

“It has helped her so much. It has helped her tremendously with socialization. When she started, she couldn’t be around anyone in a public setting. Because of her autism, she didn’t want to be in public. She cried a lot,” Maria shared. “But she has made so many advancements. I can take her to stores and to the park now. She socializes more with other kids. She wants to try new food. Before, her food options were very limited. She also recognizes shapes and colors now.” 

Little by little, Navaeh is gaining new abilities. The changes may seem small to others, but to her family, they represent meaningful milestones, signs of growth, resilience, and possibility. 

Equally important is the support Maria receives as a parent. Providers take time to explain what Navaeh is working on, answer questions, and ensure Maria feels confident continuing that support at home. 

“I am very happy with all the services they have provided for my daughter and me. We are treated very well. My experience has been phenomenal,” Maria said. 

Pictured: Navaeh practices daily self-care exercises by brushing her hair during her OT session.

Pictured: Navaeh practices identifying and expressing emotions during her OT session.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone 

If any of these struggles sound familiar, the CommUnityCare Occupational Therapy team is available to help! The dedicated team is here to support your family every step of the way. If you are experiencing any concerns, speak to your pediatrician today and request an evaluation with one of our passionate occupational therapists. We can’t wait to help your child build skills, confidence, and independence over time. 

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Care That Puts You First. How A Medical Home Supports A Healthier You.

Amanda Waterman, MD, Primary Care Physician and Regional Clinic Lead 
April 16, 2026

Having a medical home is an important part of your overall health. You may have heard of the term before, but what does it really mean and how does it benefit you?  

What is a Medical Home? 

A medical home (also known as a Patient-Centered Medical Home or PCMH) is more than just the building where you see your doctor. It’s a specific way of delivering your care. 

In a medical home, you have a dedicated team that works together to support your health in a comprehensive, accessible way. This team-based approach makes it easier for you to get the care you need, whether it’s preventative care, a sudden illness, or managing a chronic condition.  

A Better Way to Receive Your Care 

A patient-centered medical home is built around five key principles that help make your care more connected, convenient, and personalized.  

  1. Comprehensive Care 
    A medical home care team supports your physical and mental health. This includes check-ups, preventative care, treatment for illnesses, and chronic care. You’re supported by a team that may include not only your doctor but nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and more! All working together with you in mind.  
  2. Patient-Centered  
    This means you are at the center of everything we do. The relationships between you and your providers are built on respect and value to fully understand your unique needs. Your family and support system are also recognized by your care team and encouraged to be actively involved in your care treatment and plan.  
  3. Coordinated Care
    Your care doesn’t stop with one visit. Your team helps coordinate everything, from specialty appointments, medications, home care, hospital visits, and community resources. This means less stress for you as you transition between services and communication between you and your care team is a top priority.  
  4. Accessible Services 
    Getting care should be easy. A medical home strives to provide shorter wait times, after-hours support and multiple ways to connect with your care team including by phone, email, MyChart messaging or telehealth. 
  5. Quality and Safety 
    Your medical home care team is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care. They also listen to your feedback and continually look for ways to improve your experience and health outcomes for not just you but your entire community.  

Why It Matters 

When you have a medical home, you’re not just seeing a provider; you’re building a relationship with a team that knows and cares for you. This way of delivering care leads to better health, fewer gaps in care, and a more personalized experience.  

Hopefully this has helped you gain an understanding of what it means to be cared for in a medical home. As a physician, it is my honor to be part of an amazing team and to care for the needs of both individuals and the community daily. 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is dedicated to serving its Central Texas communities through the Patient-Centered Medical Home model. If you need a place where you can receive care that aligns with your needs and values, call our patient navigation center today. If you are already patient, thank you for trusting us with your care.

 A medical home is defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as a medical home not simply as a place but as a model of the organization of primary care that delivers the core functions of primary health care. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Names Katherine T. Reyes as Chief Operating Officer 

CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine T. Reyes as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing extensive healthcare leadership experience in operational strategy, growth, and organizational transformation. 

Reyes joins CommUnityCare Health Centers following a 10-month-long national search to identify a leader who could help guide the organization through its next phase of growth and operational excellence. Her arrival marks an important milestone for the organization as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its ability to serve communities across Central Texas. 

“Katherine brings an exceptional track record of operational leadership and a deep commitment to building systems that support both patients and care teams,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, Chief Executive Officer of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Her experience leading large, complex healthcare organizations and fostering collaborative partnerships between clinicians and administrators will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance access to high-quality care across our communities.” 

