REPORT OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
EVP Report 1-A-07
Subject: 2006-07 Update
Presented by: Louis J. Goodman, PhD, CAE
In 2006, TMA membership surpassed 42,000, continuing an unbroken upward trend over the past two decades. As the largest state medical society in the nation, TMA is the acknowledged leader among medical societies. Over 16 state, specialty, and national medical societies have visited TMA this past year to seek advice on best practices, executive leadership and uniquely developed programs.
TMA continues to benefit from a $1million grant from the Physician Foundation for Health Systems Excellence. A third foundation was established in 2006 with funds from Prudential and HealthNet settlements. The Physician Advocacy Institute has $22 million to address insurance plan complaints and pay for performance issues. The PAI will provide substantial support to TMA efforts in addressing doctor rating systems and related health insurer issues.
Our TMA 2010 vision continues our decade long tradition of success. Following is a sampling of 2006 accomplishments that lay the foundation for 2007 and beyond:
- Clean bill of health for all TMA organizations from financial auditors.
- Three Healthy Vision for Texas Summits, attended by representatives from health care stakeholders, resulting in consensus on two legislative initiatives for the uninsured and employer wellness programs.
- Through TMA, alliance, TMAF and Texas Department of Health Services, improved the State of Texas immunization ranking from 49th to 24th among states.
- Led state efforts with AMA in achieving interim fix of the Medicare SGR, through Congressional lobbying and strong grassroots efforts based on a TMA-commissioned report on the flawed update factor.
- Published weekly and monthly electronic newsletters and an award-winning monthly magazine that reached every TMA physician and student member.
In 2007, TMA will continue its record of accomplishment and focus on the legislative session, as well as several key initiatives. The association has an extensive legislative agenda. Medicaid fee restoration, insurance reform and protection of medical liability caps are high on that agenda. In addition, TMA must maintain a strong defense against scope expansion, limitations on physician ownership, and attacks on the prohibition against the corporate practice of medicine.
Concomitant with state and federal legislative activities, TMA has a rich and vibrant program of service to the profession and to the public:
- Educational programs on HIT, EHR selection and practice efficiency; and educational programs on evidence-based guidelines and pay for performance.
- 2010 initiatives to assure TMA's excellence and roadmap to the future.
- A newly formed TMA research capacity to support programs and legislation.
- A strengthened general legal function and attention to pending podiatry and chiropractic lawsuits.
- Re-invigorated insurance plan reform initiatives focused on networks, billing, and doctor rating practices of the major Texas insurers.
- Public health programs on obesity, immunizations, and patient safety in medical practice.
Undergirding all association programs and initiatives is our vision for the future, coupled with strong grassroots, effective communications, and long-term external relationships.
TMA House of Delegates: TexMed 2007