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 …
posted 12.17.09
Just a few days left to make your 2009 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 …
posted 12.17.09
TAFP and RemitDATA join forces to improve practice efficiency and revenueIf your practice were being denied payment repeatedly for the same service because of a simple error in your billing process, would you know? TAFP has entered a new partnership to help make that information available to you. more …
posted 11.19.09
Update your contact information for the 2010 Member DirectoryKeep in touch with the Academy and your fellow Texas family physicians by updating your contact information for the 2010 Member Directory. Members should have received an e-mail or letter in late October or early November. You may also follow the links in this story to update your information online. more …
posted 11.19.09
TAFP’s Goertz wins bid for AAFP President-elect, plus two TAFP members selected to head AAFP committeesHail to the chief-elect! Waco family physician and TAFP Past President Roland Goertz, M.D., M.B.A., is AAFP’s new president-elect after being selected by the Academy’s Congress of Delegates at its October meeting in Boston, Mass. more …
posted 10.30.09
Support the AAFP Foundation with the dues check-off campaignWith one click, you can support the work of the AAFP Foundation when you renew your Academy dues. The Foundation Dues Check-Off campaign asks members to give a one-time $50 gift that will help advance the work of the philanthropic arm of the Academy. more …
posted 10.30.09
AAFP presents two free CME programs in San AntonioJoin 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 …
posted 10.30.09
Goertz wins bid for AAFP president-electCongratulations to AAFP’s newly elected president-elect, Roland A. Goertz, M.D., M.B.A., of Waco. more …
posted 10.14.09
TAFP leaders, staff head to Boston for AAFP Annual SessionAfter months of preparation, the time has finally come for staff and TAFP leaders to pack up and head to Boston for AAFP Annual Session. Find out how you can get the first scoop on election results. more …
posted 10.08.09
Dr. Martin Basaldua seeks Republican nomination for HD 127TAFP member Martin Basaldua, M.D., of Kingwood has put his name in the running for the Republican nomination for Texas House District 127, which represents northern Harris County. Read more about why he says there need to be more physicians in the Legislature. more …
posted 10.08.09
TAFP Foundation launches online dedication to scholarship namesakes and recipientsTAFP Foundation staff has compiled a flashy tribute to honor the namesakes of the scholarship program and give where-are-they-now updates on the scholarship recipients. See the faces behind the donations and how your generosity has helped bolster the future of family medicine. more …
posted 10.08.09
Texas Medicaid, AAFP release claim instructions for H1N1 vaccine administrationAs the H1N1 flu vaccine reaches physician clinics as early as next week, make sure you know how to get paid for administering the shot. The Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership has released instructions for billing vaccine administration fees for Medicaid beneficiaries, and AAFP has released information on the major payers and manufacturers. more …
posted 10.08.09
TAFP survey: What do family physicians face in the current practice environment?TAFP needs active members to tell us the major issues they face in their practices today. Respondents to the brief survey will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon.com gift card, but more importantly, will help the Academy shape legislative and regulatory policy to best represent you. more …
posted 10.08.09
Survey: Tell NPI what procedural topics you need and save $50Think, think, think. What procedure workshop do you want to see on the National Procedure Institute’s future program calendar? Lend your opinion and save $50 on an NPI registration. more …
posted 10.08.09
Goertz campaign for AAFP President-elect swings into high gearTAFP Past President Roland A. Goertz, M.D., M.B.A., will run for AAFP President-elect during next month’s AAFP Congress of Delegates in Boston. Link to his campaign Web site for video vignettes and more from this story. more …
posted 09.10.09
Texas ranks 12th in immunizing kids, sees slight rise from previous yearSurvey results released by the CDC reveal that Texas childhood immunization rates have improved, placing the state at 12th best in the country. The 2008 ranking represents the all-time high for Texas and continues Texas’ upward trend since 2002. more …
posted 09.10.09
HHSC seeks two physicians for Medicaid Drug Utilization Review BoardConsider volunteering to serve on an HHSC advisory board. The board meets four times per year. Read more about the board and access the application form. more …
