The Division of Medical Economics represents and advocates for TMA in state and federal regulatory, socioeconomic, and health policy through support and guidance to public, private, and legislative entities, and through development of association policy related to socioeconomics.
The division also educates members through presentations to county medical societies, hospital medical staffs, and other affiliate organizations. The division provides staff support to the Council on Socioeconomics; Committee on Health Information Technology; Committee on Medical Home and Primary Care; Select Committee on Medicaid, CHIP, and the Uninsured; Task Force on Health Care Coverage; and Committee on Rural Health.
Contact: Mollie Mailman, Vice President, (800) 880-1300, ext. 1409, (512) 370-1409
Health Information Technology
TMA’s Health Information Technology (HIT) Department works diligently through advocacy, education, and resources to ensure Texas physicians have the knowledge and tools needed to use health information technologies efficiently and safely. The adoption and appropriate use of HIT has the potential to bring immediate patient care benefits and contributes to the long-term goal of improved patient safety and clinical outcomes. Currently more than 89% of Texas physicians report the routine use of an electronic health record (EHR). TMA continues to help members understand and comply with various EHR reporting programs such as those administered by Medicare and Medicaid.
TMA’s HIT Department focuses on the following areas:
- EHR adoption and optimization,
- E-prescribing,
- Health information exchange,
- Telemedicine,
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Promoting Interoperability program,
- 21st Century Cures Act/information blocking, and
- Technology and patient safety.
Contact: Shannon Vogel, MS, FHIMSS, Associate Vice President, (800) 880-1300, ext. 1411, (512) 370-1411
Medicaid Health Policy
Medicaid Health Policy, housed within TMA’s Division of Medical Economics, serves as the association’s primary resource for Medicaid, CHIP, and public coverage policy affecting Texas physicians and patients. The department monitors and analyzes state and federal policy, regulatory, and operational developments related to physician payment, managed care, coverage, and access to care; advocates for policies that support physicians and their patients; and provides education and guidance to TMA leadership, members, and physician committees. Working collaboratively across TMA, the department helps ensure a coordinated approach to emerging Medicaid and public coverage issues and supports TMA’s broader efforts to strengthen physician practice viability and patient access to care.
Contact: Deanna Jones, Director, Medicaid Health Policy, (800) 880-1300, ext. 1401
Payment Services
TMA’s payment specialists assist physician members and their staff in saving countless hours researching policies, trying to understand claims denials, or completing multiple appeals, just to name a few. Staff experts will work with your team to systematically navigate billing and coding requirements.
Contact: Carra Benson, MS, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, PPMC, Director, Payment Resource Services, (800) 880-1300, ext. 1425, (512) 370-1425
Practice Innovation
From Accountable Care Organizations and Concierge Medicine to Direct Contracting and Bundled Payments, TMA follows trends in alternative practice and payment models across Texas. Contact us to learn more about these opportunities or to share your local market findings and best practices.
Contact: Kimberly Harmon, Associate Vice President, Innovative Practice Models (800) 880-1300, ext. 1416, (512) 370-1416