Austin physician “makes a difference” by caring for the underserved
Meet January’s Member of the Month, Lisa Doggett, M.D., M.P.H., of Austin. In her 10 years as a family physician, she has dedicated her career to caring for the uninsured, underinsured, and others in need, following in the footsteps of her parents for whom "public service is a way of life." more …
posted 01.16.12
AAFP launches renewed push to block Medicare payment cut and repeal SGRWith the U.S. Congress back in session after its holiday break, AAFP has launched a renewed campaign to urge Congress to repeal the flawed SGR formula and end the cycle of threatened cuts and temporary fixes that keep doctors and Medicare patients in a continual state of fluctuation. Without action, the 27.4 percent cut in physician payment will go through March 1. more …
posted 01.24.12
Congratulations to TAFP member Richard Young, M.D., the only Texas physician appointed to participate in the CMS Innovation Advisors Program. As one of 73 advisors, Young will work with the Innovation Center to test new models of care delivery, form partnerships with local organizations to drive delivery system reform, and improve his own health system to achieve better health and lower health care costs for his community. more …
posted 01.24.12
HHSC eliminates Medicaid payments of Medicare Part B coinsurance, deductibles for dual-eligible patientsAs of Jan. 1, 2012, HHSC stopped paying for Medicare Part B coinsurance and deductibles on services provided for patients eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The change amounts to as much as a 20 percent cut in reimbursement for many of those services. more …
posted 01.24.12
CMS accepts appeals for e-prescribing and PQRSPhysicians who received a penalty for not e-prescribing can request an appeal through CMS’ informal appeals process to determine whether CMS made a mistake in its calculations. more …
posted 01.24.12
Sign up to hold a Brain Injury Awareness Month bike helmet giveaway this MarchBrain Injury Awareness Month, previously held in October, has moved to March. Physicians can use the event to encourage youth helmet safety during cycling, skating, and other wheeled activities through TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads initiative. Because of TAFP’s partnership with TMA, physicians who are members of both organizations can receive up to 100 helmets at no charge. more …
posted 01.24.12
TAFP seeks applicants for 2012 awards, NCSC delegates and scholarships, and ALF scholarshipsNominate yourself or a colleague for one of TAFP’s annual awards: Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, Public Health Award, Exemplary Teaching Awards, and the Special Constituency Leadership Award, or apply to represent Texas as a delegate to AAFP’s National Conference of Special Constituencies and Annual Leadership Forum. Award nominations, delegate applications, and applications for the NCSC and ALF scholarships are all due Friday, Feb. 10. more …
posted 01.24.12
Reduced funding, increased vaccine prices prompt DSHS program changes
Several factors have spurred changes to the DSHS Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net programs. Among the new policies, each child with private insurance that covers vaccines will no longer be eligible for routine vaccinations at local public health clinics through TVFC, and ASN will provide vaccines only to uninsured adults, not underinsured adults. more …
posted 01.05.12
Nominate yourself or a colleague for one of TAFP’s 2012 awardsTAFP is now accepting nominations for our major annual awards: Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, Public Health Award, Exemplary Teaching Awards, and the Special Constituency Leadership Award. They will be presented at the 63rd Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in Austin this July. Consider recognizing yourself or a colleague. Nomination materials are due Friday, Feb. 10. more …
posted 01.05.12
Apply for delegate spots and scholarships for AAFP’s NCSC and ALF conferencesConferences will be held May 3-5, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo.
