Prepare for the 82nd Legislative Session with the advocacy checklist
Facing a tough legislative session, your patients need you to get involved in the political process now. Don’t know where to start? Check out the latest TEXAS FAMILY PHYSICIAN magazine, a special issue dedicated to family medicine advocacy. Whether it’s through Physician of the Day, TAFPPAC, or writing an e-mail to a representative, any TAFP member can make a difference with a few simple steps. more …
posted 08.31.10
TAFP member elected president of TMF Health Quality Institute boardDavid Garza, D.O., of Laredo, has been elected president of the TMF Health Quality Institute Board of Trustees. In his one-year term, he will direct the 18-member board of the nonprofit health care consulting company. more …
posted 08.31.10
AAFP is still looking for practices to participate in a pilot project that will train practice staff to integrate tobacco cessation activities into daily office routines. Response from southern states was low and AAFP would like more from Texas. Practices selected will receive $3,500 in reimbursement to cover administrative costs. Apply by Friday, Sept. 2. more …
updated 08.30.10
Family docs gather for great education, fun at TAFP’s 61st Annual Session
TAFP members had a blast in vibrant San Antonio when they gathered for the 61st Annual Session and Scientific Assembly. Between high-quality CME lectures and special events, this was the event of the summer. View a slideshow of photos from the conference and relive the special moments. more …
posted 08.03.10
Loan repayment program opens rolling enrollmentDid you miss the June 15 deadline for the new Physician Education Loan Repayment Program? The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has announced that they will accept applications for the program throughout the rest of the year as long as funding remains available. Read more about how to apply for up to $160,000 in educational loan forgiveness. more …
posted 08.03.10
ImmTrac launches new immunization schedulerThe Texas Department of State Health Services ImmTrac immunization registry has launched a new and improved immunization scheduler that will more efficiently aid physicians in tracking their patients’ recommended vaccinations. more …
posted 08.03.10
Give away bike helmets to pediatric patients during Brain Injury Awareness Month in OctoberBrain Injury Awareness Month is a great opportunity to hold a Hard Hats for Little Heads helmet giveaway event. Increase safety among your pediatric patients and promote family physicians’ role in caring for whole families through Hard Hats for Little Heads. more …
posted 08.03.10
Medical board launches online supervision and prescriptive delegation registration systemThe Texas Medical Board has launched a new online system to allow physicians to register supervision and prescriptive delegation of physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, and other requirements of these mid-level providers in a timely manner. more …
posted 08.03.10
Registration for 2010 Primary Care Summit is now openConference is now held in two locations: Houston and Dallas
The Texas Medical Board has launched a new online system to allow physicians to register supervision and prescriptive delegation of physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, and other requirements of these mid-level providers in a timely manner. more …
posted 08.03.10
Next stop, San Antonio: Receive hands-on procedural training with NPI in NovemberThe National Procedures Institute will go back to San Antonio to present courses on the most popular procedures for primary care physicians. Get more from your practice by learning an office-based procedure. Sign up for a workshop in November when the National Procedures Institute makes a stop in Texas. more …
posted 08.03.10
21.3 percent Medicare pay cut goes into effectSenate sends short extension, positive update to House
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have begun processing Medicare physician claims under the 21.3 percent cut after Congress failed to act A Senate-passed amendment providing a temporary extension and update has been sent back to the House, which can’t take up the measure until Tuesday evening. more …
posted 06.18.10
State leaders order agencies to make second round of budget cutsIn the latest action to address a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall in the next biennium, Gov. Rick Perry and the Legislative Budget Board have asked state agencies to trim 10 percent from their 2012-2013 budgets. Fresh from a 1 percent Medicaid and CHIP pay cut, how will physicians fare in this round? more …
posted 06.10.10
Medical board to present sessions on licensure and enforcementThe Texas Medical Board will travel to cities throughout Texas in 2010 to educate physician licensees, medical students, and residents about TMB’s regulatory and licensure processes. Two hours of ethics CME are available for attending. more …
posted 06.10.10
News from ABFM: TAFP member elected to board, new programs availableRead a roundup of news from the American Board of Family Medicine including Dr. Carlos Jaén’s appointment to the ABFM board, the newly released PQRI Diabetes Module, and the launch of the Recognition of Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine program. more …
posted 06.10.10
