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Texas Exceeds Latest Recommendations to Quell Syphilis - 05/29/2025

Texas’ mandated screenings for syphilis during pregnancy align with and surpass recently reaffirmed guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The state’s numbers continue to climb, but at a lower rate. Physicians can earn CME or attend in-person or virtual meetings coordinated by the state to keep apprised.

Delivering Collaboration: Can Birthing Centers Help Ease Texas’ Maternal Deserts? - 05/05/2025

G. Sealy Massingill, MD, knows well the wildly unpredictable nature of birth. The consultant on TMA’s Committee on Reproductive, Women’s, and Perinatal Health has attended the deliveries of thousands of infants and wouldn’t dare to presume that any apparently healthy patient labors unencumbered by risk.

Hospitals and Physicians Stand Strong for Bill to Protect Mothers - 04/08/2025

Texas physicians and hospitals strongly support the Life of the Mother Act, a bill making its way through the legislative process to clarify Texas abortion laws and help ensure the lives of mothers are protected during a medical emergency.

Safely Incorporate Remote Patient Monitoring Into Your Practice - 02/07/2025

If you’re considering using telemedicine or remote patient monitoring, the Texas Medical Liability Trust’s (TMLT) Risk Management team has some recommendations to protect you and your practice.

Are You Ready for Telemedicine Prime Time? - 02/07/2025

Like a stage actor who comes across awkward on a television or movie screen, you might find it challenging to connect with your patients during video telehealth visits. Here are some tips to make for five-star video telehealth visit.

Let Your Patients Know You Use Telemedicine - 02/07/2025

To make telemedicine more available, many state and federal rules and regulations regarding telehealth have changed temporarily during the COVID-19 public health emergency, including payments for certain types of visits. That’s all good news if you or your practice is struggling financially because of decreased in-person patient visits. But it doesn’t mean much if your patients don’t know about it.

Enhancing Awareness: Physicians Can Help Dispel Myths to Ease the Syphilis Epidemic - 01/08/2025

Physicians can help dispel myths to ease the syphilis epidemic in Texas.

Congress Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities in Medicare - 11/07/2024

The COVID-19-era flexibilities for telemedicine in Medicare will last at least another five months following recent action by Congress.

CDC: Masks Still Recommended for Everyone in Health Care Setting - 11/07/2024

Does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend masking for physicians and other health care professionals to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

May Owen, MD, Outreach Program - 10/04/2024

The May Owen, MD, Outreach Program is a grant program of the TMA Women Physicians Section (TMA WPS) that provides funding to bring female physician oriented programs and activities to small and mid-sized county medical societies.  

Get Up to Date on New Fetal Death Reporting in Texas - 09/19/2024

Currently, Texas physicians must report fetal deaths on paper forms. But beginning Aug. 1, those records will be filed electronically to the Texas Electronic Vital Events Registrar, also called TxEVER. To help physicians prepare for the transition, the Texas Department of State Health Services will host a physician-only webinar from 6:30 to 7:30 pm July 30.

Talk to Patients About: Breakthrough Infections for COVID-19 Vaccinations - 09/13/2024

 The new mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are highly effective at giving people immunity against the disease. But as with all other vaccines, that immunity is not 100% for everyone who receives them.  

Texas’ Maternal Initiative Seeks Experienced Physicians - 08/07/2024

In its goal of supporting best practices to improve maternal health outcomes, the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Texas Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health is seeking new, volunteer faculty members to serve on two open groups.

DSHS Creates New Online Dashboards for Maternal, Infant Data - 08/02/2024

Recognizing the barriers many physicians face to obtaining quality data, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has created data tools on maternal and infant. The new dashboards currently include information on maternal mortality, infant mortality, and pregnancy risk factors. Read more.

Long COVID Definition Created to Help Physicians, Patients - 08/01/2024

To better understand and manage “long COVID”, physicians must first be able to define the condition – so far impossible with no set parameters or qualifications. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently moved to rectify that problem as a committee of experts created a consensus definition.

Where Are Pregnant Moms Most at Risk? - 07/31/2024

A person's ZIP code can show where pregnant women in Texas face the greatest health risks, according to a new study by The University of Texas System and UT Health Science Center at Tyler.

Maternal Health Problems in Central Texas Underscore Statewide Crisis - 07/22/2024

Central Texas has significant maternal health challenges, including the highest rate of maternal death among black women, in part because of barriers to health care coverage and because resources are underused, according to a report by the nonprofit Texans Care for Children.

New Poster Encourages Flu Vaccination Amid COVID-19 - 07/22/2024

“COVID-19 is here, but so is the flu.” That is the message of a new downloadable poster available from the Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise – Immunize program to help you stress the need for flu vaccination, this year more than ever.

Delegates Emphasize Women’s, Reproductive Health Ahead of Legislative Session - 05/15/2024

Continuing its mission to improve the health of mothers and babies in Texas, along with addressing ongoing sexual health and opioid crises, TMA passed and strengthened policy to shape the association’s advocacy come legislative session.

TMA Moment In Time: Pandemic Response - 04/09/2024

The strength of organized medicine carried TMA and Texas physicians through an unprecedented public health crisis and beyond.

Postpartum Coverage Extension Brings Payment Complexities - 04/05/2024

As the 12-month postpartum coverage Texas legislature approved took effect March 1, physicians and their practice staff should take note of subsequent payment complexities, Texas Medical Association experts caution.

New Law Prohibits Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates, With Exceptions - 02/28/2024

Thanks to advocacy by the Texas Medical Association, guardrails for patient safety and practice viability are included in a new state law that prohibits employers, including physician offices and health care facilities, from mandating COVID-19 vaccines among employees.

ACOG Toolkit Assists Maternal Care in Non-Obstetric Settings - 02/21/2024

In the wake of the startling statistic that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable if treated properly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has created an educational toolkit focused on educating physicians located in non-obstetric settings, such as emergency departments and trauma centers, who do not regularly deal with pregnant patients.

Medicaid, CHIP Postpartum Coverage Extension Will Take Effect March 1 - 02/08/2024

After a multi-session advocacy effort by the Texas Medical Association, specialty societies, and women’s health advocates, Texans who are enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program and who are pregnant or become pregnant will see their postpartum coverage automatically extended starting March 1.

On the Mend: Maternal Care Wins Encourage Better Outcomes in Texas - 11/05/2023

Twelve months of postpartum coverage and other maternal wins encourage physicians for better outcomes.