TAFP is looking for the 2012 delegation to AAFP’s National Conference of Special Constituencies and Annual Leadership Forum, and applicants for TAFP scholarships to these conferences. Seven spots are available for NCSC: a representative for each special constituency and two scholarships. Two ALF scholarships are available to any up-and-coming leader, no experience required. Apply for all positions by Friday, Feb. 10. more …
posted 01.05.12
Congress reaches deal on SGR extensionCongress has reached a last-minute compromise that will avert the 27.4 percent cut in Medicare physician payment. more …
posted 12.22.11
Congress fails to pass Medicare pay patch, CMS to hold claimsCongress has failed to reach an agreement on a host of items, including an extension of the Medicare payment rate for physicians. The scheduled 27.4 percent cut will go into effect Jan. 1. CMS has already directed its carriers to hold payments for services billed between Jan. 1 and Jan. 17. more …
posted 12.21.11
Congress likely to approve one-year SGR extensionJust a few weeks remain for Congress to prevent a 27.4 percent cut in Medicare physician payment from going into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. According to AAFP, Congress will likely pass a single-year extension of the SGR with a small increase, but it all depends on whether lawmakers can agree on how to fund another “doc fix.” more …
posted 12.13.11
Texas gets approval for waiver to expand Medicaid managed careFederal officials have granted Texas’ request to expand Medicaid managed care to border and rural areas without having to give up vital hospital funding intended to mitigate the cost of providing uncompensated care. more …
posted 12.13.11
AHRQ campaign encourages Hispanic patients to “take the reins” in health decisionsA new campaign encourages Hispanic patients to take control of their health, explore treatment options, and work with their health care team to make the best possible treatment decisions. Called Toma Las Riendas, it promotes health information to help Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients and doctors work together to make informed health care decisions. Read more and access the resources here. more …
posted 12.13.11
Wal-Mart explores expansion of health care servicesIn a document leaked last week, mega-retailer Wal-Mart seemed to be positioning itself to “build a national, integrated, low-cost primary care health care platform” to provide a variety of preventive and chronic care services to millions of Americans. While the company has since dismissed the statement as “overwritten and incorrect,” it is still pursuing the request. more …
posted 11.16.11
Member of the Month: Claudia Aguero-Vazquez, M.D.Rio Grande Valley educator coaches residents, patients to be their best
Meet November’s Member of the Month, Claudia Aguero-Vazquez, M.D., of Harlingen. Though she began her career in private practice, she is now faculty at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency Program. It’s here that she shines as a “remarkable leader, cheerleader, and coach,” in the words of her nominator. more …
posted 11.16.11
HHSC proposes eliminating Medicaid payments of Medicare Part B coinsurance, deductible for dual-eligible patientsSubmit comments on the rules before Nov. 21
The state seeks to cut costs in Medicaid by eliminating Medicaid payments of Medicare Part B coinsurance and deductibles for dual-eligible patients. In testimony to HHSC, TMA President Bruce Malone, M.D., said this action will hurt the most vulnerable patients and discourage physicians from setting up practices in underserved areas. HHSC will accept comments on the rules through Nov. 21. more …
posted 11.16.11
Support the AAFP Foundation with the dues check-off campaignWith one click, you can support the work of the AAFP Foundation when you renew your Academy dues. The Foundation Dues Check-Off campaign asks members to give a one-time $50 gift that will help advance the work of the philanthropic arm of the Academy. more …
posted 11.16.11
HHSC seeks members for the Electronic Health Information Exchange Advisory CommitteePhysicians interested in health information technology and health information exchange are encouraged to apply for one of two spots available on the Electronic Health Information Exchange Advisory Committee. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, and appointments will be made before the meeting to be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Austin. more …
posted 11.16.11
Austin family physician named to new position at HHSCOn Jan. 1, 2012, TAFP member Mark Chassay, M.D., of Austin will assume his new appointment as deputy executive commissioner for the Office of Health Policy and Clinical Services at the Health and Human Services Commission, where he will oversee policy initiatives intended to improve the coordination, quality, and efficiency of Texas’ health care system. more …
posted 11.01.11
Texas House releases interim chargesTexas House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has released the list of charges to House committees that will form the blueprint for legislation in the 83rd Legislature. Among the tasks, committees will look at the impact of cuts on graduate medical education, the progress of state health reform passed in the last session, and the preparations for federal health care reform. more …
posted 11.01.11
Texas Medicare, Medicaid EHR incentive payments reach $30 millionSince opening the incentive program to reward physicians for adopting and using electronic health records, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have paid $30 million to Texas physicians, which makes up 20 percent of the $870 million distributed nationwide. It’s not too late to participate. more …
posted 11.01.11
How to correctly submit “brand medically necessary” e-prescriptionsPhysicians electronically submitting a “brand necessary” prescription for a Medicaid beneficiary must take two steps to ensure it is filled as written. You must select the Dispense as Written option from your electronic health record system and enter the words “Brand Medically Necessary” in the notes-to-pharmacy field. Skip these steps and you’ll likely receive a follow-up call from the pharmacy. more …
