Two Metroplex family doctors got the chance to tell a Newsweek reporter about their experiences with physician ranking systems employed by health insurers. Read what they had to say. more …
posted 04.22.08
Group releases guidelines for health insurers’ physician measurement and reportingThe Consumer-Purchaser Disclosure Project—an initiative that combines consumer, employer and labor organizations—released a set of guidelines to direct health insurers on “fair and reliable” ways to measure and report physician quality and cost to consumers. more …
posted 04.22.08
After seven years of leading the Texas Medical Board, Executive Director Donald Patrick, M.D., J.D., has announced his retirement. more …
posted 04.22.08
Cover the Uninsured Week, April 27-May 3, to raise awareness of the nation’s uninsured populationPhysicians are already in the center of the health insurance debate, now there are resources and a national push to raise awareness of the uninsured and help these 47 million Americans get access to health coverage. Find out how you can join the effort. more …
posted 04.22.08
Calling all researchers: Enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionDeadline to submit an abstract is May 16
Promote family medicine research in your practice, residency program or school by entering the TAFP annual research poster competition. Past entrants have gone on to win national awards—don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this springboard at Annual Session in Houston. more …
posted 04.22.08
Plan a helmet giveaway during Bike Month in MayThe Texas Medical Association is spearheading a statewide effort to encourage bicycle safety during Bike Month. Participation can be free for TAFP/TMA members. more …
posted 04.22.08
2008 residency match results reveal increases for family medicine
AAFP reports an increase in interest in family medicine in 2008. See the numbers from last week’s residency match. more …
posted 03.24.08
News from the 2008 C. Frank Webber LectureshipFamily physicians unite to advance family medicine
Another C. Frank Webber Lectureship has come and gone. Now that we have some time to look around after a weekend full of activity, read about what you may have missed at TAFP’s spring symposium. more …
posted 03.20.08
With Texas’ new franchise tax looming, is your practice prepared?Business will be required to pay the first new franchise tax come May 15. Learn what exclusions and deductions may lessen the financial burden on your practice. more …
posted 03.20.08
12 days remain to switch to tamper-resistant prescription padsCMS to withhold Medicaid reimbursement for non-compliance
An HHSC question-and-answer document defines the new tamper-resistant prescription pad regulation and recommends switching to the new pads for all patients to avoid future confusion. more …
posted 03.20.08
Receive hands-on procedural training with NPI in MayDon’t miss your opportunity to invest in yourself by bolstering your procedures training when the National Procedures Institute makes its one stop in Texas this year from May 9 -18. NPI will offer two-day workshops on a variety of procedures, which also earn attendees AAFP prescribed credit. more …
posted 03.20.08
Support medicine-friendly candidates in Tuesday’s Texas primary electionThe whole country has turned an eye to Texas’ March 4 primary. Be sure you voice your support for your patients and your practice by supporting medicine-friendly candidates. Also view TAFPPAC’s candidate endorsement videos. more …
posted 02.28.08
HHS announces electronic health record incentive demonstrationRecognizing the potential for saving money and increasing quality of care for patients, HHS will give primary care physicians incentives for implementing and using an EHR. more …
posted 02.28.08
Access immunization resources for physician and patient educationThe Department of State Health Services has compiled many immunization resources to educate physicians and their patients about immunizations and their implications in lifelong care. more …
posted 02.28.08
Help shape TMA’s legislative agenda on rural health by attending April forumTMA will host a rural health summit in Austin on April 5 to bring rural health advocates together to form an advocacy package for the 2009 legislative session. Find out how you can join the discussion. more …
posted 02.28.08
TMLT offers $5,000 scholarships to Texas medical studentsThrough June, TMLT will accept scholarship applications for its annual TMLT Memorial Scholarship. more …
posted 02.12.08
Earn four CME hours with PrimeCME’s new three-city series, “A Day in the Life Cycle”With the understanding that primary care physicians provide continuous, comprehensive care to patients throughout all stages of their lives, PrimeCME offers a four-hour program, “A Day in the Life Cycle.” Join us in San Antonio April 19, Dallas April 26, or Houston May 10. more …
