Standing Up for Texas Doctors

Dr. Malone Medicare News Conference
Congress Punts, Freezes Medicare FeesRather than seize the opportunity to use leftover war money to scrap the Sustainable Growth Rate formula that cuts physician payments and threatens to drive them out of the Medicare program, Congress did what it has done for 10 years – opt for a short term solution. It stopped the 27.4-percent cut scheduled for March 1 and froze fees for the rest of the year, meaning it will have to consider the issue again by December and that a permanent fix will be even more expensive.
Student
New Coding System Delayed IndefinitelyTMA advocacy pays off! The ICD-10 coding system will not be mandatory in October 2013, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced. "We are committing to work with the provider community to reexamine the pace at which HHS and the nation implement these important improvements to our health care system," she said.
Dr Malone testifying at House Public Health Committee
HHSC to Cut Dual Eligible Payments
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) plans to eliminate coinsurance and deductible payments for Medicare Part B services for patients eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, known as dual eligibles. The change is outlined in new rules HHSC is scheduled to adopt in January. TMA fought the change in the Texas Legislature.
Lady doc and Capitol
Contact Congress TodayAct today to convince Congress to fix the defective formula it uses to pay physicians who care for Medicare patients. Congress recognizes the value that hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care professionals provide Medicare patients. They ALL get yearly payment increases. Physicians should, too.

Helping Doctors with Their Practice

Calendar of Doom
Calendar of Doom Can Keep You CompliantAre You Ready for These Deadlines?

March 1 - Deadline to Opt Out of Medicare 
March 1 - Blue Cross Policy on Payment for Claims Using National Drug Codes
March 31 - CMS Announces HIPAA 5010 Enforcement Discretion Period
BIlling and Coding tab
Are Your Claims Being Rejected?The Texas Medical Association and the American Medical Association report that many medical practices are seeing more of their claims rejected in recent weeks. The conversion to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Version 5010 transaction standards on Jan. 1 could be the culprit.
Practice Help Technology Home Tab
Meaningful Use Deadlines ComingPhysician have until Feb. 29 to register and attest to meeting meaningful use requirements to receive payments for 2011 through the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Registration and Attestation System. Feb. 29 also is the deadline to submit any pending Medicare Part B claims from 2011.
TMA Consultants
Hire a TMA Consultant TodayLooking for seamless solutions to your most puzzling practice problems? For the best in practice management assistance, contact TMA Practice Consulting today.With practice management experience, knowledge of best practices, and access to TMA’s tools and resources, a TMA consultant can provide customized solutions specific to your practice.

The Information Texas Doctors Need

What's Hot

  • ICD-10 Conversion Countdown Begins
    On Oct. 1, 2013, all physicians must begin using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 to record all diagnoses and inpatient procedures. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the upgrade from ICD-9 will enable doctors' offices to collect and exchange more detailed patient data. The February special symposium issue of Texas Medicine provides information on ICD-10 conversion and offers free CME. READ MORE
  • Latest TMA Tweet texmed: Reading "A Penny-Wise, Pound Foolish Doc-Fix" on http://t.co/8cuCGxcu http://t.co/IrH76e7U #MedicareMeltdownRead More

  • A Healthy Return on Dues

    What do YOU get from your TMA and county society dues investment each year? Use our new, interactive  calculator to determine your dues ROI. READ MORE

  • Medical Jobs Center

    TMA Medical Jobs connects you to recruiters searching for qualified candidates. Post your résumé free of charge, view job openings, or post job openings from your own practice. Employers, post your positions here to reach a highly targeted segment of qualified candidates. READ MORE

  • New TMA Vendor Guide

    This easy-to-use, online publication is comprehensive listing of companies that provide products and services to medical practice professionals. Use it as a reference when seeking reputable practice management resources throughout the year! READ MORE

  • In the Spotlight

    TMA's first online exhibit presents "Courage and Determination", the popular history of African-American physicians in Texas. READ MORE

Education & Events

  • Nonphysician Practitioners: Fundamentals of Billing and Supervision

    Statewide -- Through March 8

    Using a nonphysician practitioner (NPP) in your practice? Thinking about hiring one? Attend our half-day seminar and learn how to do it right.
  • TexMed 2012

    May 18-19, 2012 -- Dallas

    Head to Sheraton Dallas May 18-19 for a chance to enhance patient care, stay abreast of clinical updates, and discuss key issues with experts in the field. With 100+ hours of clinical and business CME, a lively exhibit hall with 100 exhibits, and the opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the state, you don’t want to miss TexMed 2012!