posted 09.10.09
New law requires physicians to provide parents with bloodspot destruction formDSHS says docs do not have to return completed forms
Following changes to a state law enacted earlier this year, DSHS must provide parents with a form that allows them to have their child’s newborn screening bloodshot sample destroyed after it is used for routine testing. Physicians must provide the form to parents at the birth, but are not obligated to obtain signatures or return to DSHS. more …
posted 09.01.09
Proposed rules for physician loan repayment program publishedPublic comment period ends Sept. 20
The latest edition of the Texas Register contains the proposed rules for the administration of the newly created Physician Education Loan Repayment Program. Download a copy of the proposed rules from this story and make comments before the deadline. more …
posted 08.27.09
Members only: AAFP to host telephone town halls on Aug. 31Do you have questions about the health care reform bills circulating Congress? Mark your calendar for Monday, Aug. 31, when AAFP will host two evening telephone town halls for the entire membership. Join in to hear what your AAFP leaders are doing on your behalf and where the Academy stands on the issues. more …
posted 08.27.09
DSHS: Physicians must register online to receive fall H1N1 vaccineTo receive novel H1N1 flu vaccines this fall, Texas physicians must register through an online portal hosted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Read more about the form. more …
updated 09.03.09
TransforMED launches new physician networking siteTransforMED has released its latest tool to aid physician practices in adopting recommended practice enhancements: Delta-Exchange. This online social network brings physicians and their office staffs together to confer on what works and what doesn’t when moving toward providing a patient-centered medical home.
more …
posted 08.27.09
Austin newspaper examines Texas governor’s record on health careAs Gov. Rick Perry warms up the campaign trail, several comments have made national headlines. His charge for the federal government to leave health care reform to the states prompted Austin American-Statesman reporters to take a look at the state of health care in Texas during the governor’s time in office. more …
posted 08.13.09
Medical board seeks expert reviewersThe Texas Medical Board has placed a call to board-certified practicing physicians or academic physicians to sign up to serve as expert reviewers. A small stipend and CME hours are available. Read more about how to volunteer. more …
posted 08.13.09
Access physician swine flu resources for fallAs the temperatures start to fall, family physicians can expect to see cases of flu rise, including the novel H1N1 flu virus. Access a list of resources from the CDC, DSHS and AAFP that will help you prepare your practice for a busy season. more …
posted 08.13.09
DSHS and TAFP launch statewide initiative for pertussis vaccinationsAs a family physician, you play an integral role in coaching new parents on the care of their baby. Help them protect their child from the threat of whooping cough by joining DSHS and TAFP in the cocooning initiative. Read more about why you should encourage your patients to immunize all who come into contact with a new infant and how to obtain more educational materials for them. more …
updated 08.13.09
Now available: Register online for the 2009 Primary Care SummitPrimary Care Summit is quickly approaching. Register online for the Oct. 23-25 conference in Houston today to reserve your spot. more …
posted 08.13.09
Next stop, Dallas: Receive hands-on procedural training with NPI in OctoberInterested in expanding your practice with an office-based procedure? Sign up for a workshop in October when the National Procedures Institute makes its one stop in Texas. more …
posted 08.13.09
TAFP President Kaparaboyna Ashok Kumar, M.D., issues statement on national health care reform“While TAFP has not taken an official position supporting or opposing any of the current bills pending before Congress, we do support health care reform to re-establish primary care as the core of America’s health care delivery system,” said the Academy’s newly inducted president. more …
posted 08.06.09
Misinformation confounds public on health care reformCheck out resources to sort fact from fiction
Read any frightening e-mails about health care reform lately? False claims abound in the public debate, but several resources to dispel the myths are only a click away. more …
posted 08.06.09
AAFP’s Heal Health Care Now video voices hopes for reformA new AAFP online video allows family doctors from across the country to speak about the current health care system and what they hope to see in health care reform. Watch the video now. more …
posted 08.06.09
