Stories written by Alisa Pierce

$3 Billion Dementia Research Investment Up for Vote in November - 10/14/2025

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.

Texas to Seek Federal Rural Health Care Funding with TMA Support - 10/13/2025

The Rural Health Transformation Fund, established under the federal budget bill, makes available a total of $50 billion to states over five years. Of that amount, $25 billion will be distributed equally among approved states, and the remaining half allocated based on grant applications and a priority weighting system.

New Law Requires Texas Physicians to Disclose AI, Provide Guardians EHR Access - 10/07/2025

The bill also requires physicians to maintain EHRs only within the U.S. Physicians can face disciplinary action, including civil penalties and license suspension or revocation by the Texas Medical Board if found to have violated the law three or more times.

Cigna Clarifies Terms, Conditions of Its High-Level E/M Downcoding Policy - 09/30/2025

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.

Federal Changes Allow Payment for Direct Primary Care Via Health Savings Accounts - 09/29/2025

The new law permits patients to use health savings account funds for direct primary care membership fees, provided the arrangement meets certain federal requirements.

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: Erosions to Medical Liability Reforms Fail - 09/15/2025

Medicine’s work this session to preserve Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms started and ended like legislative sessions past with a perennial attempt to index the landmark 2003 noneconomic damages cap to inflation. But that story had a twist this session in that the vehicle to do so, House Bill 4036, was pushed by a pair of Republicans alongside its typical Democrat contingency.  

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.

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: Amid Bad Insurance Bills Defeated, Gold Card Law Refinements Close Gaps - 09/12/2025

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.    

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.

Personalized Pursuit: Word-of-Mouth Recruitment Plays Vital Role in How TMA Grows Membership - 09/10/2025

TMA launches new pilot program that focuses on member physicians recruiting colleagues to join the association.

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’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.

‘A United Force’: Physicians Answered the Call for Patients, Medicine This Legislative Session - 09/02/2025

The Texas Medical Association remained a powerful force to stand up for patients and the practice of medicine

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: New Technology Laws Take Effect Sept. 1 - 09/02/2025

TMA took a physician-led approach this session to legislation related to health information technology, safeguarding medicine from would-be detriments, including unchecked use of artificial intelligence by payers and unintended consequences stemming from federal law.

Brownsville Alliance’s Annual Jump-a-Thon Empowers Youth and Families - 09/02/2025

Over the course of the event, kids received free jump ropes, helmets courtesy of TMA’s Hard Hats for Little Heads giveaway program, and books complimentary of the association’s Texas BookShare. Read more.

Tailored Programming: Upcoming TMA conferences meet physicians where they practice - 09/01/2025

Texas Medical Association offers two upcoming conferences that members can attend - Business of Medicine Conference in El Paso in September and Local Medicine Matters in Tyler in October.

Practice Management Hub Puts Members’ Needs First - 08/25/2025

From member-benefit toolkits, articles, CME material, and more, the pages offer a centralized hub for everyday practice management resources.

Patients Increasingly Find AI-Produced Health Info Online – But Many Prefer Physicians - 08/22/2025

Despite the rise of AI-generated medical data online, 90% of Americans still trust physicians as trustworthy sources of health information, and almost half still prefer clinicians’ education and experience.

Cigna Downcoding Policy Threatens Payment; TMA Urges Repeal - 08/18/2025

The payer announced a new plan under which it may adjust certain higher-level evaluation and management codes based on the encounter criteria in a submitted claim.

SAFER Guides Help Safeguard Practice Operations During EHR Downtime - 08/14/2025

In case of natural disasters, cyberattacks, and more, the guides include checklists, action-based worksheets, and recommendations to help physicians reduce patient risks related to electronic health records.

Inaugural Award: TMASFF Cowles Young Physician Scholarship Endowment Supports Future Medical Leaders - 08/04/2025

The endowment promotes TMA leadership training opportunities for young physicians in Harris County. Learning about its namesake doctor “made me even more driven to continue to become a leader in medicine and to continue my journey with TMA,” one recipient said.

Digital Dilemma: Health Information Technology Remains a Valuable Tool for Physicians - 07/30/2025

Health information technology remains a valuable tool for Texas physicians – but some detriments to patient care, physician wellness persist.

El Paso Physician Broadcast Arms Public with Health Care Knowledge - 07/29/2025

Physician-led efforts to educate patients on vaccines may help the U.S. battle recent surges of preventable diseases.

TMA Calls on Federal Agencies to Reduce Physicians’ Tech Burdens - 07/29/2025

TMA recommended several changes, including those that promote strong interoperability standards and streamline electronic health records and other digital tools.

AI, Physician Finances to Headline Business of Medicine Conference - 06/26/2025

TMA members can attend free when they register before Friday, Sept. 12. Plus, attend TMA’s Border Health Conference the same weekend for insight into pressing health care issues on the Texas-Mexico border.