News

Texas Medicaid Delays Online Enrolling and Credentialing Integration - 05/22/2025

In April, the Texas Medicaid & Health Partnership had announced physicians could enroll and get credentialed in a one-stop, two-step process. The pause means the status quo remains for now.

Keep Kids Safe This National Bike Month with Hard Hats for Little Heads - 05/22/2025

As young cyclists observe National Bike Month this May, prevent serious injuries by giving the gift of safety: a well-fitted helmet. TMA will match your helmet purchases, contributing to the hundreds of thousands of helmets distributed since 1994.

TMA Elects Board, House Leaders and New AMA Representation - 05/22/2025

Alongside newly installed TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, many physician leaders were elected by their peers to serve as Board of Trustee members and American Medical Association delegates. New names also stepped into parliamentary positions.

TMA Preserves Technology’s “Human Element” with New EHR, AI Policies - 05/21/2025

Texas physicians unanimously adopted new TMA policy advocating for EHR-generated health care forms, circumventing lengthy manual processes and unnecessary expenses placed upon physician practices. Also adopted: new policy that strengthens TMA’s efforts to stay abreast of AI advancements.

Chiropractic Scope Expansion Proposed Under Federal Legislation - 05/21/2025

Federal legislation proposes changing the definition of “physician” to include chiropractors. The American Medical Association, TMA, and dozens of other medical organizations call on Congress to nix it, spotlighting patient safety risk and possible increased Medicare costs.

New TMA Policies Strive to Bolster Physician Workforce - 05/21/2025

Attempting to fix Texas’ maternal care deserts and other physician workforce deficits, the House of Delegates voted in support of expanded physician training opportunities and statewide initiatives, particularly focused on rural areas.

Maternal Health, THC Study Prioritized by TMA House - 05/20/2025

Topping the list of recommendations from the TMA House on women’s health: increasing oversight of crisis pregnancy centers and education around maternal health equity.

‘We’ve Got a Long Way to Go’: Physician Burnout Persists Amid Modest Reduction - 05/19/2025

Burnout is down and satisfaction with work-life integration is up, a Mayo Clinic study reveals. But the practice of medicine remains fraught as physicians incur a heavy mental load to continue heeding what is for many a calling.

TMA Forges New Policies on Same-Day Services, Patient Attribution in Value-Based Care - 05/16/2025

The house adopted several other payment-related policies as well, all emerging from ongoing physician frustration with payer practices that hinder patient care.

Bypassing PBMs: TexMed Speaker Spells Out Path to Lower Drug, Health Care Costs - 05/16/2025

Generic lifesaving drugs can run up to $10,000 for a month’s supply. Alex Oshmyansky, MD, wants to ensure patients see reduced costs and better access to those medications in the future.

‘Misinformation ... Spreads Faster Than Accurate Information. I’m Trying to Change That’ - 05/16/2025

The most popular physician on social media, Mikhail “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, DO, closed TexMed 2025 with a highly attended presentation on how Texas physicians can utilize the relationship between health care and the internet to connect with patients.

Apply for Local Impact Grants to Provide Free Immunizations in Your Community - 05/15/2025

Applications are open for TMA Foundation grants of up to $3,500 to support vaccine provision and education. The deadline to apply for the current cycle of grants is May 23, and the funds can be put to use in a variety of ways to serve your community.  

TMA Dues Credit Harnesses Peer-to-Peer Power to Grow Membership - 05/15/2025

The forthcoming Impact Texas Medicine program taps into TMA’s existing grassroots network by utilizing word-of-mouth to recruit potential members – with a dues credit for members’ efforts and other recognition.

Alliance President Joi Smith Seeks to Connect and Support Families, Communities - 05/14/2025

The torch of TMAA leadership was passed at TexMed. New president Joi Smith of Tyler is ready to continue the alliance’s work as outlined by its new mission, vision, and strategic plan to build a healthy Texas through community outreach and advocacy.

New TMA President Ignites Unity, Pledges to Fight Physician Burnout - 05/14/2025

“Doctors must be free to do what they were called to do,” Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, emphasized in his first speech as TMA’s president, while committing to expand physician wellness initiatives. He took over from G. Ray Callas, MD, who in his signature bold fashion pledged to carry the torch for physician-led health care.

Texas Medicaid Streamlines Physician Enrollment and Credentialing Via PEMS - 05/13/2025

TMA is prepared to help physicians troubleshoot issues with the new process, which starts May 30. The news follows TMA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas physicians caring for Medicaid patients.

Texas’ AMA Champion David N. Henkes, MD, Earns TMA Distinguished Service Award - 05/13/2025

For 25 years, the San Antonio pathologist committed himself to the Texas Delegation to the American Medical Association, driving the state’s national leadership and making waves in advocacy. Hear his message for organized medicine.

Insurance Bill Undermining Patient, Physician Protections Heads to House - 05/13/2025

A top target for TMA, House Bill 139 would create a new “employer choice of benefit” health plan exempt from decades’ worth of insurance laws that promise a minimum set of coverage, prompt pay, prior authorization restraints, and other guardrails. Other bad bills with serious consequences for practices also top TMA’s opposition list.

Mandated CME Requirements Shift Under TMB Rules Revamp - 05/12/2025

The removal of universal CME requirements could result in a lighter load for physicians but may make it more challenging to determine what is required and when. 

Physicians Combat Bad Bills at TMA’s Final First Tuesdays at the Capitol - 05/07/2025

Champion of medicine Sen. Donna Campbell, MD, thanked Texas physicians for rallying against harmful legislation – like those that could expand scope of practice. Also on TMA’s chopping block: bills that let health plans go unchecked and weaken vaccine access.

Combating Measles Resource Center - 05/07/2025

Get caught up on measles-related news from state and federal agencies, as well as TMA's actions and resources, with this webpage. Find information from DSHS, patient-facing materials, and links to clinical insights.

‘If That’s Not Expanding Scope, I Don’t Know What Is’: Bill Grants Scope Shortcut to Rural APRNs - 05/06/2025

With patient safety on the line, TMA physicians showed up in droves in opposition to Senate Bill 3055, which would give certain nurse practitioners independent practice in rural areas. Instead, physicians turned lawmakers’ attention to a new and immediate solution to Texas’ rural access shortages advancing through the legislature: Senate Bill 2695.

Section News: Save the Date for Fall Conference - 05/05/2025

Informative business meetings, educational programming, and a fun All Sections Trivia Night Mixer. Mark your calendars to attend the Texas Medical Association’s Fall Conference, Sept. 16-17 for these and other TMA section events.

Physicians’ Personal Finances to Headline TexMed Panel - 05/05/2025

An upcoming TexMed panel will feature insight into debt management, educational planning, investments at both the early and mid-and-established career levels, and more. The session directly follows other Texas Medical Association efforts to meet members’ needs.

Get Practice Help with New Practice Services Toolkits - 05/02/2025

Physicians can now access important checklists, responses to common questions, template documents, and more, compiled by TMA’s experienced practice services staff. The toolkits cover a wide variety of practice-help topics.