Standing Up for Texas Doctors

Dr Malone testifying at House Public Health Committee
Dual-Eligible Furor Grows
Dr. Malone Medicare News Conference
House Repeals IPAB; Bill's Future DoubtfulIn what appears to be a futile gesture, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation abolishing the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), a 15-member panel appointed by the president that would recommend cuts in Medicare payment fees to physicians if federal spending on health care reaches certain levels.
Student
New Coding System Delayed 'Til 2014The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this month reconfirmed its plans to delay the implementation of the ICD-10 coding system for a year, from October 2013 to October 2014. HHS did say it expects everyone eventually to begin using ICD-10.
Lady doc and Capitol
Chiropractic Board Withdraws Scope RulesOngoing opposition from TMA and others to the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners' attempts to expand chiropractors' scope of practice caused the board to shelve those plans. The board's executive director said the board intends to stay within its statutory authority in the future. The proposed rules, which would have permitted chiropractors to perform some procedures that state law allows only physicians to perform, were withdrawn.

Helping Doctors with Their Practice

Calendar of Doom
Calendar of Doom Can Keep You CompliantAre You Ready for These Deadlines?

May 15 - State Franchise Tax Payments Due
June1 - Deadline to Opt Out of Medicare 
June 30 - New HIPAA 5010 Enforcement Discretion Period Ends
BIlling and Coding tab
5010 Deadline Extended, AgainAcknowledging that many physicians and billing entities still aren't ready, federal officials are giving physicians three more months before it begins enforcing the use of HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The new deadline is June 30.
Practice Help Technology Home Tab
HIT Tools and Resources at Your FingertipsTMA works diligently to give you the tools you need to tackle the challenges of technology. Whether you need help selecting an electronic health record (EHR) or understanding the EHR incentive program or information on e-prescribing, TMA has the resources. You can find links to all of these tools right here.
TMA Consultants
Hire a TMA Consultant TodayLooking for seamless solutions to your most puzzling practice problems? For the best in practice management assistance, contact TMA Practice Consulting today.With practice management experience, knowledge of best practices, and access to TMA’s tools and resources, a TMA consultant can provide customized solutions specific to your practice.

The Information Texas Doctors Need

What's Hot

  • Airborne Toxins Take a Toll

    As gas prices soar, lawmakers look to alternative energy sources to fuel the future. And, as scientific research strengthens the connection between air pollution and disease, physicians seek ways to restrict the amount of toxins patients breathe. (From the April issue of Texas Medicine.)

     READ MORE

  • Closing Your Practice?

    TMA’s new publication, Closing or Selling Your Medical Practice is now available! Are you thinking about closing or selling your medical practice? Several things need to be taken into account when making a career-changing decision. This book also contains forms, lists, and sample letters to help you follow the law and protect your interests. READ MORE

  • Medical Jobs Center

    TMA Medical Jobs connects you to recruiters searching for qualified candidates. Post your résumé free of charge, view job openings, or post job openings from your own practice. Employers, post your positions here to reach a highly targeted segment of qualified candidates. READ MORE

  • New TMA Vendor Guide

    This easy-to-use, online publication is comprehensive listing of companies that provide products and services to medical practice professionals. Use it as a reference when seeking reputable practice management resources throughout the year! READ MORE

  • In the Spotlight

    Medical Emergency Petition

    A combination of poorly informed government decisions and bureaucratic bungling is creating a medical emergency for Texas' thousands of dual-eligible Texans and the physicians who care for them.

    READ MORE

Education & Events

  • Are You Coding Correctly for Your Specialty?

    Through June 5 -- Multiple Cities 

    Correct coding ensures compliance and proper payment. TMA’s half-day interactive seminar gives participants a comprehensive, specialty-specific coding curriculum using real-world examples with the most up-to-date information.

  • Nonphysician Practitioners: Fundamentals of Billing and Supervision

    Statewide -- Through June 7

    Using a nonphysician practitioner (NPP) in your practice? Thinking about hiring one? Attend our half-day seminar and learn how to do it right.
  • Pack your bags for TexMed 2012

    May 18-19, 2012 -- Dallas

    Head to Sheraton Dallas May 18-19 for a chance to enhance patient care, stay abreast of clinical updates, and discuss key issues with experts in the field. With 100+ hours of clinical and business CME, a lively exhibit hall with 100 exhibits, and the opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the state, you don’t want to miss TexMed 2012!