posted 10.18.11
Members of the Month: J. Mark Anderson, M.D., and Walter Gaman, M.D.Southlake physicians share family medicine with broad audience
Meet our October Members of the Month: J. Mark Anderson, M.D., and Walter Gaman, M.D. As hosts of a popular Dallas radio show and authors of a new book, the Southlake family physicians are no strangers to the media. They say it’s important to provide a family medicine perspective because family physicians are “on the front lines” and “see the big picture.” more …
posted 10.15.11
Introducing a new look for Texas Family PhysicianKeep an eye out for the latest edition of TAFP’s Texas Family Physician magazine, which features an in-depth exposition on the importance of rising health costs on the nation’s economic outlook, the story of how one small-group family practice achieved the meaningful-use standard, and a report from TAFP’s 2011 Annual Session and Scientific Assembly, all packaged in a brand-new design. Hope you like it! more …
posted 10.18.11
Last chance for e-prescribing penalty exemptionPhysicians who did not submit 10 e-prescribing claims by June 30, 2011, will receive a 1-percent penalty applied to the Physician Fee Schedule starting Jan. 1, 2012, unless they apply for an exemption by Nov. 1, 2011. If you are unsure if you are subject to the penalty or unsure if you successfully sent 10 e-prescriptions by the June deadline, the Texas Medical Association recommends you review the exemptions and apply as soon as possible if one pertains to your hardship and if you want to be considered for an exemption to the penalty. more …
posted 10.18.11
Physician leaders share strategies at Payment Reform SummitWith engaging speakers and good conversation, TAFP’s Payment Reform Summit on Saturday presented a look into the future of health care and how stakeholders can pay for it. The recurring theme was replacing volume with value, and the importance of family physicians in reform. Read a synopsis of the event. more …
posted 10.05.11
Blog special: With Texas health care in the spotlight, opportunities aboundCheck out a special preview from the Texas Family Docs blog. For this post, TAFP takes a look at the increasing attention to Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s health care record in Texas as he pursues the Republican nomination for president. more …
posted 10.05.11
HHSC seeks family physicians for three health care oversight groupsFamily physicians interested in neonatal intensive care unit use, the development of coordinated health care delivery models, or overused services in Medicaid may consider applying for one of three groups created during the 82nd Legislature. Applications are due by Oct. 12, 2011. more …
posted 10.05.11
TAFP presents new, free online CME offeringsIn our continual effort to provide high-quality CME, Texas Academy of Family Physicians Continuing Professional Development is proud to bring you free, online CME video activities through which you can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Each interactive CME package includes a video timed with a PowerPoint presentation. View the three open activities now and check back soon for more to be added this fall. more …
posted 10.05.11
Watch AAFP Congress of Delegates sessions, opening ceremony onlineSee AAFP’s policy-making body at work in the Congress of Delegates daily general sessions, available through live broadcast online through UStream. The sessions will be streamed through tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 14. Can’t watch live? All videos will be archived and available to watch at your convenience, including Sunday’s Town Hall meeting. more …
posted 09.13.11
Member of the Month: Aaron Segal, M.D.“Family practice” holds extra meaning for Plano physician
Meet September’s Member of the Month, Aaron Segal, M.D., of Plano. In practice with his wife and father, he reflects on his experience working with family, gives thoughts on the broken reimbursement model, and tells how one ride in a college campus ambulance sealed his destiny to become a physician. more …
posted 09.13.11
AAFP, specialty organizations develop strategy to avoid Medicare payment cutRamping up the effort to advocate against damaging cuts to Medicare and graduate medical education, AAFP met with representatives from seven medical societies and seven professional organizations last Wednesday to work on a unified strategy for approaching the congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction as its members formulate a plan to cut $1.2 trillion in federal spending. more …
posted 09.13.11
TAFP recognized for excellence in scope of practice advocacyTAFP has again won AAFP’s Leadership in State Government Advocacy award, this year for our effort to preserve physicians’ scope of practice against attacks from advanced practice registered nurses in the 82nd Legislature. Read more about the comprehensive education package and collaborative effort of TAFP members and staff. more …
posted 09.13.11
Deliberations present opportunity, risks in Medicare physician payOnce again, Medicare physician payment will face double-digit cuts starting Jan. 1, 2012, if Congress does not act. However, as a joint select congressional committee moves forward on their charge to cut at least $1.2 trillion in federal spending, they have an opportunity to fix a decade-long problem with the way the government pays physicians for Medicare services. Read about the campaign to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate formula and how the super committee’s deliberations may affect your practice and your patients. more …
posted 08.23.11
Member of the Month: Kevin P. Spencer, M.D.Physician uses innovation and technology to deliver better patient care
Meet our August Member of the Month, Kevin Spencer, M.D., a private practice physician at Premier Family Physicians in Austin, Texas. His practice delivers quality patient care through traditional family medicine mixed with innovation and health information technology. more …
posted 08.16.11