Plug in to the health care reform debate with AAFP campaignFind out the latest happenings in health care reform through AAFP’s Connect for Reform campaign. Subscribers will receive periodic e-mail updates and can post comments about proposals as they arise. more …
posted 08.06.09
Obama addresses American Medical AssociationPresident Barack Obama outlined his plans for health care reform at AMA’s annual meeting yesterday in Chicago, saying that a fix for the system is the “single most important thing we can do for America’s long-term fiscal health.” more …
posted 06.16.09
TAFP joins Facebook to further expand network, interact with membersInteract with your Academy in a whole new way by becoming a “fan” of TAFP on social networking site Facebook. Find out how you can join discussions, view videos, post comments and more. more …
posted 06.16.09
Prepare your practice for peak vaccine season with Atlantic Health PartnersTake advantage of cost savings and advocacy among the major vaccine producers by signing up with Atlantic Health Partners. Read an update from AHP’s Jeff Winokur. more …
posted 06.16.09
Special guests at TAFP’s Annual Session will discuss national, state health policyRegister now and save $100 on the premier primary care education conference in Texas
Interested in the health-care-system reform ideas being batted around by Congress and the White House? Want to know how family medicine fared in the Texas Legislature? You don’t want to miss our star-studded lineup at this year’s Annual Session and Scientific Assembly. And don’t forget that the hotel group rate and the early-bird registration period end on Monday, June 22. Save yourself some money and register today! more …
posted 06.16.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Physician loan repayment bill wins approval as session endsPlus, view the latest edition of CAPITOL REPORT webcast
TAFP entered the session with three main goals: create a substantial new physician loan repayment program for primary care physicians, require health plans to provide instant verification of benefits at the point of care and stave off efforts by advanced practice nurses to achieve independent practice. The Academy succeeded on all three counts. more …
posted 06.01.09
Scholarship available to attend AAFP National ConferenceAttention students and residents: Would you like to attend AAFP’s National Conference in Kansas City? The TAFP Foundation offers a scholarship for just such a leadership conference. Read the article for information and for a link to download the application form. Read the story for details. more …
posted 06.04.09
National organization works to build collaborative practice modelsHealth care executives, physicians and other health professionals met recently in San Antonio to discuss collaborative practice models and a team approach to providing quality care. The executive director of the Case Management Society of America writes to update TAFP members on the conference. Read the story for details. more …
posted 06.04.09
TAFP’s 60th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly will host NPI and SAM workshopsWorking toward your next board certification? Would you like to offer your patients a new procedure in your practice? Come to this year’s conference for two educational events you can really use. Read the story for details. more …
posted 06.04.09
TMLT to award four $10,000 medical student scholarshipsKnow any exceptional medical students? There are only two weeks left before the application deadline for four $10,000 scholarships to be awarded by the Texas Medical Liability Trust. Read the story for details. more …
posted 06.01.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Clock ticks down as important measures hang in the balancePlus, view last week’s edition of CAPITOL REPORT webcast
TAFP’s loan repayment bill awaits a crucial hearing in the Senate, APNs fail to achieve broad expansions of practice, and the Academy’s instant verification of benefits bill goes to the governor. more …
posted 05.22.09
Report: Act now to enact health reform or pay the price laterCan the United States afford a comprehensive health reform package? A report released yesterday from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation quantifies intermediate and longer-term implications of health care reform, concluding “can we afford not to?” more …
posted 05.22.09
AAFP survey: In recession, patients defer or cancel careA survey released this week reveals that more patients have chosen to forgo care in tough economic times. In response, physicians have stepped up efforts to help their patients, but is it enough? more …
posted 05.22.09
DSHS and TAFP launch statewide initiative for pertussis vaccinationsAs a family physician, help new parents protect their baby from a very real threat—whooping cough. DSHS has partnered with TAFP to launch the cocooning initiative to immunize all who come into contact with a new infant. Read more about how you can obtain education materials for your patients. more …
