Practice Viability

TMA Moment in Time: SGR Repeal - 03/30/2023

The historic victory has roots in TMA advocacy and may provide a playbook for future Medicare reform.

Mending Medicare: Federal Spending Law Reduces Physician Pay Cut Amid Reform Push - 03/01/2023

A massive federal spending law took effect in late 2022, delivering a smaller-than-scheduled Medicare physician pay cut in 2023, but the Texas Medical Association and others in organized medicine continue to push for comprehensive reform.

How to Automate Payment Processes, Avoid Patient Debt - 11/09/2022

Maximizing automation functions within a practice management system can have many hidden benefits to physician practices, not the least of which is saving on costs and time – and heading off payment delays.

How to Cut Operational Costs? TMA Experts Have Answers - 10/21/2022

The cost-conscious physician trying to cut expenses can start by looking around the office.

New TMA Committee Aims to Protect Private Practice - 10/18/2022

Private practices across Texas face the same threats as their larger counterparts: successive physician pay cuts, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation. But they lack access to the same resources when dealing with them. The Texas Medical Association is dedicated to helping them keep their doors open, which led to the formation of a new Ad Hoc Committee on Independent Physician Practice.

You've Got Direct Mail: Direct Messaging Offers Practice Benefits - 10/03/2022

Direct messaging is a low-cost, electronic communication method similar to email that allows physicians to exchange protected health information over the internet in a secure, HIPAA-compliant manner.

Ask the Expert About Managing Operating Costs - 09/25/2022

Learn how to best manage operating costs in the Texas Medical Association’s next Ask the Expert session on Sept. 29 at noon CT.

New TMA Committee to Bolster Private Practices - 08/29/2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and a recent spike in inflation are just the latest in a string of pressures that are increasingly driving private practices in Texas and across the nation out of business – a trend the Texas Medical Association is aiming to reverse through the formation of a new Ad Hoc Committee on Independent Physician Practices.

Nickel and Dimed: Physicians Can Avoid Electronic Credit Cards and Their Fees - 07/29/2022

Some small medical insurance companies are trying to force physicians to receive payment via electronic credit cards, but medical practices can avoid this costly problem.

Pinch Points: Health Care Isn’t Immune to a Tight Labor Market - 06/29/2022

Health care isn’t immune to a tight labor market, but employee retention efforts can help.

Virtual Summit: A Closer Look at Primary Care - 10/08/2021

This year’s virtual version of the Texas Primary Care Consortium (TPCC) Summit – a learning lab, collaborative gathering, and catalyst for primary care transformation in Texas – kicks off this Thursday, Oct. 14, and continues on Oct. 15.

Get Help Applying for Provider Relief Funds - 10/04/2021

Planning to apply for financial assistance through the fourth phase of the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund (PRF), or for funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) targeted toward rural practitioners? If so, the federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has several technical assistance webinars coming up with guidance on how to navigate the PRF portal, including one this Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 2- to 3 pm CT.

Sixteen Ways to Save Money in Your Practice - 09/23/2021

Looking for ways to trim practice expenses? Here are some easy suggestions for saving a little here and a little there. It can add up.

Tell HHSC: How Has COVID-19 Impacted Your Practice? - 11/09/2020

Have unexpected technology costs and staffing changes had a substantial impact on your practice during the pandemic? Have inpatient and outpatient services fluctuated? Do you use telemedicine? The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) wants to know and invites physicians to participate in its 2020 COVID-19 Impact Survey.

Road to Recovery: COVID-19 Tests, Bends, and Breaks Texas Practices - 10/27/2020

Ricardo Garza, MD, was still walking the tightrope: standing, but unable to withstand another gust of wind. COVID-19 swept away about 35% of the San Antonio solo cardiologist’s practice revenue, and that was just what he could calculate as he waited for insurers to process straggling claims. But he had returned to in-office operations without any layoffs. While some practices are surviving – and trying their best to prepare for future threats – others weren’t so lucky. On-the-ground experiences align with the Texas Medical Association’s Practice Viability Survey in showing COVID-19 was, and still is, a disruptor unlike any other – challenging or torpedoing the viability of various practice types.

'This Makes Me Feel More Alive': Catching COVID-19 Helped Physician Find New Ways to Help Patients - 10/27/2020

Catching COVID-19 helped family physician Tim Martindale, MD, find new ways to help his patients.

How Health Plans Are Covering COVID-19 Testing and Treatment - 10/09/2020

Many health insurers in Texas are waiving patient costs associated with COVID-19. Last week in a news release, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Insurance asked insurers and HMOs to cover testing consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, and telemedicine visits.

Medicare Advance Payment Loans Due; AMA Seeks Delay - 08/13/2020

Physicians who received payments in the spring from the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program are supposed to start repaying those loans as early as this month. But given that most practices are still struggling with lost revenue and cash-flow disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Medical Association is asking the Trump administration to delay and possibly reconsider those repayments.

Some Emergency Business Loans Will Be Audit-Free, Feds Say - 05/19/2020

If you received a loan of less than $2 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program, it likely will not be subject to an audit or potential penalties and damages, the U.S. Treasury Department said.

Financing Options to Help Keep Your Practice Afloat - 04/14/2020

If you’re starting to get concerned about your practice’s finances because of the COVID-19 outbreak, there are multiple options available to help you meet your obligations.

This Can Help Your Practice Cut Costs During COVID-19 - 04/07/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected physician practices both clinically and economically. You can make adjustments in operating expenses that can keep your practice’s finances healthy.

Concerned About Your Practice’s Finances? TMA Has Answers - 04/01/2020

As more cities issue shelter-in-place orders (on top of directives to postpone certain procedures and surgeries) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, you are probably thinking seriously about your practice’s finances. The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help guide you through the questions you might have.

Federal Loans Available to Help Your Practice During Disaster - 04/01/2020

Small businesses in Texas – including health care clinics and practices – can now apply for long-term, low-interest working capital loans to meet their financial obligations during the time of a disaster.