Bush administration freezes Medicare physician pay cut
Because Congress did not reach a compromise before adjourning for the July 4 holiday, the Bush administration announced it will freeze the Medicare claims payment so as not to implement the 10.6-percent cut. more …

Number of underinsured balloons 60 percent, according to a study
According to a new study from The Commonwealth Fund, the uninsured population isn’t the only one to worry about. The group found that the number of underinsured adults in the United States has increased 60 percent since 2003. more …

Metroplex physicians must use contracted suppliers for Medicare DMEPOS starting July 1
Physicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area who prescribe Medicare-covered durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies to their patients must go through certain contracted suppliers starting July 1, 2008. To aid physicians in determining which suppliers are Medicare-contract suppliers, educate patients and more, find new resources provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the related links section of this news story. more …

CSHCN services program providers needed
The Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program is actively recruiting physicians to address the “critical shortage” of health care providers in the program. Go to www.dshs.state.tx.us/cshcn for more information on the program, how to enroll, and free CEUs and classes, or read the recruitment flyer here.

Hone your leadership skills at TAFP Leadership and Legislative Conference
Hotel deadline for August conference is July 15
With the 81st Texas Legislature set to convene January 2009, there’s still time to brush up on your skills to promote the family medicine message and interact effectively with the media and lawmakers. Attend the TAFP Leadership and Legislative Conference Aug. 15-16 in Austin and increase your advocacy effort for the specialty. Make sure you make your reservation at the Doubletree Guest Suites before the July 15 deadline. more …

Donate to a Houston charity clinic with Physicians With Heart
Proceeds from this year’s Physicians With Heart service project benefit the San José Clinic in Houston. Take advantage of your opportunity to give by making a monetary donation to the clinic through the Annual Session registration sheet or on the Physicians With Heart Web page. more …

EDUCATION UPDATE