Test your readiness for the HIPAA 5010 switch with Aug. 22-26 testing weekTake advantage of five consecutive days of help desk support and direct contact with Texas’ Medicare administrative contractor, Trailblazer Health Enterprises, during the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ HIPAA 5010 testing week. Testing week is intended to help physicians prepare for the switch to the new transaction standards by the compliance date of Jan. 1, 2012. more …
posted 08.23.11
Media draw attention to state cuts to primary care workforce initiativesSubmit your ideas to rescue primary care in Texas
Articles published this week in the Houston Chronicle and Texas Tribune analyze the impact state budget cuts will have on the primary care physician workforce. Read about the fate of the physician education loan repayment program and graduate medical education, and consider commenting on what might go into TAFP’s Primary Care Rescue Act. more …
posted 08.23.11
Report from TAFP’s 2011 Annual Session and Scientific AssemblyPlus, view a series of photos from the conference
At TAFP’s 2011 Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in Dallas last week, TAFP members earned high-quality CME, shaped Academy policy through two dozen business meetings, made industry connections through the Exhibit Hall, and enjoyed special events. The Academy also bolstered its use of social media to draw in those unable to attend. Read a full report in the Annual Session recap. more …
posted 08.09.11
Texas Medicaid announces changes to obstetrical delivery procedure codes, elective deliveriesStarting Oct. 1, physicians billing Texas Medicaid for obstetrical deliveries must include a modifier with these procedure codes. The program will deny claims for any induction or cesarean delivery before 39 weeks gestation if not medically necessary and properly documented. The change is part of a larger initiative to reduce morbidity for the babies and their mothers from birth trauma and consequences of failed inductions. more …
posted 08.09.11
Connect with family physician colleagues through live streaming video, social mediaExpand your network and connect with your colleagues through TAFP’s Social Media Portal during the 2011 Annual Session and Scientific Assembly July 27-31. Even if you can’t join us in Dallas, you can still participate through this hub, where members from around the state are encouraged to participate, provide input, and interact with our fully-integrated social media program including our first-ever live streaming video lecture. more …
posted 07.26.11
Member of the Month: Emily Sullivan Meyer, M.D.Fourth-generation physician carries on tradition of patient care in rural Texas
Meet our July Member of the Month, Emily Sullivan Meyer, M.D., a rural physician in Hondo, Texas, who currently practices with her father and four other family physicians. Her family's medical tradition started with her great-grandfather when he moved to Hondo and opened a general practice in 1906. more …
posted 07.15.11
New Texas Health Steps child health clinical record forms now availableTexas Health Steps has made available a new set of child health clinical record forms for use in documenting completion of THSteps medical checkups. The forms reflect updated THSteps policy. more …
posted 07.26.11
Registration for 2011 Primary Care Summit is now openConference again held in two locations: Houston and Dallas
The 2011 Primary Care Summit will again be held in two locations: Oct. 21-23 in Houston and Nov. 11-13 in Dallas. In addition to earning up to 24.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, attendees can make progress toward their ABFM Maintenance of Certification through up to two SAM Group Study Workshops. Registration for the popular programs is open now. Read more about what this year’s conferences have to offer. more …
posted 07.26.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Session ends with passage of omnibus health reformPlus, watch the final installment of Capitol Report video webcast
After 170 days, the 82nd Legislature has concluded its business. Read a legislative recap for the final word on health and human services, graduate medical education, scope of practice, and more. Plus, watch the final edition of Capitol Report. more …
posted 07.07.11
Buyer beware: Issues to consider when contracting with EHR vendorsWith electronic health record incentive money now flowing, a record number of physicians in Texas are purchasing EHRs. To help physicians navigate an EHR vendor contract, the Texas Medical Association has published a white paper detailing eight key considerations before signing on the dotted line. Access the white paper and read more about what TMA and their REC Resource Center have to offer. more …
posted 07.07.11
Use standardized screening tools at appropriate ages to receive incentive for Texas Health Steps checkupsStarting Sept. 1, 2011, physicians will receive additional payments for Texas Health Steps checkups only when they use the standardized screening tools at the appropriate age of the child. View the age chart for reference. more …
posted 07.07.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: IMG licensure bill signed into lawThe bill to allow international medical graduates to receive a medical license after two years of residency instead of three has been signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry. The law will bolster the primary care workforce and make the state a more viable practice site for qualified, Texas-trained physicians. Plus, read about the fate of the omnibus health care reform bill. more …
posted 06.22.11
Member of the Month: Christine Criscuolo Higgins, M.D.Academic physician’s love of fitness inspires community involvement
Meet our June Member of the Month, Christine Criscuolo Higgins, M.D., clinical faculty at the Christus Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency Program in San Antonio. Her approach to medicine combines her family medicine training, passion for the underserved, and love of fitness. more …
posted 06.22.11
