News

TMA Board Approves Expanding References to Evidence-Based Vaccine Resources - 09/26/2025

The decision follows federal changes that represent a departure from past vaccine policies and have raised concerns among the medical community.

Telemedicine Flexibilities Could Expire Sept. 30 Amid Government Shutdown Uncertainty - 09/26/2025

If Congress cannot pass legislation extending government funding before Oct. 1, the government will shut down and current Medicare telemedicine flexibilities will lapse on Sept. 30.

Physicians Tout Augmented Intelligence, with Caveats, at Business of Medicine Conference - 09/25/2025

At this year’s event, augmented intelligence (AI) took center stage with multiple presentations on its practical applications for physicians. Presenters and TMA staff still caution against over-reliance and liability.

New Medicare Payment Complicated by Other Provisions in Proposed Rule - 09/25/2025

Despite a one-time pay increase, newly proposed adjustments in the 2026 Medicare physician fee schedule could offset the reprieve. This tops many issues TMA remarked upon in a lengthy comment letter to federal officials encompassing worrisome changes to certain quality payment programs and telemedicine flexibilities.

Physicians Brace for Expiration of ACA Tax Credits, Uninsured Fallout - 09/25/2025

An estimated 1.3 million Texans could lose coverage due to the combined effects of Affordable Care Act marketplace changes under OBBBA and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of this year. “Physicians are definitely going to feel the effects.”

Opioid-like Exposures from Kratom Derivative on the Rise - 09/24/2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services warns physicians and patients of the harms of 7-OH, a chemical derivative of kratom, which at high concentrations can cause rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory depression. TMA previously testified on kratom’s risks to the public.

Misinformation Increasingly Complicates Care, Physicians Foundation Survey Finds - 09/22/2025

Most physicians feel equipped to identify and correct misinformation in conversations with patients, but a significant portion doubt patients’ ability to access accurate health information online.

Workforce Expansion, Tech Could Help Border Health Care - 09/19/2025

As new solutions to persistent border issues surface, collaboration is vital among physicians, health authorities, and local leaders. TMA’s annual Border Health Conference explored those new pathways.

Texas’ Physician Wellness Efforts Recognized Nationally - 09/18/2025

An American Medical Association recognition program has newly honored nine Texas hospitals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to reducing burnout and promoting job satisfaction for physicians.

Medicare to Test Enhanced Technology Utilization Review in Texas - 09/16/2025

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.

New Law Allows Health Plans to Steer Patients Via Incentives, Changes Ranking and Tiering Protections - 09/16/2025

Senate Bill 926, which took effect Sept. 1, authorizes certain health plans to steer patients toward certain physicians or health care entities via cost-sharing incentives. TMA advocacy secured provisions that help protect against deceitful steering and help physicians monitor and guard against errors.

HHS Announces ‘Crackdown’ on Information Blocking - 09/15/2025

To avoid information blocking, physicians must ensure their practices do not interfere with the access, exchange, or the use of electronic health information. TMA’s robust 21st Century Cures Act resource center can help.

Delegating to Nonphysician Practitioners - 09/12/2025

Delegating prescriptive authority to nonphysician practitioners (NPPs), such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can help physicians manage their workloads and budgets. But doing so requires vigilance to comply with state scope-of-practice laws and avoid costly billing mistakes.

“Incident-to” Billing for Nonphysician Services Requires Vigilance - 09/12/2025

For many physician employers, the subject of nonphysician practitioners (NPPs) and “incident-to” billing prompts more questions than answers.

Novitas Clarifies Payment Available for ‘Buildup Phase’ of Allergy Treatments - 09/12/2025

The Medicare administrative contractor confirmed their payment policy at a meeting with TMA. Members should contact the association’s Physician Payment Resource Center if claims denials occur.

Legislature Boosts Nutrition, Physical Activity in Texas Schools, Adds Physician CME Requirement - 09/12/2025

Senate Bills 25 and 379, which took effect Sept. 1, guarantee physical activity and recess for grade school children and ban sugar-sweetened drinks and candy from SNAP, respectively. Meanwhile, TMA is monitoring medical school and CME requirements still in development.

Opioid Labeling Changes Leave Room for Physician Judgment - 09/11/2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revamping safety labels for opioid pain medications. The new recommendations may provide physicians with more confidence in treating patients.

TMA: Use Rescue Act Funds for Long-COVID Research, Improved Access to Care - 09/11/2025

Following its second letter to key state lawmakers about the best uses for one-time federal COVID-19 relief funding, the House of Medicine has established a broad vision for how that money could help Texas patients and physicians.

Remove Telemedicine Site Restrictions in Medicare, TMA Tells Cornyn, Cruz - 09/09/2025

Amid fluid telemedicine-related activity in Austin, the Texas Medical Association is continuing its efforts to advance telehealth in Washington, D.C., as well.

Elective IV Therapy Law Tightens Physician Delegation and Oversight Guidelines - 09/09/2025

Concern about invasive medical acts performed by people without medical expertise, in settings such as “med spas” and “IV lounges,” led TMA to support the new law, which took effect Sept. 1. It provides the Texas Medical Board an additional enforcement tool and spells out more specific regulations.

TMA Gallery to Launch New Exhibit on Austin Museum Day - 09/09/2025

The gallery, free to the public during Austin Museum Day Sunday, Sept. 21, features centuries-old archival material and medical relics like early stethoscopes, bloodletting lancets, and physicians’ medical bags, to teach how TMA shaped medicine in Texas.

TMA Analyzes Federal Changes for Texas Physicians - 09/08/2025

While many provisions in Congress’ budget bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), won’t take effect until 2027, TMA is already analyzing what the new law means for Texas physicians with one major theme emerging so far: By not adopting Medicaid expansion, Texas won’t be impacted the same way many other states will.

‘An Honor and a Tremendous Relief’: Scholarship Furthers Medical Careers - 09/08/2025

Sixteen Houston area medical students received awards from the Harris County Medical Society Alliance Scholarship Fund to buffer the costs of medical school. The scholarships help defray debt and soften the edges of expenses that pile up in the second half of medical school.

New CME Helps Physicians Detect a High-Risk Pregnancy Complication that Masquerades as Mundane - 09/08/2025

Unchecked, outcomes can be dire. Physicians can access CME to help identify hyperemesis gravidarum and defuse the risk it poses to patients and their pregnancies.

TMA’s Women Physicians Section Leads Advocacy and Change - 09/04/2025

Women in Medicine Month in September celebrates the achievements and contributions of female physicians. That includes the efforts of TMA’s Women Physicians Section, now in its sixth year.