Learn about physician employment law through free recorded webinar
TAFP partnered with the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals and the Texas Hospital Association to bring you a one-hour webinar explaining Senate Bill 894, the law that allows most rural Texas hospitals to directly employ physicians. It also explains the do’s and don’ts that you need to consider before entering into your first agreement. Originally broadcast on Oct. 25, an archive recording is available at no cost. Go to https://torchcast.webex.com, select “Recorded Sessions” from the left-side menu, and select “Physician Employment Webinar.”
AAFP Family Physician Mini MBA Resource Guide
The three-part “AAFP Family Physician Mini MBA Resource Guide” provides quick-access resources on the business skills practicing family physicians wish they’d received in medical school or residency. The toolkit speaks to busy physicians who need to be better business managers but don’t have the time to pursue an advanced degree. Download the free toolkit here.
The Family Physician’s ACO Blueprint for Success
This two-part guide helps family physicians develop their strategy to evaluate and implement a successful accountable care organization. Part One examines these new organizations and identifies essential elements, transcending specialty or facility to be applicable to all ACO stakeholders. Part Two applies the principles and processes of the guide specifically for the family physician.
The Family Physician’s Practice Affiliation Guide
From the strategic perspective of a family physician, this guide explores the reasons driving the trends toward collaboration and affiliation, weighs the advantages and disadvantages of various affiliation options, and provides a detailed analysis of the hospital employment model. Carefully considering integration and following guideposts could assure a successful and sustainable partnership.
ACO Legal Primer
Earlier this year the AAFP, along with several Chapters, worked with Smith Anderson to develop resources on ACOs. In the “Family Physician ACO Blueprint for Success” a legal primer on ACOs is mentioned as available upon request. Due to the popularity of this resource, Smith Anderson updated the information to include the guidance submitted by the federal regulators when the CMS proposed ACO regulations were issued in April. This resource is now available here.
Technology
Check out the new HIT Toolkit, and access links to HIT articles from Texas Family Physician.
Health care reform
With the advent of state and federal health care reforms, TAFP and AAFP are here to help you navigate the changes. Access a list of resources on accountable care organziations and the federal health care reform law. Check back soon for more.
Texas Physician Education Loan Repayment Program
The 81st Texas Legislature passed a bill creating a new physician loan repayment program that will pay up to $160,000 to physicians who agree to practice for four years in primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas, many of which are located in rural communities as well as urban centers. Read more about the program here.
Pertussis resources for family physicians
As primary caregivers for Texas families, Texas family physicians are often the first line of defense for whooping cough cases, which are on the rise in our state. Access resources on whooping cough and information on TAFP’s Cocooning Project.
Medical Home
Use the medical home resource page to educate yourself, your colleagues and your patients on the patient-centered medical home.
Interacting with TMB
Use the TMB resource page to access articles and useful links from TAFP, TMLT and others to help you in your interactions with the Texas Medial Board.
Maintenance of Certification
The American Board of Family Medicine’s Maintenance of Certification program can be difficult to navigate. Check out TAFP’s MC-FP resources for helpful guides as you go through the process.