Reyes is a seasoned healthcare executive with experience scaling multi-site provider networks, strengthening operations, and guiding large healthcare organizations through transformational change. 

Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services at University Health in San Antonio, where she helped expand the ambulatory enterprise to more than 650 clinicians across 40 locations. She previously held Chief Operating Officer roles with Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and the Santa Cruz division of Sutter Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where she helped lead operational transformation initiatives, implement enterprise health record systems, and strengthen patient experience and workforce engagement. 

“CommUnityCare and Central Health have inspiring missions and dedicated teams,” said Reyes. “I am excited to join CommUnityCare as Chief Operating Officer and look forward to learning about the excellent work underway while collaborating and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to navigate and thrive in an evolving healthcare environment.” 

Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from San Jose State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. 

Outside of work, Reyes is a proud daughter of a career U.S. Navy sailor and the wife of a U.S. Army soldier. She enjoys exploring Texas parks with her two four-pawed dependents and frequently visits the California Bay Area to spend time with family. 

Reyes is set to join CommUnityCare Health Centers in May 2026. 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Services Begin Transitioning to New Central Health Hancock Site 

Published: March 24, 2026

Last updated: May 19, 2026 

Planning is underway to transition CommUnityCare services to Central Health Hancock, a new health care campus in Central Austin that will expand access to care for the community. 

Services will roll out in phases as construction progresses and spaces become operational. Patients and community partners can expect updates as services prepare to move.

This page will serve as a central place to share the latest information throughout the transition. 

Phased Rollout of Services  

Phase 1 of relocation for CommUnityCare services includes: 

  • David Powell Clinic will begin services on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. – NOW OPEN!
  • Pharmacy and lab services will begin operations on April 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. – NOW OPEN!
  • Convenient Care services, operating out of the Central Health Capital Plaza Specialty Clinic, will relocate to Central Health Hancock and begin services on May 19, 2026, at 7 a.m. – NOW OPEN!

Update on David Powell Health Center Lab Services 

Patients should be aware of a change to laboratory services at the David Powell Health Center. 

Quest Diagnostics’ last day of patient care at David Powell Health Center is April 13, 2026. Beginning April 14, patients will need to visit another Quest Diagnostics location for lab services. Patients who need further assistance identifying the best location for lab services can speak with their care team. 

CommUnityCare recommends the following nearby Quest Diagnostics locations: 

For more Quest Diagnostics locations, visit HERE. David Powell patients may transition to lab services at Central Health Hancock upon opening (NOW AVAILABLE).

About Central Health Hancock 

The Central Health Hancock site transforms the former flagship Sears building at Hancock Center into a nearly 200,000-square-foot health care campus designed to support specialty care, clinical services, and administrative operations. 

Construction on the project began in Fall 2024 and represents a significant investment in strengthening the health care safety net for Travis County residents. Once complete, the campus will expand access to care, support better coordination across services, and help reduce wait times for patients who rely on the safety-net system. 

More than just a new building, the Central Health Hancock site reflects a continued commitment to building a healthier and more equitable future for the community, creating a space designed to meet the growing needs of patients. Learn more about Hancock HERE.

Honoring the Legacy of the CommUnityCare David Powell Health Center  

For more than three decades, the David Powell Health Center has served as a cornerstone of HIV care in Central Texas. Founded in 1990 and named after HIV/AIDS advocate David Powell, the clinic has provided comprehensive medical care and support services to thousands of patients living with HIV. 

As the region grows and infrastructure projects, including the TXDOT I35 expansion, reshape the area surrounding the current clinic, the move to Hancock will allow the program to continue its legacy of care while expanding services in a modernized environment. Read more about the legacy of David Powell HERE. 

Staying Informed 

As construction continues and services begin transitioning to the Central Health Hancock site, additional updates will be shared with patients and the community. Phase 2 of services is anticipated to roll out in 2027. 

This page will continue to be updated as more services prepare to move to Hancock.  

 

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CommUnityCare Health Centers Earns 2024 HRSA Operational Site Visit Badge 

CommUnityCare Health Centers has been awarded the 2024 Operational Site Visit (OSV) Badge from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recognizing full compliance with all Health Center Program requirements following a comprehensive federal review. 