Don’t have time for an MBA? Get business training from AAFPAAFP has released a new toolkit, the “AAFP Family Physician Mini MBA Resource Guide,” to help physicians learn about the business side of managing a medical practice. Its three sections address employed physicians, basic management skills, and advanced managements skills. more …
posted 06.22.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: 82nd Legislature adjourns, special session beginsHealth care reform bills get second chance
Lawmakers knew by Monday evening that midnight wouldn’t spell the end of the 82nd Texas Legislature. They were back Tuesday for the first called special session to work on two major budget-related issues: school financing and Medicaid reform. The good news is that this gives key health care reform bills a second chance at passage. more …
posted 06.02.11
Advisory committee for family medicine residencies grapples with cutsFamily medicine residency program directors from across the state gathered in Austin this week to make recommendations on how to divide state support for their programs after losing three quarters of their funding for 2012-2013. more …
posted 06.02.11
Prepare now for HIPAA transaction standards changeNew format starts in six months, testing day is June 15
If you haven’t already heard of it or think it is only an information technology issue, now is a good time to learn about the upcoming change to the HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. If you wait until the end of 2011, you risk not being paid or having to pay a clearinghouse to convert your transactions by the compliance date on Jan. 1, 2012. more …
posted 06.02.11
Save on back-to-school vaccines with purchasing program Atlantic Health PartnersSave on your vaccine purchases and get a valuable advocate in your corner by joining TAFP partner Atlantic Health Partners. Atlantic is a vaccine purchasing program that negotiates directly with manufacturers to get the most favorable prices and purchasing terms for your office vaccines. more …
posted 06.02.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Family medicine residency programs face massive cut in budget agreementPlus, watch the latest edition of Capitol Report webcast
The budget conference committee has forged an agreement on state spending in 2012-2013 that cuts state funding for family medicine residency training by 73.6 percent. Also, read about the failure of three bills aimed at expanding nurse practitioners’ scope of practice, and get an update on this session’s public health efforts. more …
posted 05.24.11
CMS announces new ACO model, considers advance payments to attract physiciansThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced changes to the draft regulations for accountable care organizations. One provides a fast-track for developed ACOs to get to new payment models, and the other would provide funds upfront for physicians at the beginning of the process to form a collaborative care arrangement. more …
posted 05.24.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: With time running out on the Legislature, special session “likely”House deadlines last week killed scores of bills and, with just two weeks remaining in the 82nd Texas Legislature, lawmakers are running out of time and options to pass their legislation. Though experts are wavering on the possibility of a special session, the Senate’s chief budget-writer is more certain. more …
posted 05.17.11
Member of the Month: Julie Graves Moy, M.D., M.P.H.Physician explores many sides of family medicine
This month’s featured member is Julie Graves Moy, M.D., M.P.H., of Austin, who currently works for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, but has worked in academia, private practice, and emergency medicine as well. She’s currently working on her doctorate in policy management and biostatistics. more …
posted 05.17.11
TAFP members represent Texas at conferences in Kansas City, Washington, D.C.Delegates traveled to three major AAFP conferences last week to represent the family physicians of Texas. Read more about the National Conference of Special Constituencies and Annual Leadership Forum in Kansas City, Mo., and the 2011 Family Medicine Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C. more …
posted 05.17.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Senate passes budgetIt turns out that the Senate didn’t need 21 votes to move the budget along. A combination of rules allowed it to be brought up with priority and without the traditional two-thirds vote. It now heads back to the House. more …
posted 05.05.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Senate stalls on budget debate, passes revenue measureAs time runs out for the 82nd Texas Legislature, the Senate has not been able to get the necessary votes to bring its committee-approved budget up for debate on the floor. A series of deadlines coming up within the next few weeks could spell trouble for this and other bills. more …
posted 05.03.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Physicians testify against independent practice for nurse practitionersWhen three scope bills were raised in the House Public Health Committee in the wee hours of the morning, TAFP member Tricia Elliott, M.D., of Galveston and Texas Pediatric Society member Gary Floyd, M.D., of Fort Worth were there to testify against expansion of APRNs’ scope of practice. Plus, Senate committee approves budget; TAFP members testify on telemedicine, IMG licensure bill; and don’t miss TAFP’s latest Capitol Report. more …
posted 04.21.11
Member of the Month: Loren S. Lasater, M.D.Physician invigorates practice through military service
Meet April’s Member of the Month, Loren S. Lasater, M.D., a family physician who joined the U.S. Army Reserve to care for soldiers serving abroad and in the United States. Through this service he has gained knowledge and experience working with other physicians and in other health care systems that makes him a better physician in his home practice. more …
posted 04.21.11
TAFP member Greg Fuller, M.D., to run for AMA alternate delegateGreg Fuller, M.D., of Keller, wants to represent the Texas Medical Association as alternate delegate to the American Medical Association to lend the voice of a full-time private-practice primary care physician to the delegation. Read more about Dr. Fuller and his vision for the post. more …