posted 05.22.09
Enhance your practice at Annual Session procedures workshopAlso, watch your mailboxes for the 2009 NPI brochure
Get more from your practice by signing up for the Stress ECG Testing Procedures Workshop to be held at Annual Session and hosted by TAFP partner the National Procedures Institute. For a separate registration fee, attendees can earn 12 more prescribed credits on Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16. more …
posted 05.22.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Big successes for two TAFP initiativesPlus, view the latest edition of CAPITOL REPORT webcast
The Texas Senate votes unanimously to pass TAFP’s instant verification of benefits bill and the Academy wins a tactical battle to advance an innovative and substantial physician loan repayment program. more …
posted 05.15.09
First TransforMED report reveals hope, caution about making medical home a realityAuthors of a the first independent report on TransforMED’s National Demonstration Project expressed hope for widespread implementation of the medical home while also warning that change will not come easily. Read their advice for family physician practices considering the switch. more …
posted 05.15.09
House passes physician loan repayment measureAfter days of tactical interplay worthy of a grandmaster chess match, the Texas House voted today to launch an innovative, robust loan repayment program designed to entice newly graduated primary care physicians to practice in health professional shortage areas across the state. more …
posted 05.13.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: With few weeks left in the session, action heats up on health care issuesTAFP tries a new tactic to move its loan repayment initiative, Senate State Affairs Committee passes the instant verification of benefits bill, Budget Conference Committee considers dangerous Medicaid cost-containment strategy, plus lots more in this week’s update. more …
posted 05.08.09
TransforMED launches informative online video on the medical homeTAFP members are encouraged to view, download and share a new online video from AAFP subsidiary TransforMED to educate patients on the patient-centered medical home, its benefits and their role in the health care partnership. Read more about the entertaining four-minute video and pass it around. more …
posted 05.08.09
Time is running out to enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionResearchers must submit an abstract by May 15 to be eligible for 2009 Student, Resident and Community Physician Poster Competition to take place during Annual Session in Arlington on July 17. Cash prizes are available for family medicine residents, and students and physicians can receive plaques and bragging rights. Researchers need not be present at Annual Session to enter. more …
posted 05.08.09
Plan a helmet giveaway to protect kids during summer activitiesAs summer approaches and more kids will be out-and-about on bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards, make sure they protect their heads by wearing a helmet. The Hard Hats for Little Heads program makes it easy for TAFP members to hand out 50 free helmets to youth in their community. Find out how you can bring the program to your community. more …
posted 05.08.09
Register online today for TAFP’s 60th Annual Session and Scientific AssemblyDon’t miss the 60th Annual Session and Scientific Assembly July 15-19 in Arlington. In addition to offering up to 24 CME credit hours, TAFP has planned lots of special events for you and your family. Read all about the premier conference for family physicians in Texas. more …
posted 05.08.09
Shape TAFP CME by taking a brief survey on acute coronary syndromeTAFP needs your feedback on acute coronary syndrome in your practice and how guidelines and CME affect its treatment. Take the brief 11-question survey today. more …
posted 05.08.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: TAFP issues Action Alert on H.B. 1876Time is running out on TAFP’s loan repayment bill. Your Academy needs you to contact your state representatives and urge them to sign on to the bill as a co-sponsor. Then call members of the House Calendars Committee and ask that they send the bill to the full House for debate. Read the full story for information and phone numbers for committee members. more …
posted 04.29.09
Access physician swine flu resourcesFollowing the first reported death related to swine flu in the United States and many more being reported around the state, Texas family physicians play an important role in keeping patients and communities healthy, as well as calming fears. Resources from state and national organizations will help you recognize symptoms, answer questions and counsel patients on travel. more …