Save money on vaccines this summer with Atlantic Health PartnersAs summer peak purchasing season approaches, see how much you can save through a TAFP partnership with vaccine purchasing program Atlantic Health Partners. more …
posted 06.21.10
Special guest at TAFP’s Annual Session to give insider’s look at state politicsRegister now and save $100 on the premier primary care conference in Texas
Harvey Kronberg, editor of the well-respected Quorum Report newsletter, will be at this year’s Town Hall Meeting during Annual Session in San Antonio, July 21-25, to give attendees the scoop on the impending scope of practice battle, budget woes, and more. Also, register for Annual Session and make your hotel reservations today to get the best deal on a great summer destination. more …
posted 06.10.10
Apply for the new Texas physician loan repayment program by June 15Physicians carrying educational debt have until June 15 to apply for the inaugural cohort of the updated Texas Physician Education Loan Repayment Program. Even physicians already in practice may apply for the remaining spots as long as they work in a Health Professional Shortage Area. more …
posted 06.10.10
Nurse practitioners fire first shots in latest battle to achieve independent practiceAdvanced practice nurses are making headlines across the state as they call for lawmakers to rewrite the Medical Practice Act and allow them to practice medicine without physician supervision. more …
posted 05.27.10
Medicare to cut physician pay by 21.3 percent unless Congress actsAs of the deadline for this publication, Congress had not passed a measure that would avert the cut in physician fees for Medicare services by the June 1 deadline. The current legislation under consideration would postpone the cut until 2012. more …
posted 05.27.10
Final budget plan cuts $64 million in physician payments for Medicaid and CHIPTexas’ top three leaders made their choices on what stays and what goes in agency-submitted budget reduction plans. They rejected one-third of the proposed cuts to provider reimbursements for state safety net programs and kept the rest. more …
posted 05.24.10
DFPS provides patient education materials promoting infant and toddler safetyThe Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is reaching out to family physicians to provide materials for two new campaigns. Request your free materials for the Room to Breathe campaign and the Don’t Be in the Dark About Child Care campaign by filling out a five-question survey. more …
posted 05.24.10
Large or small, new tools help transform practices into patient-centered medical homesWhether your practice has two physicians or 200, AAFP subsidiary TransforMED has the tools you need to take your practice to the next level. Read on for more on the launch of a new small practice program, and a briefing paper on the success of large medical home pilot projects. more …
posted 05.19.10
AAFP calls for board nominations for the Patient-Centered Research InstituteThe new health care reform law forms an institute that will establish a national research agenda, set methodological standards, and disseminate information to patients and providers. AAFP seeks nominees for the new institute’s board of governors, feeling that family medicine should have representation within this new organization. Find out how to put forth your name. more …
posted 05.27.10
Rio Grande City physician named Outstanding Young Texas ExTAFP member Javier Margo, M.D., of Rio Grande City, was named one of four outstanding young alumni of the University of Texas at Austin by the university’s alumni organization. The Texas Exes will present him the award on May 22. more …
posted 05.19.10
Former TAFP president, physician emeritus wins TMA Young at Heart awardGlen Johnson, M.D., of Houston, was given the Texas Medical Association’s Young at Heart award in recognition of his commitment to encouraging and mentoring the next generation of physicians. more …
posted 05.19.10
TAFP members elected to TMA leadership postsFamily medicine had a great weekend at the Texas Medical Association’s annual conference as several TAFP members were elected to top leadership positions. Past President Doug Curran, M.D., and second-year resident Travis Bias, D.O., join the TMA Board of Trustees, and Mike Ragain, M.D., becomes alternate delegate to AMA. more …
posted 05.06.10
Time is running out to enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionShow off your research at TAFP’s Student, Resident, and Community Physician poster competition. Applications and abstracts are due May 14, so don’t delay. more …
posted 05.06.10
Calling all TAFP members: Make Your Mark on family medicineThe easiest way to become more involved in your Academy is by joining a committee or commission. These groups cover a variety of topics, so you can choose what interests you most and help form TAFP policy that will guide us through the coming years. Fill out the Make Your Mark form by May 14 and make a difference for the specialty. more …
posted 05.06.10
Loan repayment application deadline extended to June 15, 2010The Texas Department of State Health Services will accept applications for the new loan repayment program through June 15. Through this program, physicians who agree to practice in the neediest areas of Texas can get up to $160,000 in educational debt relief. more …
posted 05.06.10
