News

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.

Deadline Extended for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee Positions - 02/06/2026

Three positions are accepting applications by Feb. 24. Several physicians currently serving TMA also participate in the Texas Department of State Health Services-led committee, which makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature to help reduce the number of pregnancy-related deaths and complications in the state.

Medicare Modifier 25 Documentation Under Microscope Following Federal Report - 02/04/2026

A recent federal audit focused on Medicare payments for eye injections revealed overwhelmingly high improper payment rates for evaluation and management services billed with modifier 25 usage. TMA provides information on how to help physicians avoid denials.

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.

East Texas Center Sees Success with Vaccines Defend What Matters Grant - 02/03/2026

TMA members continue to address vaccine-related issues and provide education with help from the association’s Vaccines Defend What Matters program, which offers grants to support local vaccine initiatives. Applications are now being accepted for 2026’s first round of grants.

TMB Adopts Rules for Two New Physician License Categories Amid Visa Impediments for IMGs - 02/02/2026

International medical graduates (IMGs) and unmatched physician graduates now have rules on how to apply for new license classes created via 2025 legislation aimed at expanding the state’s physician workforce. However, a state halt on certain work visas could also impede the law’s progress.

Federal, State Impediments to H-1B Visas Threaten Texas Physician Workforce - 02/02/2026

A 2025 presidential order requiring a new $100,000 fee for H-1B work visa applicants, followed by a Jan. 27 freeze on new petitions by Gov. Greg Abbott, could squeeze the pipeline of international medical graduates helping to meet the state's health care needs.

Questions About Your TMA Membership? TexMed Has a Member Services Booth for That - 02/02/2026

TexMed 2026 attendees have an on-site destination for information on all TMA membership has to offer, from the Knowledge Center and CME courses, to practice management support and resources for physicians in different practice settings and career phases.

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 in Need Benefit from TMAIT Gift to Physicians Benevolent Fund - 01/29/2026

TMA Insurance Trust has donated $90,000 to the fund since 2021. PBF continues to offer personal financial support to qualified Texas physicians in their times of distress.

Physicians Now Required to Provide Medicaid Enrollment Info to New Mothers - 01/28/2026

House Bill 3940 was one in a series of bills addressing Medicaid concerns and gives health care professionals tools to inform parents about covering their newborn children. The law also requires a key state agency to share that information with health care facilities.

Medicare Judicial Dispute Threshold Increases in 2026 - 01/28/2026

Physicians who take initial steps to dispute Medicare or Medicare Advantage decisions, upon receiving unfavorable reviews, can opt for two quasi-judicial pathways to resolve the case. However, the amount in controversy in the underlying dispute must meet a minimum amount, which has risen 11% over the past four years.

New Syphilis Hotline to Help Clinicians Statewide Regardless of Specialty, Case Complexity - 01/23/2026

The Department of State Health Services collaborated with TMA to launch the resource, meant to facilitate help from expert consultants as the disease continues to spread. Roughly a quarter of congenital syphilis cases nationwide are diagnosed in Texas.

All MIPS-Eligible Physicians to Qualify for Hardship Exemption, CMS Says - 01/22/2026

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) is automatically applying the extreme and uncontrollable circumstances policy under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) to ALL MIPS eligible clinicians regardless of whether those clinicians have submitted data for the 2020 performance period.

CME E-Tracking Mandate Begins Sept. 1 - 01/21/2026

Following state legislation, TMB has previewed an arrangement with vendor CE Broker for physicians to log CME. Experienced users suggest documentation tips and timely logging.

Rural Ambulance Grant Program Provides $84 Million for Texas Counties - 01/21/2026

More than 40 counties have applied for funding for rural-serving ambulances as of this writing. The funding, made possible by a 2025 bill, could assist the state’s largest county as it faces replacing a four-year EMS partner.

Here’s Your 2026 Billing and Coding Checklist - 01/16/2026

TMA’s Physician Payment Resource Center works year-round with member physicians and health plans to resolve certain insurance payment issues. They suggest these practical actions you can take at the start of 2026 to keep your billing and collections on track throughout the year.

Rural-Access Solution Goes Before Senate Committee - 01/16/2026

The culmination of many months and meetings, TMA-backed Senate Bill 2695 was unveiled to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, opening a new pipeline for rural access to care while preserving Texas’ physician-led care model.

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.

One Insurance Company Holds Majority Share of Texas Market, Per AMA Study - 01/14/2026

Increasing insurance consolidation negatively impacts both physicians and patients, according to the American Medical Association, making advocacy crucial.

Texas Lung Cancer Cases Down as Screening, Treatment Lag - 01/14/2026

Texas’ rate of new cases declined 15% over five years, according to the American Lung Association’s “State of Lung Cancer” report. However, barriers still impede regular screening for high-risk groups.

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.

Federal Lawmakers Agree to Surprise Billing Restrictions, Physician Payment Protections - 01/13/2026

Federal lawmakers put new restrictions on surprise medical billing, reduced requirements that would’ve cut physician Medicare payments, and secured COVID-19-related relief for physicians as part of a massive omnibus legislation package approved this week.