updated 05.07.09
Vote for Foxhall and Cunningham for the TMA Board of TrusteesTAFP encourages all TMA members to support Lewis Foxhall, M.D., and Joe Cunningham, M.D., in their bids for the TMA Board of Trustees. Whether you vote or caucus, support of these candidates will boost primary care in the state. more …
posted 04.29.09
Report on AAFP’s NCSC and ALF conferencesTwo Texas members elected to national positions
Last week’s NCSC and ALF conferences were filled with meetings, seminars and elections. Read about the Texas delegation and its work to influence AAFP policies. Plus, congratulations to the two TAFP members elected to leadership positions. more …
posted 04.29.09
Earn up to 20 CME hours with free online program on IBS and chronic constipationTAFP is proud to present the hottest new CME format: the performance improvement initiative. Through the PI initiative, physicians can earn up to 20 CME hours without leaving their clinics, implementing knowledge learned using their patients and charts as examples. Enhance your practice with this program on irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. more …
updated 04.29.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Critical time for important billsWith just six weeks left before adjournment, the 81st Texas Legislature has reached the lull before the storm, but that hasn’t stopped TAFP from working on your behalf to move top initiatives through the process. more …
posted 04.17.09
AAFP sends out action alert on physician payment reformAAFP needs you to call your congressmen and ask for support of provisions in the House FY 2010 budget that would support physician payment reform. Through a helpful tool on the Speak Out page of AAFP’s Web site, you can enter your ZIP code, see phone numbers of your senators and representative and read talking points directly from the page. more …
posted 04.17.09
Doctors Without Borders announces Texas recruitment sessionLearn more about the aid organization on April 22 in Round Rock
Doctors Without Borders needs family physicians to volunteer to fill missions around the world. The organization provides aid to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect or catastrophe, regardless of their race, religion or political affiliation. Find more information on how you can help at the April 22 recruitment information session at the REI Round Rock — Austin. more …
posted 04.17.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Deadlines loom in 81st session, your action needed to move billsPlus, view the latest edition of CAPITOL REPORT webcast
With several deadlines looming, many of the 7,000 bills filed are on the chopping block. TAFP needs you to take action to make sure the issues important to your patients and your practice move to the next stage of the legislative process. more …
updated 04.09.09
Health care providers and legislators join in call to address primary care shortageAt a press conference last week, Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa called on members of the House Committee on Public Health to support House Bill 1876. Watch a brief video for scenes from the press conference. more …
posted 03.30.09
HHSC expands list of benefits for Women’s Health ProgramThe program that provides health benefits for low-income women age 18-44 has expanded its list of services. Read about the new benefits and when you can start billing for services rendered. more …
posted 04.07.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: TAFP’s loan repayment bill gets major media coverageAfter a press conference and a slew of media coverage, momentum is building behind TAFP’s loan repayment bill. more …
posted 03.24.09
Family physicians invigorate the specialty at C. Frank Webber LectureshipPlus, view the new Annual Session video invitation
Thanks to all of the attendees of the 2009 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session. Your participation made it a success! With such a busy conference, it’s tough to catch everything. Read a re-cap of activities, scroll through pictures and see the friendly faces of your colleagues on the Annual Session video invitation. more …
posted 03.24.09
TMLT to award scholarships to wider pool of medical studentsThe Texas Medical Liability Trust has made a few changes to its 2009 medical student scholarships, offering larger prize purses to an expanded pool of applicants. Read about the scholarships and how you can apply. more …
posted 03.24.09
Calling all researchers: Enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionShow off your research at the 2009 TAFP Student, Resident and Community Physician Poster Competition, held during Annual Session on July 17 at the Arlington Convention Center. The top resident will win a $300 cash prize and up to $1,500 in travel funding. more …
