News

TMA Policymaking Operates on Physician-Driven Input - 11/12/2025

Every physician can look around and see a policy change or improvement that could make life better for patients and colleagues. TMA’s House of Delegates, the organization’s policymaking body that meets annually at TexMed, is often the best place to set reform in motion.

Medicine Calls for Exemption to New $100,000 H-1B Visa Application Fee - 11/11/2025

International medical graduates (IMGs) make up about a quarter of Texas’ physician workforce, considering both licensed physicians and residents. But a White House executive order, requiring a new $100,000 fee for H-1B work visa applicants, could squeeze this crucial pipeline in meeting health care needs.

Obesity Rate Continues to Hike Among Adult Texans - 11/10/2025

Recent findings show the share of adults with obesity is still climbing, maintaining a 20-year upward trend in the state. Texas officials and the legislature work to combat the issue through state programs and new legislation.

New Medicaid Managed Care Laws Lauded as Wins for Texas Patients - 11/10/2025

Medicaid captured the Texas Legislature’s attention during the 2025 session, with lawmakers passing a quartet of bills focused on improving managed care statewide, including nutrition and newborn support, physician enrollment, and credentialing.

Direct Payment Model Available to All Texas Physicians Under New State Law - 11/10/2025

House Bill 541, now in effect, replaces the “direct primary care” nomenclature from a TMA-backed 2015 law with the more inclusive “direct patient care.” In a typical direct care model, patients pay a monthly fee, and in return, receive services like office visits and in-office procedures without involving insurance.

Scholarship Winner Takes Unconventional Journey to Medical School - 11/07/2025

The first-year medical student at University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine volunteers with a free clinic in Fort Worth and teaches music to high school students. His path to medicine impressed a panel led by TMA’s president-elect.

AMA AI Center Puts Physicians at the Heart of Health Care Innovation - 11/07/2025

The new resource hub has the potential to harness physicians’ growing interest in augmented intelligence. TMA’s most recent health information technology survey found Texas physicians are cautiously optimistic the technology will reduce electronic health record and administrative burden.

Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Retains Payment Increase and Concerning Cuts - 11/06/2025

A new practice efficiency cut impacting thousands of codes and a cut targeting hospital-based services could offset a one-time payment boost. TMA staff are poring over the 1,216-page final rule ahead of its Nov. 20 webinar, free for physicians.

$3 Billion Dementia Research Investment Up for Vote in November - 11/05/2025

Alzheimer’s disease, which comprises 60-80% of dementia cases, is rising in Texas and becoming a public health crisis, per state officials. TMA supports a new research institute aiming to change that.

Nominate a Science Educator Whose Mentorship Made Medicine Matter to You - 11/05/2025

Texas science teachers of any discipline are eligible to apply for the award, which includes a resource grant for recipients’ schools that can be put to use to fund classroom projects and materials. Applications for the current awards cycle are being accepted through Jan. 4, 2026.

Federal Loan Changes Could Exacerbate Medical Students’ Financial Challenges - 11/04/2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act caps students’ borrowing for professional schools – including medical schools – at $50,000 annually, with a total limit of $257,500. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Learn Medicare Payment Updates, Earn CME in Live TMA Webinar - 10/31/2025

TMA’s first live Medicare webinar in six years will also address changes to quality and alternative payment programs, as well as a new pilot testing AI in prior authorization. Register now and submit questions in advance.

Medicare to Test Enhanced Technology Utilization Review in Texas - 10/30/2025

The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model is set to debut in Texas and five other states in January 2026. It would require certain Medicare services to undergo “enhanced technology” review.

Know Outstanding Science Teachers? Nominate Them for a TMA Award - 10/29/2025

If you know an outstanding educator, nominate him or her for the Texas Medical Association’s Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching.

Hemp Sales See Age Requirement of 21 with More Rules to Come - 10/29/2025

Physicians say medicine must continue to stay at the table and advocate for safe regulation and enforcement, with the new age requirement of 21 only part of the solution. The state is studying and drafting rules for permanent consideration.

Ivermectin Can Now Be Dispensed in Texas Without Physician Prescription - 10/28/2025

TMA testified patient safety is at risk when physician oversight is removed from prescription medication dispensation. Concerns included determining proper dosages and potential interactions with other drugs.

Physician Compensation Increasingly Tied to Productivity, Data Finds - 10/28/2025

Only 29% of physician contracts feature a straight starting salary with no production bonus, according to data from a top physician recruiting firm. While quality still plays a role in some bonuses, volume-based metrics are on the rise.

Government Shutdown: Medicare Continues to Pay Claims for Unexpired Services - 10/27/2025

As of Oct. 15, “no payments have been delayed,” the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said, clarifying a previous notice suggesting a claims hold. Expired provisions continue to include telehealth services.

Referral Pilot Program Now Open for TMA Member Physicians - 10/27/2025

Impact Texas Medicine, approved by TMA’s Board of Trustees, allows physician members to share their TMA story with nonmembers while possibly earning credit toward membership dues. Peer-to-peer physician connections are the best way to strengthen medicine’s voice, leaders say.

Ban on Physician-Owned Hospital Creation Could Be Lifted by Congress - 10/27/2025

Physician-owned hospitals create greater access to care and allow physicians to counter increasing market consolidation, according to the American Medical Association. TMA signed on to AMA’s letter supporting federal efforts to promote such facilities.

Texas Exceeds Latest Recommendations to Quell Syphilis - 10/27/2025

Texas’ mandated screenings for syphilis during pregnancy align with and surpass recently reaffirmed guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The state’s numbers continue to climb, but at a lower rate. Physicians can earn CME or attend in-person or virtual meetings coordinated by the state to keep apprised.

Physicians Benevolent Fund ‘Helps Fill the Gap’ with Short-Term Support - 10/24/2025

In addition to long-term assistance, the fund provides physicians with temporary aid for personal expenses such as mortgage, utilities, transportation, and health care bills.

One Physician’s 50-Year Journey to Make Sure Empathy is a Part of Patient Care - 10/24/2025

Fazlur Rahman, MD, made San Angelo his home more than a half-century ago. Over that time, he’s made it his mission to stress how bedside compassion is just as important as science in caring for patients.

TMA Foundation Grants Immunize Communities, Educate Patients - 10/22/2025

The TMA Foundation offers grants of up to $3,500 to fund vaccination activities, educational resources, and community outreach events. This year’s awardees will provide free immunizations and aim to reduce barriers to care.

Corpus Christi Leaders to Co-Chair 2026 TMA Foundation Gala - 10/21/2025

The TMA Foundation’s 33rd annual gala will take place April 17 at next year’s TexMed in Corpus Christi. Each year, funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction items help support a variety of TMA and family of medicine outreach programs.