The plight of small-business employers hit home when TAFP got the news that United Healthcare will raise the 11-employee Academy’s health insurance premium by 23.5 percent in 2008. We’re challenging United to show us how they calculated the substancial rate increase at a time of record profits for their company. Read the letter to United Healthcare.
posted 12.21.07
Congress replaces 10.1% Medicare physician pay cut with 0.5% increase for six monthsPhysician organizations decry the measure as a disappointing delay in addressing the flawed Medicare payment formula, leaving doctors and their patients in a state of uncertainty. more …
updated 12.20.07
TMHP, the state’s Medicaid administrator, is compiling information about physicians and hospitals that may not be prepared to meet the Jan. 1, 2008 deadline for including the NDC data on Medicaid claims. From this story you can link to detailed information on when and how to use the NDC and you will find contact information for reporting difficulties. more …
updated 12.20.07
Order free childhood obesity DVDs from DSHS and AHRQBrush up on pediatric obesity treatment for children and their families and earn CME by requesting your free copy of two new DVDs from DSHS and ARHQ. more …
updated 12.20.07
Just a few days left to make your 2007 charitable contributionsGive a holiday gift to family medicine this year when you make a tax-deductible charitable donation to the TAFP Foundation. Your generosity makes the Foundation’s work on behalf of research and future family physicians possible. more …
updated 12.20.07
Register online today for the 2008 C. Frank Webber LectureshipRegister today for the best deal in CME for primary care physicians, the March 2008 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session in Austin, Texas. more …
updated 12.20.07
MEDICARE ACTION ALERT: Call your senators today to avert 15-percent Medicare pay cut over next two yearsThe Senate debate on Medicare payment rates for physicians is underway and AAFP President Jim King has asked members to participate in the American Medical Association’s Virtual Rally on Capitol Hill, Dec. 4 – 6. Reports out of the Senate Finance Committee indicate senators are considering a 1-year postponement of the cuts, which would push the full 15-percent cut to 2009. more …
updated 12.05.07
NEW TAFP VIDEO: TAFP focuses on dwindling physician supply with second Academy in Action videoWatch your colleagues and representatives speak about physician workforce issues in the second video in TAFP’s Academy in Action series. more …
posted 12.05.07
Update your information in online TMHP databaseMark your spot in the newest tool from the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, the online Provider Lookup. Update your contact and practice information to aid Medicaid patients in finding your practice. more …
posted 12.05.07
CDC: Physicians need influenza vaccinationDon’t get sick treating your patients. The CDC recommends all physicians get flu shots in anticipation of the January spike in influenza cases. more …
posted 12.05.07
Dec. 31 deadline for MC-FP 10-year plan approachesDid you certify or recertify in 2004? Double-check the requirements for ABFM certification to make sure you can stay on the extended MC-FP plan. more …
posted 12.05.07
NEW TAFP VIDEO: TAFP takes advocacy to a new level with Academy in ActionAfter the success of Capitol Report during the 80th Legislative Session, TAFP has taken advocacy national with a new video Webcast to draw attention to the issues important to you. Watch the video here. more …
posted 11.27.07
Save money on vaccinesTAFP has entered into a partnership to bring members savings on vaccines. Don’t get a headache during another flu season, sign up free with Atlantic Health Partners and let them do all the work this year. more …
posted 11.27.07
Austin news station airs family physicians’ concernsCheck out this KXAN news story from the Nov. 26 evening news highlighting the problems many family physicians face when dealing with managed care plans. The news report contains statistics and quotes from “Fractured: The State of Health Care in Texas,” published by TAFP and the Primary Care Coalition last year. more …
posted 11.27.07
AAFP recognizes TAFP staff for excellence in communicationTAFP staff traveled to AAFP’s State Legislative Conference in Memphis to accept a national advocacy award for its coverage of the 80th Texas Legislature. more …
posted 11.27.07
Double-check Medicare Part D vaccines for reimbursementCMS has announced changes in physician reimbursement for Medicare Part D vaccines and vaccine administration. Read on for what’s new in 2008. more …
posted 11.27.07
Save $50 on Doctors in Motion by registering before Dec. 3The Early Bird deadline approaches! Register early to save on registration fees and check out the complete CME and speaker lineup. more …
posted 11.27.07
TAFP acquires the National Procedures InstituteWant more from your practice? A new venture with NPI will bring procedures to your practice and help you get more money and satisfaction doing what you do best. more …
posted 11.27.07
AAFP to lawmakers: Health insurance market consolidation hurts family physiciansNew AAFP President James King, M.D., appeared before federal lawmakers to argue family physicians’ case against insurance market consolidation. more …
posted 11.01.07
AAFP Call to Action: Tell your legislators to fix Medicare paymentsCan you afford a 15 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement? As the Senate Finance Committee fine-tunes its plan for physician payment rates, make your voice heard today. more …
posted 11.01.07
