To avoid a scheduled 4.4-percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursement, Congress had to pass a bill before the end of the year.
posted 12.27.05
If you're interested in improving your practice’s bottom line, the latest AAFP News Now has an article you should read.
posted 12.22.05
A study from Cornell University and Thomson Medstat on the return on investment of disease management programs reveals mixed results for programs targeting depression, diabetes and asthma, but yields positive results for programs targeting congestive heart failure or multiple illnesses.
posted 10.05.05
On Nov. 2, one of the nation’s largest insurers announced a pilot project designed to provide incentives to primary care physicians for screening and treating depression.
posted 10.05.05
HIV patients report discrimination by their doctorsResearch published in the September 2005 edition of the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals that more than a quarter of HIV-infected patients may perceive that they are discriminated against by physicians and other health care providers.
posted 10.05.05
New AAFP tool keeps tabs on state legislaturesWith the expected introduction of almost 93,000 bills in state legislatures during 2006, keeping up could be difficult.
posted 10.05.05
Are You Ready for Medicare Part D?Plans have begun marketing to seniors and coverage begins on Jan. 1, but physicians could be bombarded with questions. This quarter’s TEXAS FAMILY PHYSICIAN examines the situation.
posted 10.05.05
Action Alert: 4.4 Percent Medicare Payment Cut Begins January 1The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that, effective January 1, physician payment rates will be cut by 4.4 percent.
posted 10.04.05
Emerging Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)Texas has opted into the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
posted 09.14.05
Resources Related to Hurricane Katrina Relief EffortsA flyer has been created with phone numbers for a number of resources for Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
posted 09.14.05
Hurricane Katrina Emergency Pharmaceutical RefillsThe laws and rules governing the practice of pharmacy in Texas, allow pharmacists to provide emergency refills when the prescriber cannot be reached.
posted 09.14.05
Academy Installs New Officers, Awards Excellence and Crafts Health Policy at the 56th Annual Session and Scientific AssemblyTAFP’s 56th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly proved again that when 450 family physicians get together, they can get a lot of work done.
posted 08.01.05
Free child development kit from CDC: Provides educational Resources for Parents on Developmental MilestonesIt’s important for parents to know if their children, even as young as six months, are developing physical and mental skills as they should.
posted 08.01.05
Doctors' Office Quality – Information Technology (DOQ-IT) and TMF® Health Quality InstituteChoosing and implementing an electronic health record (EHR) is easier when you have professionals by your side who can guide the process.
posted 08.01.05
TMHP Offers Introductory Workshops Before Rural, Border PCCM Medicaid RolloutAs a result of the legislation from the 2003 legislative session, Medicaid in 197 rural and border counties will be managed through the Primary Care Case Management model beginning on September 1, 2005.
posted 05.25.05
Conference Committee Continues work on Tax BillHouse and Senate conferees continue to hammer out differences between two versions of HB 3, the tax bill, and other funding measures.
posted 05.23.05
Conference Committee Set for Tax Bill DeliberationsLt. Gov. David Dewhurst has appointed the Senate conferees for the conference committee that will hammer out differences between the House and Senate versions of HB 3, the tax bill.
posted 05.18.05
Legislative Alert: Medicaid ICM Model in DangerThe Integrated Care Management (ICM) model for Medicaid legislation ─ House Bill 1771, and accompanying budget rider, are in peril.
posted 05.16.05
Don't Be Fooled by Threats of Medicaid Reimbursement CutsIn an attempt to derail the momentum building behind the Integrated Care Management, or ICM, model for Medicaid delivery, the Texas Association of Health Plans has launched a campaign of deception.
posted 04.22.05
Medicaid Budget Debate Scheduled for Next WeekNext week, five state senators and five state representatives will hammer out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the appropriations bill, Senate Bill 1.
posted 04.22.05
Looking for a Few Good PhysiciansThere is still room for family physicians to sign up for the TAFP’s accident prevention and public relations campaign, which will be staged in conjunction with National Bicycle Safety Month this May.
posted 04.07.05
April is National Minority Health MonthSince its inception in 1999, the National Minority Health Month Foundation has distinguished itself as a leader in making efforts to eliminate health care disparities.
posted 04.06.05
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Awareness MonthRecent news stories have focused on sensational allegations of sexual assault and child abuse.
posted 04.06.05
Will the Nation Follow Texas' Lead?The American Academy of Family Physicians has issued a call-to-action alert asking members and their patients to petition President Bush to take action on medical liability reform.
posted 02.16.05
ABFM Moves to Online RegistrationThe American Board of Family Medicine is offering online registration for its 2005 certification, recertification and sports medicine exams.
posted 02.16.05
Legislative Alert: HHSC Poised to Eliminate Medicaid PCCM in Urban AreasIn the face of strong opposition from physicians and medical groups, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is likely to go forward with a plan to repeal the Primary Care Case Management model for Medicaid in the state’s urban areas in favor of expanding the Star+Plus HMO model.
posted 02.16.05
Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction SurveyThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the launch of the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS), a new initiative designed to collect data on provider satisfaction with and perceptions about the services provided by Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) contractors.
posted 02.16.05
TAFP Calls for Representatives to NCSCAre you interested in representing Texas at the National Conference of Special Constituencies?
posted 01.24.05
The patient's voice in WashingtonOur patients want a better understanding of how health care issues and legislation affect them.
posted 01.20.05
Cigna settlement updateThe deadline to file for compensation in the CIGNA settlement is Feb. 18, 2005.
posted 01.20.05
Proposed changes to TSBME rules on treatment of painThe Texas State Board of Medical Examiners has proposed a change to Chapter 170 Authority for a Physician to Prescribe for the Treatment of Pain.
posted 01.13.05
School finance plan unveiledLt. Gov. David Dewhurst unveiled a school finance plan Wednesday, January 12 that he says all of the senators approve.
posted 01.05.05
