News

‘There’s Never a Good Time to Let Your Guard Down’: Measles Outbreak Ends, But Risks Remain - 08/28/2025

The West Texas measles outbreak has ended, officially. Nearly 100 people were hospitalized, and two fatalities occurred in school-aged children; the state spent between $8 million and $9 million to mount its response.

TMA Gallery to Launch New Exhibit on Austin Museum Day - 08/27/2025

The gallery, free to the public during Austin Museum Day Sunday, Sept. 21, features centuries-old archival material and medical relics like early stethoscopes, bloodletting lancets, and physicians’ medical bags, to teach how TMA shaped medicine in Texas.

Many Adolescents Who Vape Want to Quit, Study Finds - 08/27/2025

Along with recent advocacy wins by medicine, appropriate support can help teenagers who want to quit using e-cigarettes. Physicians can initiate the conversation and steer patients who want to kick the habit toward solutions.

Medicine Whelms Nurse Scope Expansion Bill - 08/27/2025

Physicians from across the state made the trek to the Capitol to testify that House Bill 3974 would dismantle Texas’ longstanding physician-led care model and with it, patient safety. TMA and the legislature remain committed to quality solutions to the state’s access-to-care challenges.

The COVID-19 Relief Bill: What It Means For Medicare Payments - 08/26/2025

When Congress passed the omnibus spending and COVID-19 relief bill at the tail end of 2020, it carried important implications for physicians operating under this year’s Medicare physician fee schedule, including some changes that will positively affect doctors’ bottom line.

Federal Lawmakers Agree to Surprise Billing Restrictions, Physician Payment Protections - 08/26/2025

Federal lawmakers put new restrictions on surprise medical billing, reduced requirements that would’ve cut physician Medicare payments, and secured COVID-19-related relief for physicians as part of a massive omnibus legislation package approved this week.

E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances to be Required Jan. 1 - 08/26/2025

Although state law and Medicare policy will require electronic prescriptions for all controlled substances beginning Jan. 1, Texas prescribers have several options for delaying implementation for at least another year.

Fight Vaccine Hesitancy With These Physician Tips - 08/26/2025

There is plenty of opportunity for discussions around vaccine hesitancy in Texas, where only 55% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. This puts Texas below the national average of 60%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hundreds of Kids Get Helmets with County Medical Society Back-to-School Events - 08/26/2025

Local physicians took advantage of TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads outreach program to help Texas children have a safe return to school. TMA matches helmet purchases to prevent injuries while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Fight Impending Medicare Cuts With This TMA Toolkit - 08/25/2025

Physician Medicare pay is about to fall without congressional help, so the Texas Medical Association created several ways for doctors to speak out via its Medicare Pay Cuts Toolkit.

Medicine, Congressional Leaders Strategize to Expedite Medicare Physician Pay Reform - 08/25/2025

TMA and other physician and congressional leaders from around the country convened an advocacy summit to build momentum for legislation to finally help Medicare payments keep pace with inflation. With nearly 40 co-sponsors signed on, and another pay cut on the way, medicine and lawmakers urged physicians to ramp up their advocacy now.

Practice Management Hub Puts Members’ Needs First - 08/25/2025

From member-benefit toolkits, articles, CME material, and more, the pages offer a centralized hub for everyday practice management resources.

Scholarships Give UT System Med Students Beyond Material Relief - 08/25/2025

Seven students at University of Texas-affiliated medical schools have received $1,000 scholarships, lightening financial burden and helping secure the future medical workforce. Recipients say the award gives more than monetary assistance.

CMS Reopens Medicare Clinician Profile Review Period for Physicians - 08/25/2025

Physicians now get a second chance to review 2023 Quality Payment Program performance scores and other information made public on Medicare websites. The newly opened review period extends to Aug. 21

New Law Prohibits Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates, With Exceptions - 08/22/2025

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.

Texas Senate Interim Charges Underscore TMA Legislative Priorities - 08/22/2025

Scope-of-practice creep and access to mental health care are among the 57 charges Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently issued for Senate committees to study ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The Texas Medical Association’s advocacy for medicine-friendly policy also continues apace during the interim, with the association closely monitoring several of these charges.

CMS Announces Latest Scores for Quality Payment Program - 08/22/2025

The Medicare Quality Payment Program will award a slightly higher percentage of positive payment adjustments in 2025 compared to 2024. However, the maximum will be considerably lower than last year’s.

Patients Increasingly Find AI-Produced Health Info Online – But Many Prefer Physicians - 08/22/2025

Despite the rise of AI-generated medical data online, 90% of Americans still trust physicians as trustworthy sources of health information, and almost half still prefer clinicians’ education and experience.

Pharmacists’ Scope Would Expand Under Federal Bills - 08/21/2025

Under a pair of House and Senate bills, Medicare would allow pharmacists to test for and then treat four respiratory illnesses. Nearly 100 state medical associations and national specialty societies joined in opposing the potential legislation.

Texas Organization Leads Medicare Quality Improvement Program - 08/20/2025

Chronic disease management, behavioral health, and patient safety are among the priorities of a renewed Medicare program led by TMF Health Quality Institute. Prospective participants chosen can receive access to consulting services and resources.

Cigna Downcoding Policy Threatens Payment; TMA Urges Repeal - 08/18/2025

The payer announced a new plan under which it may adjust certain higher-level evaluation and management codes based on the encounter criteria in a submitted claim.

Tips for Monkeypox Testing - 08/18/2025

As monkeypox continues to spread in Texas, it’s possible you will encounter cases in your practice. If you do suspect a case of monkeypox, or need to prepare, the Texas Medical Association’s Committee on Infectious Diseases has these tips for you when thinking about testing for monkeypox.

West Nile Virus Begins to Percolate in Texas - 08/18/2025

Locally contracted and travel-acquired mosquito-borne viruses have begun their annual ascent. Proactive personal protection and public health measures mitigate the risk.

TMA Pushes for Prior Authorization Limits, Clarity - 08/15/2025

After hearing story after story of delays and denials, the Texas Medical Association is pushing the Texas Legislature to sign off on measures that would significantly curb insurers’ ability to require prior authorization on needed care, as well as clarify for both physicians and patients what it means when prior authorization is required.

New Tool Alerts Physicians, Patients to Dangerous Heat Levels, Related Risks - 08/15/2025

For patients at greater risk, health-related heat impacts can stack up on 100-plus degree days. A new resource, localized by ZIP code, aims to simplify gauging the hazards of a given summer day and includes clinician guidance.