News

Encourage your Patients to Participate in the Texas COVID-19 Antibody Study - 01/21/2021

Researchers with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have asked physicians to encourage patients to participate in a statewide seroprevalance study on the human antibody response to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

TMA President to Share Her Inspirational Journey as a Physician Leader - 01/20/2021

If you’re interested in hearing one physician’s unique and inspiring story as a doctor, spouse, mother, and community leader, tune in to the Texas Medical Association Alliance’s (TMAA) first Enrichment Series Webinar of 2021, scheduled for noon to 1 pm (CT) Thursday, Jan. 21.

President Biden Outlines Steps to Address COVID-19 Pandemic - 01/20/2021

In a series of executive orders released before taking office Tuesday, President Joseph Biden took several steps to address the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including issuing a mask challenge, re-engaging with the World Health Organization (WHO), and coordinating a unified national response.

The House of Medicine Needs You to Vote – TODAY - 01/20/2021

If you didn’t cast an early ballot, get out and vote today before 7 p.m. Support the candidates who support physicians and our patients.

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 19, 2021: More Vaccine Doses Coming to Texas - 01/19/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 19, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan.15, 2021: CDC Provides Vaccine Allergy Recommendations - 01/15/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 15, 2021

Virtual Live Chat Designed to Help You Understand E&M Coding Changes - 01/14/2021

Attend this year’s first-ever virtual Winter Conference, scheduled for Jan. 29 and 30, which will include four “Ask the Expert” live chats on E&M coding changes with Carra Benson, manager of TMA Practice Management and Reimbursement Services.

TMA Insurance Trust Provides Financial Help for Struggling Physicians - 01/14/2021

The Texas Medical Association’s Physicians Benevolent Fund will be able to provide even more support to physicians who have fallen on hard times thanks to a $15,000 gift from TMA Insurance Trust (TMAIT).

Look for Tax Forms on CARES Act Payments - 01/12/2021

It’s tax season, and if you received payments in 2020 through certain federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act programs, be on the lookout for a tax form that includes information on those payments.

What You Need to Know About Mandatory E-Prescribing Controlled Substances - 01/12/2021

The Texas Medical Association has created a “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) document that can help you understand state and federal laws that went into effect Jan. 1 requiring physicians to electronically prescribe controlled substances as well as various waivers.

Webinar to Troubleshoot ImmTrac2 Errors for COVID-19 Vaccine - 01/11/2021

State health officials have scheduled a live webinar designed to help address common errors and data quality issues when reporting COVID-19 vaccine information to ImmTrac2, the state’s vaccine registry. The webinar is set for 1 to 2 pm (CT) Friday, Jan. 15.

The COVID-19 Relief Bill: What It Means For Medicare Payments - 01/11/2021

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.

Medicine’s Superheroes to be Celebrated During TMA Foundation’s First Virtual Gala - 01/11/2021

Medicine’s trusted leadership has truly shined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a celebration of that leadership will be the focus of Texas Medical Association Foundation’s 2021 gala, Superheroes: Meeting the Challenge. The gala is set for May 14 during TMA’s annual meeting, TexMed 2021, in Austin.

Proposed CMS Payer Requirements Shouldn’t Burden Physicians, TMA Says - 01/08/2021

A federal proposal that would require more transparency in insurers’ prior authorization denials in Medicaid and more sharing of such information with physicians could improve care delivery, but  also could result in more responsibilities on already overburdened physicians, TMA told the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Submit 2020 Data Now to Avoid Medicare Pay Cut - 01/08/2021

If you participated in Medicare’s Quality Payment Program (QPP) under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), the window to submit data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened Jan. 4 and closes March 31. The deadline to submit all claims under the Quality performance category is March 1.

TMB Extends Waiver Allowing Pain Prescription Refills via Telemedicine - 01/08/2021

The Texas Medical Board has extended a waiver until March 2 that allows for refills of prescriptions for chronic pain patients who recently saw their doctor via telemedicine.

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan.7, 2021: Vaccines to Go to Large Hubs, Officials Say - 01/07/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 6, 2021

COVID-19 UK Variant Identified in Texas - 01/07/2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 6, 2021: Vaccines A Harris County resident was diagnosed with Texas’ first case of a COVID-19 variant first identified in the United Kingdom during the fall, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced today.o Go to Large Hubs, Officials Say

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 6, 2021: “No Vaccine Should Be Kept In Reserve,” Health Official Says - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 6, 2021

TMA Winter Conference 2021: Free CME – See What’s on the Agenda - 01/06/2021

Although this year’s Texas Medical Association Winter Conference will be held completely virtually, there still will be plenty to learn and explore throughout the two-day event.

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 5, 2021: More Vaccines Distributed, Including Second Doses - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 5, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 4, 2021: Physicians Remain Priority, Officials Say - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 4, 2021

Health Plans Extend Telemedicine, Cost-Share Waivers - 01/05/2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health plans in Texas have adopted various temporary deadlines and extensions as part of their coronavirus policies.

Medicare 2% Payment Cut Suspended Through March - 01/04/2021

Medicare sequestration, the federal government’s 2% across-the-board payment cut, will be suspended until March 31, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Don’t Delay Administering Vaccines, Health Officials Tell Facilities - 12/30/2020

State health officials are urging facilities that have received COVID-19 vaccines to not delay administering those vaccines and to report all inoculations to ImmTrac2, the state’s vaccine registry.