posted 03.24.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Watch the first installment of Capitol Report — 81st SessionTAFP Communications has premiered a brand-new season of Capitol Report to keep you up-to-date on all that’s happening at the Capitol. Join your news team as they take you through two hot issues: a scope of practice fight and managed care reform. Plus, read about the filing deadline, public health priorities and Medicaid spending. more …
posted 03.12.09
Economic concerns cause patients to delay careTAFP promotes medical home concept for health reform
In the face of economic distress, a new Kaiser poll reveals that families are choosing to delay medical and dental care, especially preventive services and care for chronic conditions. Through new Web tools like www.medicalhomeforall.com, TAFP and AAFP are promoting the patient-centered medical home as one solution to the health care crisis. more …
posted 03.12.09
TAFP joins social networking medium TwitterDo you tweet? Follow TXFamilyDocs on Twitter to receive concise updates about the daily goings-on at your Academy. We’ll post about news, member services and more. more …
posted 03.12.09
Check out new CME opportunities posted on TAFP’s Web site from Pri-Med and DSHSTAFP has added new CME listings provided by our partners around the state and country on the Other CME Opportunities page of www.tafp.org. Register for next week’s Pri-Med Southwest Conference & Exhibition in Houston or access free online CME from DSHS. more …
posted 03.12.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: TAFP premiers new season of video newscast, Capitol ReportWatch this session’s first video Web cast of TAFP’s Capitol Report, featuring interviews with Rep. Jose Menendez of San Antonio and TAFP member Rebecca Gladu, M.D., of Baytown. more …
posted 03.04.09
DSHS changes specimen regulations for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C testingStarting next week, the DSHS lab will only accept specimens for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C testing if they adhere to guidelines for collecting, coagulating and shipping. Read more about the new specifications and how they will affect your practice. more …
posted 03.04.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Two key bills for family physicians filedTAFP’s loan repayment reform bill was filed late this week on the heels of a bill that would require health plans to provide instant verification of benefits to physicians at the point of care. Also, TAFP member Todd Thames, M.D., testified on state funding for health services. more …
posted 02.27.09
Austin, Fort Worth newspapers address primary care issuesIssues important to family medicine are on the table and in the papers this legislative session. In case you missed them, read two articles published recently in the Austin American-Statesman and Fort Worth Star-Telegram on loan repayment and physician shortages. more …
posted 02.27.09
Make plans to join AAFP for the 2009 Family Medicine Congressional ConferenceHone your advocacy skills and put them into practice at the federal level at AAFP’s 2009 Family Medicine Congressional Conference to be held May 20-21 in Washington, D.C. more …
posted 02.27.09
C. Frank Webber and Interim Session brings education, business opportunitiesWith C. Frank Webber and Interim Session coming up March 13-14, make your plans to take full advantage of the conference: Earn up to 10 CME credit hours, enhance your business with a practice management mini-consult, support the future generation of family physicians by encouraging medical students to attend the Student and Resident conference and address hot-button issues in health care during the business meetings of Interim Session. more …
posted 02.27.09
Shape TAFP CME by filling out the needs assessment surveyAnnual Session discount valid until March 6
TAFP needs you to tell us what CME topics you want at upcoming symposia by completing the 2009 educational needs assessment survey. You should have already received your survey in the mail. Download a new copy here. Active members: Return the survey to TAFP by March 6 to receive a $10 discount on Annual Session registration. more …
updated 02.27.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Advanced practice nurses reveal agenda for independent practiceThe APNs stormed the Capitol this week in support of two bills that would dramatically expand their prescriptive authority, removing almost all physician supervision on their practice. more …
posted 02.13.09
Court rules against claim that pediatric vaccines caused autismA special court ruled that there is no link between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine combined with the preservative thimerosal and the onset of autism in children who received the vaccine in early childhood.