Deadline for MC-FP 10-year plan approachesPhysicians who certified or recertified in 2004 will need to finish Stage I of the MC-FP process by Dec. 31 or lose the three-year extension. Find out what you need to do. more …
posted 11.01.07
Revisit your favorite Annual Session memories through an online pictorialTFP magazine online now available
As the Texas temperatures drop with the season’s change, reminisce about the sunshine of Annual Session in Corpus Christi with the TFP photo feature. Also view other news important to you in your Academy’s online magazine. more …
posted 11.01.07
JPS resident wins national poster competitionRoxanne Ho, M.D., brought top honors to Texas when she won the AAFP Resident Research Poster Contest in Chicago. more …
posted 11.01.07
Immunization Toolkit Available Online and on CDTexas slipped from 24th to 34th in the U.S. for immunizing children ages 19 months to 35 months according to the 2006 National Immunization Survey. Find resources for improving the state’s immunization rates from TMA. more …
posted 11.01.07
Doctors in Motion schedule finalizedRegister today for skiing and CME in Steamboat
Plans have been finalized for another great winter symposium. View the CME topics and find out how to save $50 - $150 on registration for this popular conference. more …
posted 11.01.07
House and Senate pass SCHIP bill, president vetoesThough Congress passed a $60 billion SCHIP reauthorization bill, President Bush vetoed it Wednesday. Read on to see what’s ahead for the children’s health insurance program. more …
updated 10.03.07
Congress delays tamper-resistant prescription pad lawPhysicians have six more months before all Medicaid prescriptions have to be written on tamper-proof prescription pads. Find out what happens after April 2008. more …
posted 09.28.07
HHSC chooses members for Frew technical advisory committeeSixteen health care experts will tell HHSC how to spend $150 million of a billion-dollar lawsuit. more …
posted 09.28.07
Encourage youth to be tobacco-free with Tar WarsVolunteer with the Texas Tar Wars program to visit schools in your area and teach kids not to use tobacco. more …
posted 09.28.07
Earn MC-FP credit and EBCME, register today for Primary Care SummitRegister today to save your spot at one of the most valuable symposia for primary care physicians. more …
posted 09.28.07
Congress to take up SCHIP reauthorizationSCHIP will expire on Sept. 30 unless lawmakers can forge a compromise between the House and Senate reauthorization bills. The House bill would stave off two years of deep cuts to Medicare physician payments, but will that provision survive in the final bill? more …
posted 08.30.07
Update: Billing disclosure materials postedPhysicians must comply with the law by Saturday
If you’ve never heard of Senate Bill 1731, read up on the news quickly. Physicians must have materials on hand for patients by Sept. 1. more …
posted 08.30.07
TAFP members help develop course to prevent medical errorsSeveral TAFP members, including Past President F. David Schneider, M.D., served as editors on this TMA project. Dr. Schneider even made the San Antonio KENS news broadcast. Watch it here. more …
posted 08.30.07
NPs plan to fight for autonomous practice in 81st LegeNow that the moratorium on scope of practice legislation agreed to by physicians and advanced practice nurses has expired, nurse practitioners have begun writing their wish list. It’s not too early to become a TAFP Key Contact and to contribute to TAFPPAC in preparation for what is sure to be a tough fight. more …
posted 08.30.07
CDC to parents: Protect pre-teens with 3 recommended vaccinesA new CDC Web site offers patient education materials for your practice. more …
posted 08.30.07
Register today for Primary Care SummitThere’s a lot in store for this year’s October 19-21 Houston conference. New this year: Get MC-FP credit in addition to more than 20 CME credits. It’s always a hit, so register today! more …
posted 08.30.07
Learn how to select and optimize an EMR systemTwo upcoming EMR forums hosted by the Medical Records Institute let physicians learn about electronic medical records and view systems in a half-day program. Read on for information about the San Antonio and Austin shows. more …
posted 08.08.07
New disclosure requirements for physicians effective Sept. 1In the name of transparency, a new bill brings billing information to patients and new requirements to physicians. more …
posted 08.08.07
Annual Session revistedAnother successful conference in Corpus Christi
Catch up on all the happenings of the annual Texas family physician reunion. more …
posted 08.08.07
Immunization update now available from DSHSStay current on your immunization news with the latest edition of DSHS’ UpShot. more …
posted 08.08.07
Observe Brain Injury Awareness Month by supporting helmet safetySign up for Hard Hats for Little Heads
Help prevent youth brain injuries in your area by holding a helmet giveaway. TAFP members can get 100 helmets free. more …
posted 08.08.07
Member survey: Tell us what you needDon’t miss your opportunity to fill out the member survey and help shape the course of the Academy for the next five years. more …
posted 08.08.07
TAFP Member Survey: your input is needed!TAFP needs your input to help us chart the course for the next few years. more …
posted 07.30.07
CSHCN update: Services offered to wait-listed kids July and AugustThe Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program has announced that it will offer Time-Limited Services for certain clients from July 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007. more …
posted 06.29.07
Study: Primary care physicians consider patients’ health care costsPrimary care physicians are more likely to be aware of the patient’s pocketbook than other specialists.
