Related Stories

Deadline Extended for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee Positions - 02/06/2026

Three positions are accepting applications by Feb. 24. Several physicians currently serving TMA also participate in the Texas Department of State Health Services-led committee, which makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature to help reduce the number of pregnancy-related deaths and complications in the state.

Medicare Modifier 25 Documentation Under Microscope Following Federal Report - 02/04/2026

A recent federal audit focused on Medicare payments for eye injections revealed overwhelmingly high improper payment rates for evaluation and management services billed with modifier 25 usage. TMA provides information on how to help physicians avoid denials.

TMA’s Leadership Collective Strengthens Physician Trailblazers - 02/03/2026

The event included a lively presentation that fielded both physicians’ questions and ideas, resulting in attendees learning key strategies – and leaving with new connections with peers.

Here’s Your 2026 Billing and Coding Checklist - 01/16/2026

TMA’s Physician Payment Resource Center works year-round with member physicians and health plans to resolve certain insurance payment issues. They suggest these practical actions you can take at the start of 2026 to keep your billing and collections on track throughout the year.

Physicians Can Become Influencers with New TMA Resource - 01/15/2026

TMA’s new academy is a self-paced program that educates physicians on how to become social media influencers by focusing on basic building blocks like branding, messaging, storytelling, and beyond.

Cigna Clarifies Terms, Conditions of Its High-Level E/M Downcoding Policy - 12/30/2025

In communication with TMA, Cigna confirmed its policy will not apply to all physicians and those subject to it can request to be removed from the review process under certain circumstances. Nevertheless, the limited scope of the “exemption” could still represent a significant operational and financial challenge for some practices.

TMA Council, Committee Applications Due Jan. 9 - 12/03/2025

The weeks leading up to TexMed, TMA’s annual policymaking conference, mean new members are selected for TMA’s councils and committees – the engine driving medicine’s grassroots advocacy. Physicians interested in serving or recommending a colleague to serve must submit nominations by Jan. 9, 2026.

Resolutions Due Jan. 30 for House of Delegates Consideration - 11/19/2025

With TexMed set a little earlier than usual this year in April, TMA’s House of Delegates is already gearing up its policymaking process. And good TMA policy starts with good resolution-writing, which can be done by any member.

Touting Texas: David N. Henkes, MD, Championed the State’s Physicians in 25 Years on the AMA Delegation - 11/13/2025

David N. Henkes, MD, recalls his first American Medical Association meeting in San Francisco as a new member of the Texas Delegation to the AMA. The November 2001 conference was, in a word, “overwhelming.”

Make Physician Training in Coding Methods Part of Your Practice - 11/10/2025

Increase physician understanding of coding by implementing physician-led coding and compliance programs. 

The X{EPSU} Modifiers Further Define Modifier 59 - 10/24/2025

Modifier 59, the distinct procedural service modifier associated with Medicare National Correct Coding Initiative edits, is one you might find confusing (many practices do). Follow these guidelines

Practice e-Tips on Coding - 10/20/2025

Get practice tips on all things coding. Learn about coding methods, correct coding, resources, coding related to Workers' Comp and more.

Timing for Annual Medicare Mammograms - 09/18/2025

Medicare counts 11 full months after the month in which the patient received her screening

County Medical Societies - 09/16/2025

Links to Texas County Medical Societies

Program Overview - 09/08/2025

Guidelines, application process, and costs for the TMA Leadership College.

TMA’s Women Physicians Section Leads Advocacy and Change - 09/04/2025

Women in Medicine Month in September celebrates the achievements and contributions of female physicians. That includes the efforts of TMA’s Women Physicians Section, now in its sixth year.

Board Member Highlight: G. Ray Callas, MD - 09/03/2025

Upon the conclusion of his one-year Texas Medical Association presidency in May 2025, Beaumont anesthesiologist G. Ray Callas, MD, continues serving as an ex-officio member of the TMA Board of Trustees.

Distinguished Service Award Recipients - 08/13/2025

TMA established the Distinguished Service Award in 1962 as a special recognition for meritorious achievement in medical science, advances in public health, and exceptional service to the medical profession and the community.

Inaugural Award: TMASFF Cowles Young Physician Scholarship Endowment Supports Future Medical Leaders - 08/04/2025

The endowment promotes TMA leadership training opportunities for young physicians in Harris County. Learning about its namesake doctor “made me even more driven to continue to become a leader in medicine and to continue my journey with TMA,” one recipient said.

VA Seeking Refunds from Physicians for Past CHAMPVA Claims - 06/26/2025

Physicians may soon hear from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking refunds for payments it says were made in error. TMA has provided information on what steps physicians may take.

TMA Board of Trustees 2025-26 - 06/25/2025

TMA Board of Trustees

Service Provider: TMA Practice Resources Educate Physicians on Practice Challenges - 06/23/2025

TMA’s robust practice resources help educate physicians on common billing issues, payer updates, and practice challenges.

RFS Executive Council - 06/16/2025

Resident and Fellow Section Executive Council

AI Experts Added to Committee on Health Information Technology - 06/11/2025

Recognizing the potential of augmented and artificial intelligence to greatly impact patient care and physician interests, the Texas Medical Association has announced the addition of 10 expert consultants to its Committee on Health Information Technology.

Board Member Highlight: John Carlo, MD - 06/09/2025

John T. Carlo, MD, brought high aspirations when he was elected to the TMA Board of Trustees in 2022. “I want to ensure that we protect all physician-patient relationships against government and business intrusion,” he said. “Every physician should be able to practice medicine at the highest standards, using the latest medical evidence without fear of being criminalized.”