HHSC proposes Medicaid provider rate cut of 1-2 percent starting Sept. 2010
Leaders at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission submitted a plan to reduce their budget by 5 percent, an exercise all agencies had to take in response to a request by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and House Speaker. With nearly three-quarters of the HHS budget exempt from cuts, provider rates go under the knife.
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AAFP issues action alert to block Medicare pay cut
Use Speak Out to contact congressional representatives
Yet another measure that would have delayed the pending 21.2-percent cut in Medicare physician payment has failed as the March 1 deadline nears. The latest attempt, which would have frozen fees until Sept. 1, had been included in a bill to create jobs, but the Senate stripped the Medicare provision out last Friday. With less than two weeks left before the cut goes into effect, AAFP is calling on members to tell their congressional representatives what this cut would do to their practices and their patients by using the Academy’s online Speak Out tool. For more and for the link to the action alert, read this AAFP News Now article.
Support family medicine-friendly candidates in 2010 Texas primary elections
Early voting ends Friday, Feb. 26
Early voting for the Texas primary elections runs through Friday, Feb. 26. As you prepare to cast your ballot, take a moment to review the list of TAFPPAC-endorsed candidates on the TAFPPAC website. These candidates show dedication to the issues important to your patients and your practice. Make your voice heard; go to www.tafppac.org today.
TMLT seeks applicants for medical student scholarships
Calling all third- and fourth-year medical students: TMLT invites you to apply for the 2010 TMLT Memorial Scholarship Program. Four Texas medical students will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
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TMA releases new physician toolkit to improve patient lifestyles, patient health
Give your patients the tools they need to eat healthy, increase physical activity, quit smoking, and reduce risky alcohol consumption through a new toolkit from the Texas Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
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HPV vaccine approved for use in 9- to 18-year-old males
The Texas Vaccines for Children program has approved the administration of the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil to males age 9 to 18. Read the full memo for more information.
EDUCATION UPDATE
Register today for the 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship
The 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship is almost here! Make sure you secure your spot in one of the year’s most anticipated CME conferences for primary care physicians. The conference will be held on March 5 at the Hilton Austin Airport and offers attendees up to 11 credits of engaging, high-quality continuing education for a great price. Go to the C. Frank Webber section of www.tafp.org for more information and to register.
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