more …
posted 06.28.07
AAFP posts video of medical home presentation by Dr. StarfieldA leading public health researcher presents more evidence that a health care system based on primary care is higher quality and more cost effective. more …
posted 06.28.07
Survey request: Do your patients present with unexplained medical complaints?Help researchers from the University of Alabama gather information on patients’ unexplained medical complaints by filling out a 15-minute online survey. more …
posted 06.28.07
Plan a helmet giveaway during Brain Injury Awareness MonthSign up now for TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program, which lets you supply free bicycle helmets to area children. There’s no cost for TAFP members, but spots are limited, so sign up today! more …
posted 06.28.07
New Be Wise — Immunize Materials available for your patientsHelp inform your patients of the importance of vaccinations with free Be Wise materials from TMA. See how you can get free materials and plan an event for your office. more …
posted 06.28.07
Trouble registering online for Annual Session? Problem solved!Plus: Watch a special video invitation from the TAFP President
Don’t let a little error message keep you from the premier conference for primary care physicians in the state. Online registration is now open and bug-free! more …
posted 06.28.07
Physician committee proposes division of $250-million Medicaid settlementAfter two full days of deliberation, the Physician Payment Advisory Committee gave its recommended methodology to HHSC on how to divide the Frew settlement. more …
posted 06.05.07
Donate to TAFP’s annual service project, Physicians with HeartHelp support a free clinic for the homeless—Gabbard Health Program in Corpus Christi—by making a tax-deductible donation to Physicians with Heart. more …
posted 05.22.07
Frisco student wins Texas Tar Wars Poster ContestCongratulations to the 2007 Texas Tar Wars Poster Contest winner, Frisco student Sean Foley. more …
posted 05.22.07
TAFP Exec Jim White garners national awardsFamily physicians and Academy leaders from around the country gathered to honor TAFP’s longtime executive director, Jim White. more …
posted 05.11.07
Students, residents and physicians: Show off your researchTake part in the research poster competition at Annual Session, now open to physicians as well as students and residents. more …
posted 04.26.07
Participate in TMA’s youth bike safety programSupport youth bicycle safety in your community through the Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program. more …
posted 04.13.07
Make Your Mark in the AcademyFind out how you can help shape TAFP policy and make recommendations that keep the organization at the forefront of the specialty. more …
posted 03.23.07
Encourage youth bicycle safety in your communitySign up for the Hard Hats for Little Heads program
TAFP will join TMA for a third year to support youth bicycle safety. Find out how you can bring free safety supplies to the kids in your area. more …
posted 03.30.07
BCBS to identify FPs with obstetrics in directoryRead this for instructions on how to get listed
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas will now designate family physicians who provide obstetrics in their provider directory. Make sure you’re on the list. more …
posted 03.15.07
Consensus reached: National health organizations define “medical homes”Now that the four large primary care groups agree on what a medical home is, the reforms may begin. more …
posted 03.15.07
ACTION ALERT: AAFP mobilizes members on Title VIITell federal legislators to invest in residency training by March 12. more …
posted 03.08.07
TMLT offers medical student scholarshipsAttention medical students: see you how can grab one of TMLT’s 2007 scholarships. more …
posted 03.08.07
Report from the 2007 C. Frank Webber LectureshipRead a re-cap of the action at the 2007 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. more …
posted 03.08.07
Doctors Without Borders to hold event in San AntonioAid workers from Doctors Without Borders offer their perspectives on providing humanitarian relief and how medical and non-medical professionals can join the organization. more …
posted 03.08.07
TAFP introduces video Webcast: Capitol ReportTAFP is bringing you into the action of the Legislature with Capitol Report, a Web broadcast of Capitol news. more …
posted 02.23.07
DSHS releases data on prescribing patterns for foster children medicationIn February 2005, the Department of State Health Services released best practice guidelines entitled ”Psychotropic Medication Utilization Parameters for Foster Children.” more …
posted 02.23.07
Time is running out: Sign up for your NPIFollow the example of more than 1.6 million health care providers and sign up for your National Provider Identifier before the May 23, 2007 deadline. more …
posted 02.09.07
DSHS releases new influenza vaccine recommendationsResponding to reports of a surplus of influenza vaccine for the 2006-2007 influenza season, the Texas Department of State Health Services released this list of suggestions for usage of the remaining influenza vaccine supply in Texas. more …
posted 01.24.07
