Tools 

Medicare Part B Newsletter Index  
The index is a handy reference that compiles all articles in Texas Medicare newsletters published since Jan. 1, 1995. It is updated quarterly. Use the "Find" tool in Acrobat reader to search by CPT code or by topic.
 

EHR Product Evaluation Tool 
Need help finding the right EHR for your practice? TMA is here to help. Texas Medical Association (TMA) physician members have overwhelmingly indicated to us they need help when it comes to health information technology. They specifically want help with electronic health record (EHR) selection. TMA has worked diligently with EHR vendors that have a strong presence in the Texas market to bring member physicians an EHR comparison tool of those vendor products.   

TMA Knowledge Base
Have a question and you can't seem to find the answer? This easy to use resource will provide you with the most current and accurate information whenever you need it.   


TMA Dues ROI Calculator
TMA and your county society know just how difficult it is to practice medicine in the chaos of today’s healthcare environment. That's why we offer valuable legal and legislative advocacy, as well as practical help and information. Just how valuable is your investment?

Student Loan Calculator  
To see your estimated monthly payment amount, simply enter the loan amount, the interest rate, and the number of payments, and then click 'Compute'.

CMS-1500 Forms and Guidelines  
The attached color-coded CMS-1500 Forms and accompanying guidelines are based on Medicare instructions and TDI Clean Claim regulations for the accurate completion of a claim form.   

Body Mass Indicator (BMI) Calculator  
This useful tool can help you to determine if one is overweight or underweight by measuring height and weight.

Sample Form Letters  
TMA has developed sample letters for your office to use when appealing claims to insurance carriers.   

Amortization Calculator  
This is a helpful tool when you want to see the bottom line while paying principal and interest on a loan.

Building Patient Loyalty - the Practice Challenge  
Attracting new patients is one important step in growing your practice. Satisfying and keeping patients is just as important. Satisfied patients create patient loyalty - a key ingredient of successful medical practices.

Contract Clause of the Month  
Managed care contracts and regulations can be a jungle of legal language, and physicians who do not carefully review the various clauses can be in for a nasty surprise. In this monthly feature of Texas Medicine , TMA identifies some of the contract clauses and regulations of which physicians should be aware.

Practice Change Sample Forms  
Retiring, selling a practice, and/or joining a new practice can be complicated and time-consuming. There are many details involved in making a practice change that can be overlooked. Here are a few downloadable letters and checklists to guide you in the midst of your transitioning practice. 

Knowledge Center E-Resources  
TMA Knowledge Center staff selected the following links to free electronic medical resources of e-books, e-journals, and e-databases.

Clinical Quality Tools  
TMA has developed 7 tools and calculators to help guide your clinical effectiveness, patient experience, and performance improvement initiatives. 

Deadlines for Doctors  
TMA’s regulatory compliance calendar provides background information, regulations, penalties and incentives and suggested steps, and guides you to TMA resources that can help you meet each compliance date. 

How to Perform a Physician Practice Internal Billing Audit  ( PDF  )
One neurology practice identified over $30,000 that was lost annually in legitimately earned income for not accurately reporting physician visits.