Save money on vaccines with Atlantic Health PartnersIf you’re looking to save money in tough times, your Academy is here to help. Receive favorable pricing and purchasing terms on vaccines by signing up with one of TAFP’s partners. There is no cost to enroll. more …
posted 05.06.10
Medical students: Apply for TMLT scholarshipsCalling all third- and fourth-year medical students: TMLT invites you to apply for the 2010 TMLT Memorial Scholarship Program. The deadline is June 1, and winners will be chosen in the fall. Four Texas medical students will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. more …
updated 05.06.10
Congress approves Medicare payment patch through May 31Congress has passed and President Barak Obama has signed a Medicare physician payment bill that extends the 2009 payment rate through May 31, thus reinstating the payment rate that was in place on March 31. more …
posted 04.15.10
21.2-percent Medicare physician fee cut to go through April 1The U.S. Senate has again failed to avert a 21.2-percent reduction in physician payments in the Medicare program, meaning the cut will go into effect on Thursday, April 1. Experts are hopeful the Senate will pass another 30-day freeze when they return on April 12. more …
posted 03.29.10
Congress passes health system reformPresident Obama has signed the contentious Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, and a bill containing changes to the legislation should make it out of Congress in the coming days. TAFP President Kaparaboyna Ashok Kumar, M.D., F.R.C.S., has released a measured response, and we have posted several links to news stories from around the country to help you sort fact from fiction in the aftermath of the year-long debate. more …
posted 03.25.10
TAFP president issues statement on passage of health care reform billTAFP President Kaparaboyna Ashok Kumar, M.D., F.R.C.S., issued a statement on the passage of the national health care reform legislation, saying that this is the first step in what will be a long journey to a sustainable health delivery system. more …
posted 03.23.10
Two TAFP members make bids for TMA leadership rolesSupport Curran and Ragain in election at TexMed 2010
TAFP Past President Doug Curran, M.D., is running for a spot on the TMA Board of Trustees, and Mike Ragain, M.D., is running for alternate delegate to the American Medical Association. Do your part to support these family medicine leaders by attending TexMed 2010 in Fort Worth and casting your vote or attending your county caucus meeting. more …
posted 03.25.10
Austin family physician sworn in as president of county medical societyC. Mark Chassay, M.D, the new president of the Travis County Medical Society, hopes to use his post to strengthen relationships between physicians of all specialties and between physicians and their communities. Read more about Dr. Chassay and his vision for leadership. more …
posted 03.25.10
Congress to delay Medicare pay cut until April 30The House has voted to postpone the threatened 21.2-percent cut to Medicare physician fees for another 30 days, and the Senate is expected to follow suit soon. Congress’ failure to find a permanent fix to the flawed payment formula “is simply unacceptable,” said TAFP President Kaparaboyna Ashok Kumar, M.D., F.R.C.S., in a February statement. AAFP and TAFP remain engaged in the fight for a permanent fix to the flawed payment formula. more …
posted 03.18.10
Elgin physicians initiate grass-roots patient campaign to fight Medicare cutThree family physicians in Elgin are waging the battle against the flawed Medicare payment formula on their home turf, in the exam room. more …
posted 03.18.10
Register today for TAFP’s 2010 Leadership and Legislative ConferenceMake a difference for your patients and your practice; join TAFP for the 2010 Leadership and Legislative Conference in Austin April 9-10 and hone your skills in lobbying, interacting with the media, and more. Plus, get an insider’s look into national health reform and the next Texas legislative session. more …
posted 03.18.10
TAFP launches I Am A Family Doctor videoPlus, check out the new website and video contest
Your Academy is proud to launch the I Am A Family Doctor video, which shows the depth and breadth of family medicine by featuring innovative family medicine practices from around the state. Go to www.BeAFamilyDoc.com to see these physicians in action. more …
posted 03.18.10
TAFP Foundation offers scholarships to medical students, residentsThe TAFP Foundation has thousands of dollars available in scholarships for medical students and residents. Explore this listing of scholarships and other exciting opportunities. more …
posted 03.16.10
Calling all researchers: Enter TAFP’s annual research poster competitionDeadline to submit an abstract is May 14
Show off your research at the 2010 TAFP Student, Resident, and Community Physician Poster Competition, to be held during Annual Session on July 23 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The top resident will win a $300 cash prize and up to $1,500 in travel funding. more …
posted 03.18.10
Family physicians increase their practice potential at 2010 C. Frank Webber LectureshipFamily physicians from around the state gathered for the 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship and Interim Session March 4-6 in Austin to learn, network, and develop new TAFP policies. Read a synopsis of last week’s conference. more …
posted 03.18.10
