HHSC seeks proposals for “health home” models in Medicaid
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has asked physicians to propose pilot project ideas to improve care for children enrolled in Medicaid. The projects would provide comprehensive, coordinated care, much like the medical home concept. more...

Medicare pay cut looms for physicians, patch likely
Physicians will face a 21-percent cut in Medicare payments as of January 2010 if Congress doesn’t act quickly. Earlier this week, the House passed a defense spending bill that included a two-month patch. The bill has now moved to the Senate and is likely to pass by the end of the year. Both AAFP and AMA have called for a permanent fix for the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate formula. Read more in AAFP News Now and American Medical News.

TAFP seeks 2010 award nominations for top honors
In the season of holiday cheer, consider nominating one of your colleagues for a TAFP award. These include Physician of the Year, Physician Emeritus, the Exemplary Teaching Award (part-time, full-time and volunteer), the Public Health Award and—a new award this year—the Special Constituency Leadership Award. All nomination packets are due Feb. 10, 2010 and awards will be presented at the 61st Annual Session and Scientific Assembly in San Antonio. Read more about each award and access the nomination materials at www.tafp.org/membership/annualawards.

Just a few days left to make your 2009 charitable contributions
Give 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...

Happy holidays from your Academy
The TAFP staff would like to wish all TAFP members and their families a safe and happy holiday. Our offices will be closed Dec. 23-25, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009-Jan. 1, 2010. We look forward to serving you in the new year! View all 2010 TAFP activities on the online calendar of events, www.tafp.org/events.html.

EDUCATION UPDATE

Registration now open for the 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship
Make sure you secure your spot in one of the year’s most anticipated CME conferences for primary care physicians, the 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship in Austin, Texas. The conference, to be held on March 5 at the Hilton Austin Airport, offers attendees up to 11 credits of engaging, high-quality continuing education for a great price. Online registration is now available. Go to the C. Frank Webber section of www.tafp.org for more information and to register.

AAFP presents two free CME programs in San Antonio
Join your national academy for AAFP Live!, a CME program consisting of two free half-day courses, on Jan. 10, 2010 at the Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter. Physicians may register for Pain Management or Sleep Disorders, or both programs. more...