posted 04.21.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: View the second edition of Capitol ReportJoin Academy communications staff for the second edition of the Capitol Report news webcast to get an insider’s look into the recently-passed House budget, graduate medical education, the IMG licensure bill, and legislative battles to come. This episode features interviews with Rep. Richard Peña Raymond of Laredo, TAFP past president Doug Curran, M.D., TAFP Vice President Clare Hawkins, M.D., and TAFP Treasurer Troy Fiesinger, M.D. more …
posted 04.12.11
TAFP and AAFP release resources on ACOs and practice affiliationArm yourself with the resources you need to navigate impending payment and delivery system reforms. Access two new resources developed by TAFP, AAFP, and a coalition of state chapters. The The Family Physician’s ACO Blueprint for Success and The Family Physician’s Practice Affiliation Guide will help you plot your strategy for maintaining a successful family medicine practice. Also, mark your calendars for a payment reform summit on Oct. 1. more …
posted 04.12.11
Calling all TAFP members: Make Your Mark on family medicineThe easiest way to become more involved in your Academy is by joining a committee or commission. These groups cover a variety of topics, so you can choose what interests you most and help shape TAFP policy that will guide us through the coming years. Fill out the Make Your Mark form by May 13 and make a difference for the specialty. more …
posted 04.12.11
Free patient resource on cancer available to TAFP membersA non-profit organization would like to provide patient education guides to you at no charge to distribute to your newly diagnosed and newly restaged cancer patients. The Patient Resource Cancer Guide educates these patients on their cancer, prepares them for treatment, and empowers them to become their own advocates. Find a listing of topics and the order form. more …
posted 04.12.11
Receive free SBIRT training May 5-6 in DallasPhysicians interested in learning more about screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) have the opportunity to receive free training at a summit in Dallas on May 5–6. Act quickly; conference organizers ask that physicians register by today, April 12. more …
posted 04.12.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: House approves budgetPlus: Bills pass out of committee and Physician of the Day
The House approved its version of the 2012-2013 budget Sunday night, wrapping up nearly three days of floor debate on amendments and state priorities. Appropriations Chair Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, admits that the budget comes up short on essential functions of the state—including health services—but that representatives worked with the money available. All eyes are now on the Senate. more …
posted 04.04.11
Sign up for Physician of the Day in April and MaySeven spots remain this session
After months of waiting, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the draft regulations for the Medicare shared savings program, through which physicians organized into accountable care organizations can receive bonuses for meeting quality and cost goals. To help family physicians better understand and evaluate ACOs, AAFP, TAFP, and other state chapters collaborated to develop a set of resources on practice affiliation. more …
posted 04.04.11
CMS releases ACO guidelinesPlus, check out new resources for family physicians
After months of waiting, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the draft regulations for the Medicare shared savings program, through which physicians organized into accountable care organizations can receive bonuses for meeting quality and cost goals. To help family physicians better understand and evaluate ACOs, AAFP, TAFP, and other state chapters collaborated to develop a set of resources on practice affiliation. more …
posted 04.04.11
Calling all researchers: Enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionShow off your research at the 2011 TAFP Student, Resident, and Community Physician Poster Competition, to be held during Annual Session on July 29 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in downtown Dallas. The top resident will win a $300 cash prize and up to $1,500 in travel funding to attend a national research conference. The deadline to submit an application and abstract is May 13. more …
posted 04.04.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: House budget passes committee, retains stark cutsThe House Appropriations Committee approved the House’s version of the budget yesterday, and the new bill doesn’t stray far from the draft introduced at the beginning of the session. Cuts are deep and hit education and health and human services—the two largest spending areas of state money—particularly hard. more …
posted 03.24.11
TAFP urges Legislature to support Texas family medicine residency programsThe latest TAFP issue brief asks the Texas Legislature to invest in family medicine residency programs, dubbed “the lifeblood of the state’s primary care physician workforce” by the authors. The 28 programs in Texas provide health care for the neediest populations in the state, and ensure Texas will have a strong foundation of primary care for the future. more …
posted 03.24.11
More medical students match into family medicine residencies in 2011Family medicine made gains in the 2011 match, with 2,576 medical students choosing to pursue family medicine residencies. Analysts say increased interest in primary care stems from increased awareness of the primary care physician shortage and implications of federal health care reform. more …
posted 03.24.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Agreement on Rainy Day Fund doesn’t avert steep cutsBudget deliberations continue to dominate headlines as Gov. Rick Perry and House budget writers agreed this week to use a portion of the Rainy Day Fund to close the shortfall in the current biennium. The governor continues to strongly oppose further use of the fund for the 2012-2013 budget, which could make for an interesting conference committee as the House and Senate leaders hammer out the differences later in the session. more …
