Stories written by Alisa Pierce

AI Tools Not Always Compliant, This Physician Warns - 03/02/2026

Even if an artificial intelligence platform is HIPAA compliant, it is not guaranteed that it will meet certain standards that ensure physicians won’t shoulder the blame for issues that arise from its use.

A Collaborative Process: Sections Empower Next Generation of Physicians - 02/27/2026

Medical Student, Resident and Fellow Sections empower the next generation of physicians to carry the TMA mantle.   

Cuts to Health Information Technology Regulations Could Endanger Patients - 02/27/2026

Proposed federal changes could significantly reduce regulations placed upon technology developers, TMA warns in a letter to federal officials. Those cuts also would pertain to rules for the information exchange necessary for coordination of care.

What to Do If EHR Vendors Prevent Access to Patient Information - 02/25/2026

Patient records can get put in limbo when electronic health record (EHR) vendors go out of business or refuse to transfer records when a physician switches systems. TMA is here with steps physicians can take to protect themselves – and their patients’ data.

Physicians Must Disclose AI Use Alongside Existing HIPAA Requirements, Per State Laws - 02/23/2026

Texas Senate Bill 1188 and Texas House Bill 149 require physicians to follow certain disclosure requirements when using artificial intelligence (AI). As these laws take effect, Texas physicians should ensure compliance in conjunction with HIPAA mandates.

Lasting Impact: Leaders Look Back as Two TMA Sections Turn 50 - 02/23/2026

Five decades ago, medical students, residents, and fellows were given a formal voice within the Texas Medical Association via its Medical Student Section (MSS) and Resident and Fellow Section (RFS).

Medical Students Can Speed-Date Specialties at TexMed Showcase - 02/18/2026

Medical students will meet with past and present TMA leaders from various practice settings and career stages. One past event mentor says the opportunities are too good to pass up.

HHS Imposes First-Time Digital Accessibility Standards for Patients with Disabilities - 02/10/2026

Appointment schedulers, patient registration platforms, bill pay portals, and telehealth platforms are among the digital tools 92% of physicians need to make accessible to patients with disabilities.

Beware of Emails Impersonating TMA Leadership, Staff - 02/06/2026

Cyber criminals posing as TMA President Jayesh “Jay” Shah, MD, scammed at least one physician out of money they thought would go towards legitimate association fundraising initiatives. Here are some tips to exercise caution.

TMA’s Leadership Collective Strengthens Physician Trailblazers - 02/03/2026

The event included a lively presentation that fielded both physicians’ questions and ideas, resulting in attendees learning key strategies – and leaving with new connections with peers.

Remote Patient Monitoring Still a Priority for Federal Officials - 01/30/2026

TMA can assist physicians who offer remote patient monitoring with documentation and billing help, such as what guidelines they must follow to receive payment from Medicare. Read more.

AI Lets This Physician Go Hands Free - 01/29/2026

An artificial intelligence system helps identify medically relevant details and organizes them into a chart summary this emergency physician can then review and approve.

‘Competitive’ Process to Determine Distribution of $1.4 Billion in Federal Rural Health Funding in Texas - 01/29/2026

Rural clinics, hospitals, and health centers are among those who may soon apply for a share of the money awarded to Texas to expand rural health care access through the Rural Texas Strong program. With application details still pending, TMA remains in communication with HHSC about this process.

Physicians Can Become Influencers with New TMA Resource - 01/15/2026

TMA’s new academy is a self-paced program that educates physicians on how to become social media influencers by focusing on basic building blocks like branding, messaging, storytelling, and beyond.

Alternate Paths: Will Limited Licenses Help Alleviate Texas’ Workforce Shortages? - 01/14/2026

House Bill 2038, known as the "Doctor Act," allows Texas to establish "limited" and "provisional" licenses for unmatched medical graduates and international medical graduates. 

Cap at Hand: Federal Loan Changes Could Exacerbate Medical Students’ Financial Challenges - 01/14/2026

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.

Why This Physician Is ‘Using as Many AI Tools as Possible’ - 01/12/2026

Ogechika Alozie, MD, uses artificial intelligence for clinical decision support, treatment recommendations, and billing, payment, and contract review, among other applications. He says physicians shouldn’t fear the technology – and should instead use it to help medicine grow.

Don’t Forget: Fingerprinting Mandatory for License Renewal - 01/07/2026

Failure to comply could delay license renewal or reinstatement, as one Texas physician learned. TMA encourages members to begin the process early, as fingerprint background check results are required before physicians can access the online registration.

Community Support: Texas Aims to Use Federal Funding to Address Rural Health Care Challenges - 01/05/2026

Texas aims to use federal funding to address rural health care challenges.

Cigna Clarifies Terms, Conditions of Its High-Level E/M Downcoding Policy - 12/30/2025

In communication with TMA, Cigna confirmed its policy will not apply to all physicians and those subject to it can request to be removed from the review process under certain circumstances. Nevertheless, the limited scope of the “exemption” could still represent a significant operational and financial challenge for some practices.

‘Caring for Myself and Medicine’: Julia Choi, MD, Attended TexMed to Complete Triathlon, Defend Medicine - 12/22/2025

Julia Choi, MD, attended TexMed 2025 with dual goals: to complete her third triathlon, and to defend the profession of medicine.

Clinic Uses AI for Better Patient-Physician Interactions - 12/10/2025

Their transcription tool, powered by artificial intelligence, is fully integrated within the electronic health record, leaving physicians with the ability to focus entirely on the patient in front of them.

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: Amid Bad Insurance Bills Defeated, Gold Card Law Refinements Close Gaps - 12/08/2025

House Bill 3812 addresses some of the shortfalls and inconsistencies among payers in the intended implementation of Texas’ landmark prior authorization exemption law. The law took effect Sept. 1 but additional rulemaking by the Texas Department of Insurance is likely.    

Free Early-Career Education for Residency Programs Open for 2026 - 12/04/2025

Each “Starting Your Career” seminar is conducted live or online by TMA’s practice management experts and focuses on nonclinical skills critical to starting or entering practice.

Texas in the Running for Federal Rural Health Care Funding - 11/25/2025

The state’s “Rural Texas Strong: Supporting Health and Wellness” proposal requests $1 billion over five years for wide-ranging improvement programs reaching each of Texas’ 202 rural counties. With some of medicine’s ideas incorporated, TMA is cautiously analyzing the proposal’s potential to support rural physicians.