Senate postpones Medicare cut until April 1The Medicare physician pay cut crisis has been temporarily averted. Late last night, the Senate passed an emergency spending bill that included a measure to delay the 21.2-percent cut until April 1. A longer extension is in the works. more …
posted 03.03.10
Primary elections results yield incumbent upsets, runoffs, and a doctor in the HouseIf yesterday’s Texas primary elections are any indication, the next eight months leading up to the November general elections are going to be interesting. Read about incumbent upsets, runoffs to be held in April, and more. more …
posted 03.03.10
Senate abandons effort to block Medicare physician fee cutThe U.S. Senate has failed to avert a 21.2-percent reduction in physician payments in the Medicare program, meaning the cut will go into effect on Monday, March 1. more …
posted 02.26.10
HHSC proposes Medicaid provider rate cut of 1-2 percent starting Sept. 2010Leaders 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. more …
posted 02.18.10
TMLT seeks applicants for medical student scholarshipsCalling 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. more …
posted 02.18.10
TMA releases new physician toolkit to improve patient lifestyles, patient healthGive 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. more …
posted 02.18.10
HHSC seeks proposals for “health home” models in MedicaidThe 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. Submit your proposal for projects starting summer 2010. more …
updated 02.18.10
TAFP Past President Doug Curran, M.D., to run for the TMA Board of TrusteesDouglas Curran, M.D., a family physician from Athens, Texas, and TAFP past president has decided to toss his hat into the ring for the Texas Medical Association Board of Trustees and he’ll need your help to get elected. more …
posted 02.11.10
March 1 deadline looms for Medicare physician pay fixCongress has precious little time to avert a 21-percent cut to Medicare physician fees. A jobs bill in the Senate may provide the vehicle to delay the cut yet again. more …
posted 02.11.10
New loan repayment program application now availableDSHS has released the online application for the updated Physician Education Loan Repayment Program. The program will pay up to $160,000 to physicians who agree to practice for four years in primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas in an effort to increase access to care for the neediest populations. The deadline to apply currently stands as April 1 with the first cohort service period beginning July 1. Read more on TAFP’s loan repayment reference page: www.tafp.org/students/resources/loanRepayment.
posted 02.11.10
Certain lots of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 vaccine will expire Feb. 15Vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur has announced that 50 lots their H1N1 vaccine in pre-filled syringes loses its potency faster than the stated expiration date and must be taken out of circulation by Feb. 15. Find out if you received vaccines from these batches and what to do next. more …
posted 02.11.10
Get the lowest Sanofi Fluzone prices for 2010-2011 with Atlantic Health PartnersAtlantic Health Partners, a vaccine purchasing program endorsed by TAFP, offers family physician members favorable pricing and purchasing terms on a variety of vaccines. It’s free to sign up. Read more here. more …
posted 02.11.10
TAFPPAC gears up for family medicine in 2010 election cycleEntering a critical election year, Texas family physicians have a great opportunity to make a positive political impact for their patients and practices. Get a sneak peek at a few TAFPPAC endorsements and find out how you can get involved advocating for family medicine. more …
posted 01.14.10
New Texas law requires physicians to test pregnant women for STDsA law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2010 requires physicians to conduct multiple tests for STDs on pregnant women under their care. Read more from DSHS. more …
posted 01.14.10
TAFP accepting applications for NCSC and ALF delegate spots and scholarshipsInterested in representing TAFP at AAFP’s National Conference of Special Constituencies and Annual Leadership Forum April 29-May 1 in Kansas City, Mo.? Consider applying for an NCSC delegate spot or applying for scholarships for NCSC and ALF. Access the application forms here. more …
posted 01.14.10
TAFP members voice opinions on national health care reform on Austin NPR stationFour TAFP members were featured on the Austin station of National Public Radio during the station’s coverage of national health reform from the doctors’ perspective. Read what they had to say and follow links to the recorded interviews. more …
posted 01.14.10
Sponsor an adolescent immunization program with TMAThe Texas Medical Association invites physicians to sponsor an immunization clinic for adolescents through the organization’s Be Wise — Immunize program. more …
posted 01.14.10
Register today for the 2010 C. Frank Webber Lectureship on March 5Also, make progress toward your ABFM certification with the SAM workshop
Online registration is now available for the C. Frank Webber Lectureship on March 5 and the SAM Group Study Workshop on March 4. Read more about what this year’s conference in Austin has to offer you. more …
posted 01.14.10
In the news 2009Read all the news stories from 2009.
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