posted 02.28.08
Earn 28 AAFP EB CME Credits at April CME conferenceHouston meeting to focus on women’s health care
Through a two-day, 24-topic curriculum, attendees of the Women’s Healthcare Forum will receive a comprehensive overview of women’s health care. more …
updated 02.28.08
AAFP issues Action Alert on Medicare paymentAAFP has launched the “Medicare: Stop the Cut” campaign to provide members resources to combat a scheduled 10.6-percent Medicare payment cut, set to take effect July 1. Find the tools for you and your patients here. more …
posted 02.12.08
Legislature requires umbilical cord blood donation brochure in physician’s officesIf you care for women at any time during their pregnancies, you may be required to provide them a DSHS brochure. more …
posted 02.12.08
Physician enrollment now open in new health plan for children in foster careHHSC has opened enrollment for STAR Health, the new health plan for children in foster care. Find more information on how you can enroll. more …
posted 02.12.08
Up to $200,000 available to support community obesity prevention programsApply before Feb. 29 to be one of four Texas communities to receive DSHS grant support for obesity
initiatives. more …
posted 02.12.08
Get answers to your practice management questions through new TAFP partnershipDo you have questions about billing and coding? Managed care contracts? Take advantage of a new partnership with Bradley Reiner, a practice management consultant with more than 15 years of experience under his belt. more …
posted 02.12.08
New Medicare fees posted at TrailBlazerhealth.comThe 0.5-percent Medicare fee increase Congress passed in late December turns out to be a reduction for many codes used by primary care physicians. more …
posted 01.24.08
Spring deadline holds for implementing Medicaid tamper-resistant prescription padsStarting April 1, 2008, all Medicaid prescriptions must be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads.
more …
posted 01.24.08
DSHS offers up to $10,000 in grants for medical home initiativesTo encourage primary care physicians to coordinate care for the neediest Texas children, DSHS will grant family medicine practices up to $10,000 each. more …
posted 01.24.08
Medicaid to reimburse for group chronic disease managementImplementing group visits for Medicaid patients can help them manage their chronic disease and pay off for your practice. more …
posted 01.24.08
Majority of primary care physicians “disappointed” with net incomeConsulting firm releases 2007 primary care physician survey results
Though the latest primary care physician satisfaction survey came back with some doom-and-gloom results, the surveyors conclude that demand for primary care is increasing and primary care is “under no immediate threat of extinction.” more …
posted 01.24.08
TAFP defines the “medical home” concept in third Academy in Action videoWhat does the term “medical home” mean to you? Could you tell a reporter what it means in 20 words? Watch the latest Academy in Action video to learn about the medical home and its benefits and implications on your practice. more …
posted 01.10.08
Save money on vaccinesTAFP develops partnership to bring members savings
Register with vaccine purchasing program Atlantic Health Partners to cash in on favorable pricing, payment and purchasing terms on a variety of vaccines. Registration is free, and with Atlantic, you’ll have a family medicine-friendly advocate working directly with the big vaccine manufacturers and payers so you can get back to your practice. more …
posted 01.10.08
Nominate an outstanding colleague for a 2008 TAFP awardIt’s that time again—send your nominations for Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, Public Health and Exemplary teaching awards to recognize outstanding family physicians in Texas. more …
posted 01.10.08
TAFP calls for representatives to AAFP leadership conferencesApply to represent Texas at AAFP’s NCSC and ALF conferences where you can develop policy and programs and hone your leadership skills. more …
posted 01.10.08
DSHS releases latest updates on vaccinesRead the UpShot Online, an electronic publication from the Texas Department of State Health Services, for Texas immunization news. more …
posted 01.10.08
TAFP members: Earn 10 CME credits for $60 or less at the C. Frank Webber LectureshipJoin TAFP March 14-15 in Austin for the 2008 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. It’s a great opportunity to earn CME, network with peers and make your mark in the specialty. There’s also information for students and residents on the conference just for you. more …
posted 01.10.08
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In the news 2005Read all the news stories from 2005.