The OSV Badge is a new national recognition introduced for health centers with site visits conducted in 2024 or later. It is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate full compliance and receive no conditions on their award following an Operational Site Visit, marking the successful completion of a rigorous three-year review cycle. 

Operational Site Visits serve as an objective assessment of a health center’s clinical, financial, and operational performance. The process ensures strong stewardship of federal resources while reinforcing high standards of patient care, governance, and accountability. 

Earning the 2024 OSV Badge reflects the strength of the systems, leadership, and teams across CommUnityCare Health Centers who work every day to deliver accessible, high-quality primary care to the communities of Central Texas. 

“This recognition affirms our commitment to operational excellence and to the patients and families who trust us with their care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO. “It reflects the dedication of our teams and the strong foundation that supports our mission.” 

The OSV Badge is distinct from, but related to, HRSA’s annual Community Health Quality Recognition awards, which focus on clinical performance measures. Together, these recognitions highlight both quality outcomes and compliance excellence. 

For a full breakdown of the Travis County Healthcare District / Central Texas Community Health Center HRSA data and performance metrics, visit HRSA’s program data page. 

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New Clinic Availability Strengthens Access to Musculoskeletal Care 

Access to specialized musculoskeletal (MSK) care is expanding, bringing advanced joint and sports medicine services to more patients across Central Texas and reducing wait times for those seeking relief from chronic pain and injury. 

Led by Dr. Leigh Romero, CommUnityCare Provider and Dell Medical School Primary Care Sports Fellowship Director, the MSK specialty care service line treats a wide range of bone, joint and muscle conditions — from chronic arthritis to acute injuries. Services include advanced joint injections, rehabilitation planning and personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient.  

“Sometimes it’s diagnosing the problem and creating a rehab plan — whether that’s physical therapy, home exercises or medication to manage pain,” Romero said. “Other times, it’s performing injections like steroids or gel injections. It really depends on the patient, their age and where they are in their condition.” 

By expanding MSK services across multiple locations, more patients can be seen sooner and closer to home. “Providing more MSK clinics really opens this up to an underserved population that needs it,” Romero said. 

Previously offered just one half-day per week at Southeast Health and Wellness Center, expanded clinic sessions are now available at:  

  • Southeast Health and Wellness Center 
    • Tuesday Mornings 
    • Friday Mornings (1st/3rd/5th of the month) 
  • North Central Health Center  
    • Thursday Afternoons  
  • Central Health CEC Building 
    • Mondays 
    • Wednesday Mornings 
    • Wednesday Afternoons (2nd/4th of the month) 
    • Thursday Mornings 

Keeping care within the medical home also strengthens coordination and continuity. 

“By keeping care within the medical home, patients avoid outside referrals and fragmented records,” Romero said. “Imaging, labs, medications and specialty services remain coordinated in one trusted system.” 

A Difference Patients Can Feel 

For patients like Angie Harris, 70, expanded MSK services mean quicker access to a provider she trusts. A patient of more than 40 years, Harris has been experiencing chronic pain in her shoulder due to arthritis. “I come to Dr. Romero to get my steriod shots. I depend on those shots to relieve me of my pain,” Harris said. “She takes care of me pretty good. And when I need to come in, she works me in.” 

Harris’ chronic pain being managed by through the MSK clinic, but is looking at a surgery referral for long-term relief.  

“They listen to my concerns,” Harris said. “I can see my primary care doctor here and some of the specialists. It’s all in one area — I don’t have to run across town. It’s convenient because it’s not far from my home.” 

Beyond the convenience, Harris values the relationship built over time. 

“Dr. Romero is someone you can be comfortable with,” she said. “You can communicate with her, and you feel more at home with a person like that.” 

Strengthening Access and Education 

In addition to increasing patient access, the expanded clinic strengthens hands-on training for future physicians. Twenty-one Family Medicine residents rotate through Southeast Health and Wellness Center each year, along with one Sports Medicine Fellow. 

Romero says teaching enhances the patient experience. 

“They spend time getting a detailed history and exam,” she said. “When I come in, we talk through what we’re seeing and thinking. Patients appreciate understanding what’s going on with their bodies.” 

With additional clinic sessions and expanded locations, MSK services are positioned to serve more patients, reduce barriers to specialty care and deliver timely relief — all within the medical home patients already know and trust. 

“I’m really happy we’re able to expand,” Romero said. “There’s a growing need, and it’s important patients have more openings and more places to receive this care.”