more …
posted 02.13.09
Study: HIT in hospitals improves patient care and reduces costHospital systems that use clinical information systems can reduce complications, death rates and costs, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. more …
posted 02.13.09
Save on 2009 flu vaccine orders through TAFP partnership with AtlanticPre-order your 2009 flu vaccine and receive a discount by signing up with vaccine purchasing program Atlantic Health Partners. TAFP members can join the program for free to receive advocacy support as well as favorable pricing on Sanofi and Merck vaccines. more …
posted 02.13.09
Sign up for mini consults with practice management expert Bradley ReinerSlots still available during C. Frank Webber on Friday, March 13
Do you have questions about contracting, e-prescribing or staffing? Sign up for a mini consultation with Bradley Reiner, TAFP’s practice management consultant, during Interim Session. The 45-minute timeslots are only available to TAFP members. E-mail jmiley@tafp.org to reserve your spot today. more …
updated 02.13.09
Obama signs SCHIP reauthorizationNewly signed federal legislation extends SCHIP eligibility to more than 4 million uninsured children, increasing the amount of federal funds available to Texas for the program by more than 70 percent this year. Whether any of the 900,000 eligible uninsured Texas children will benefit from the program rests in the hands of state lawmakers. more …
posted 02.05.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Senate announces committee appointments; TAFP needs to hear from youYour Academy is calling for lawmakers to require health plans to provide instant verification of benefits at the point of care to physicians and their patients, so you can access real-time data on what services are covered and what the patients’ out-of-pocket costs will be. To make the argument clear for legislators, we need your stories. Read more to find out how you can help us make instant verification of benefits a reality in Texas. more …
posted 02.05.09
Daschle withdraws nomination to head Health and Human ServicesThe excitement of having a strong primary care advocate at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services was squashed for now as former Sen. Thomas Daschle withdrew his name from consideration for the post this week. more …
posted 02.05.09
New loan repayment program to benefit Texas docs who treat Medicaid kidsTexas Health and Human Services has announced the creation of a new loan repayment program that would pay up to $140,000 each to physicians who treat children with Medicaid coverage. Find out if you’re eligible. Applications open in March. more …
updated 03.02.09
C. Frank Webber and Interim Session hotel filling quicklyPlus, get practice management tips through a mini-consult on March 13
Don’t wait to make your C. Frank Webber and Interim Session hotel arrangements. Rooms at the Hilton Austin Airport are filling quickly and are likely to be gone before the group discount deadline on Feb. 19. Also, TAFP members: Don’t forget to sign up for a free mini-consult with our practice management consultant, Bradley Reiner, on Friday, March 13. more …
posted 02.05.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: Governor makes 5th state-of-the-state addressWithout committee assignments in either the House or Senate, most of the action this week came from Gov. Perry’s state-of-the-state address, bills filed and a long debate on House rules. One bill to watch is Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa’s fair contracting bill, Senate Bill 556. more …
posted 01.29.09
ICD-10 implementation extended to 2013HHS heard physicians’ concerns and extended the deadline to switch to ICD-10 CM outpatient codes from 2011 to 2013. While this is a great start, don’t get too comfortable. Work toward a smooth transition starts now. more …
posted 01.29.09
American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart healthPromote cardiovascular disease awareness by wearing red on Friday, Feb. 6. Wear Red Day kicks off the American Heart Association’s American Heart Month, during which the association will provide lots of helpful resources for you and your patients. more …
posted 01.29.09
CAPITOL UPDATE: 81st Texas Legislature swings into actionSlots still available for Physician of the Day
Lawmakers have returned to the Capitol and the initial budget proposals are out. Once again, TAFP will keep you up-to-date on the bills that could affect you, your patients and your practice. more …
posted 01.22.09
Yoakum physician named Country Doctor of the YearDavid Watson, M.D., has been recognized for his exemplary contributions to rural medicine. more …
posted 01.22.09
TAFP now accepting 2009 award, scholarship applications through Feb. 11Also apply to represent Texas at AAFP’s National Conference of Special Constituencies
Know someone who deserves to be the Family Physician of the Year? A long-service doctor to be named Physician Emeritus? Read about the 2009-2010 TAFP awards and nominate one of your colleagues for these prestigious honors. Also, consider applying to represent Texas at AAFP’s NCSC in April. more …
posted 01.22.09
TAFP launches new registration portalRead this information before you register for the C. Frank Webber Lectureship
In an effort to serve members better, TAFP has adopted a new registration method. Read about some of the changes from our old registration system. more …
posted 01.22.09
Proposed economic stimulus would boost primary careA significant portion of the proposed $825 billion economic stimulus package is dedicated to reinforcing the nation’s primary care infrastructure, including $20 billion for health information technology and $600 million to train primary care physicians. more …
posted 01.22.09