posted 03.17.11
Member of the Month: Howard Brody, M.D.Galveston physician educates patients, promotes specialty through writing
Welcome to the second installment of the Academy’s Member of the Month program, which highlights outstanding Texas family physicians for their work to advance the specialty. This month we feature Howard Brody, M.D., of Galveston, who contributes columns to local newspapers to educate patients on their health and on the specialty of family medicine, and has dedicated his career to medical ethics. more …
posted 03.17.11
News from the 2011 C. Frank Webber LectureshipFamily physicians gather to expand clinical knowledge, advance the specialty
Thanks to everyone who joined TAFP in Austin for the 2011 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. Read a recap of the weekend’s events and view photos on our Facebook page. more …
posted 03.17.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: House committee hears testimony on IMG licensure billLawmakers have been busy at the Capitol filing bills before the deadline tomorrow, March 11. More than 4,000 have been filed to date. In this Capitol Update, we bring you coverage on a bill to ease the licensure process for international medical graduates and two bills to ban smoking in public places in Texas, plus we report on TAFP’s Legislative Action Day. more …
posted 03.10.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: TAFP responds to attacks on scope with new resourcePlus, don’t miss the first CAPITOL REPORT video of the session
With the 82nd Legislative Session heating up, legislators are hard at work filing bills before the March 11 deadline. Educate yourself on the issues through TAFP’s advocacy resources, especially about scope of practice. This hot-button issue is the subject of the Academy’s newest policy brief. more …
posted 03.03.11
DSHS urges physicians to continue administering flu shotsIn the middle of an active flu season that won’t end until May, the Texas Department of State Health Services encourages physicians to continue giving this year’s flu shot to patients, particularly in high-risk groups. more …
posted 03.03.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Budget hearings continue, senator files payment reform pilots are filed in the SenatePlus, view this session’s first edition of CAPITOL REPORT webcast
House Appropriations subcommittees have begun hearing testimony on budget issues near and dear to family medicine, Senate Finance continues to churn through the budget, and two bills filed in the Senate would implement innovative payment reform pilots in Medicaid and the private insurance market. more …
posted 02.17.11
TAFP releases multi-page policy brief on scope of practiceThe first of its kind, your Academy has published a multi-page policy brief titled, “The Question of Independent Diagnosis and Prescriptive Authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Texas: Is the Reward Worth the Risk?” As the name suggests, the white paper explores scope of practice in a scholarly manner, providing cited facts you can use when speaking with legislators and the public. Read more about the brief and download the whole document. more …
posted 02.17.11
TAFP launches program to recognize outstanding family physiciansPresenting our inaugural Member of the Month: Chrisette Dharma, M.D.
Your Academy is proud to launch a new program that celebrates the best and brightest of family medicine, the Member of the Month program. Each month, TAFP will present a short biography and question-and-answer segment that gives voice to these outstanding family physicians. Read about our first member of the month, Chrisette Dharma, M.D., of Dallas, and consider nominating a colleague. more …
posted 02.17.11
Texas’ family medicine preceptorship program needs youWant to make a real difference in the future of family medicine? Sign up to host a pre-clinical medical student through the Texas Statewide Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. Find out how. more …
posted 02.17.11
New AAFP service helps physicians share electronic information securelyAAFP Physicians Direct is a new service that supports secure, electronic communication between physicians. Using Surescripts Network for Clinical Interoperability, it can help physicians more easily and securely share information such as referrals, patient summaries, discharge summaries, and lab results when providing their patients’ care. The cost to subscribe is $15 per physician per month. more …
posted 02.17.11
TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads: Get children moving, give away free helmetsHelp combat the rising childhood obesity rate by encouraging physical activity among your young patients. By volunteering for TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program, you can encourage wheeled activities while equipping the kids with bicycle helmets to keep them safe. Plus, TAFP members who sign up can get 100 helmets for free. more …
posted 02.17.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: HHS Commissioner to Senate Finance: Spare primary careSenate Finance has had a nonstop two weeks of hearings on Articles II and III of the budget, which include funding for health and human services, and education, respectively. For family medicine, that means Medicaid and CHIP funding, and spending for programs designed to increase the state’s primary care workforce. more …
posted 02.10.11
New: Enhance Your Practice page on TXFamilyDocs.orgNew on the Texas Family Docs blog: Your Academy has added a discussion page that pools all of TAFP’s practice enhancement resources in one place. We’ve started by chronicling practice management articles published in Texas Family Physician magazine, and plan to expand with more from AAFP. We also need your help; please consider sharing practice pearls with us and your colleagues. Find out how. more …
posted 02.10.11
