New Medicare fees posted at TrailBlazerhealth.com
The 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 …
Deadlines approach for use of National Provider Identifier
As of March 1, 2008, all Medicare claims must include your NPI, though they can still include the legacy UPIN as well. As of May 23,2008, Medicare claims must have only the NPI. AAFP says you should test claims submission through your practice management system and claims clearinghouses to ensure the process is working. For more information, see AAFP NPI resources.
TAFPPAC provides political prescription for health care champions
Endorsement videos tell patients why candidates deserve support
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians Political Action Committee, or TAFPPAC, has endorsed five candidates in the March 4, 2008, Texas primary election—Rep. Betty Brown of Terrell, Rep. Dawnna Dukes of Austin, Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, Rep. Vicki Truitt of Keller and Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo. Go to the TAFPPAC Web site at www.tafppac.org to watch TAFPPAC’s cutting-edge candidate endorsement video to see why electing these candidates is good for family medicine.
New CPT codes in 2008 recognize phone, online consults
AAFP’s Family Practice Management has once again published a guide to changes in the annual CPT coding system. Access the article along with other billing and coding tools on TAFP’s practice management resources page at www.tafp.org/resources/practManagement.
Spring deadline holds for implementing Medicaid tamper-resistant prescription pads
Starting April 1, 2008, all Medicaid prescriptions must be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads.
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DSHS offers up to $10,000 in grants for medical home initiatives
To encourage primary care physicians to coordinate care for the neediest Texas children, DSHS will grant family medicine practices up to $10,000 each. more …
Medicaid to reimburse for group chronic disease management
Implementing group visits for Medicaid patients can help them manage their chronic disease and pay off for your practice. more …
EDUCATION UPDATE
Register for C. Frank Webber Lectureship for 10 CME hours March 14
Students and residents: Don’t miss your designated conference March 15
Join 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 on the Texas Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Students. more …