CDC releases new immunization schedules, ACIP general recommendationsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new immunization schedules for children and adults, as well as the general recommendations on immunization from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Read more and find links to the new information. more …
posted 02.10.11
TAFP partnership provides savings on Sanofi FluzoneAs a TAFP member, you can benefit from the Academy’s partnership with vaccine purchaser, Atlantic Health Partners. Place orders for Sanofi Fluzone with AHP by March 31, 2011, and receive a 5-percent discount as well as Sanofi’s online order and prompt pay discounts. more …
posted 02.10.11
Omni Austin Hotel sold out, others available for C. Frank Webber and Interim SessionThe room block for TAFP’s C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session is sold out, but there are other options for attendees. See our list of nearby hotels and make your reservations today. more …
posted 02.10.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: Senate budget draft cuts spending by $28.8 billionThe Senate budget draft is out, and the cuts it contains are almost as deep as the House proposed. Medicaid fees would be cut by 10 percent, but several primary care physician workforce initiatives zeroed out by the House would retain partial funding under the Senate draft. more …
posted 01.26.11
AAFP to host Family Medicine Congressional Conference May 9-10Do you want to influence politics on a national level? At AAFP’s Family Medicine Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C., attendees from around the country will learn how to develop relationships with congressional leaders and staff, and take these new skills to the streets to educate them. more …
posted 01.26.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: House releases stark budget draftPhysician fees for Medicaid would be cut by 10 percent, and funding for family medicine residency programs, the physician education loan repayment program, and the Statewide Family Medicine Preceptorship Program would be eliminated should lawmakers approve the first draft of the state budget filed in the House this week. more …
posted 01.19.11
Doctors, hospitals plan to adopt EHRs and apply for federal incentive paymentsSurvey data released by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology show that more than 40 percent of office-based physicians and 80 percent of hospitals plan to apply for incentive payments for the meaningful use of their electronic health record technology. more …
posted 01.19.11
Apply for a TAFP Foundation practice-based research grantDeadline is Feb. 1, 2011
The TAFP Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2011 practice-based research grants. These grants fund up to $5,000 for your study. Find out how to submit your proposal here. more …
posted 01.19.11
TAFP seeks applicants for NCSC and ALF, 2011 awardsDeadline is Feb. 11, 2011
TAFP is looking for delegates to represent Texas at AAFP’s National Conference on Special Constituencies and the Annual Leadership Forum, and for nominees for TAFP’s top honors. Are you a shining star in family medicine? Apply for NCSC and ALF, or nominate yourself or a colleague for a TAFP award. The deadline for all is Feb. 11. more …
posted 01.19.11
CAPITOL UPDATE: 82nd Texas Legislature convenes in AustinRep. Joe Straus is elected Speaker of the House, and Sen. Steve Ogden explains budget woes as the 140-day session gets underway. more …
posted 01.12.11
Texas Medicaid to host webinar on EHR incentive programStarting in 2011, physicians will be able to receive incentive payments for meaningful use of electronic health record technology through Medicaid. To help physicians prepare for the incentive program, Texas Medicaid will host a webinar on Feb. 3, 2011. The webinar will tell physicians the steps to take now to get ready for the incentive program and the information to start collecting, as well as give a demonstration of the enrollment process. more …
posted 01.12.11
TAFP launches new blog: TXFamilyDocs.orgIn a post-health-reform era of rapid changes to the practice of medicine, your Academy has opened a new forum to delve into the topics most important to the family physicians of Texas: health reform, Texas politics, practice management tips, tools and resources, media links, and more. It will only work with your interaction, so check it out today. Go to www.txfamilydocs.org.
posted 01.12.11
Nominate yourself or a colleague for one of TAFP’s 2011 awardsTAFP is now accepting nominations for our major annual awards: Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, Public Health Award, Exemplary Teaching Awards, and the Special Constituency Leadership Award. They will be presented at the 62nd Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in Dallas this July. Consider recognizing yourself or a colleague. Nomination materials are due Friday, Feb. 11. more …
posted 01.12.11
Apply for delegate spots and scholarships for AAFP’s NCSC and ALF conferencesConferences will be held May 5-7, 2011, in Kansas City, Mo.
TAFP is looking for the 2011 delegation to AAFP’s National Conference of Special Constituencies and Annual Leadership Forum, and applicants for TAFP scholarships to these conferences. Seven spots are available for NCSC: a representative for each special constituency and two scholarships. Two ALF scholarships are available to any up-and-coming leader, no experience required. Apply for all positions by Friday, Feb. 11. more …
posted 01.12.11
Register today for the 2011 C. Frank Webber Lectureship on March 11Also, attend other TAFP events all weekend
Make your plans to join TAFP for the 2011 C. Frank Webber Lectureship on Friday, March 11, at our new location—the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark. Come early or stay late for other events around that day: a SAM workshop and Legislative Day at the Capitol on Thursday, Interim Session business meetings on Friday and Saturday, and the 2011 Texas Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Students on Saturday. more …
posted 01.12.11
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