News

Medicaid Funding Streams Crucial in State, Federal Advocacy Discussions - 04/17/2025

In the chance the federal government moves forward with proposed cuts that could negatively impact Medicaid, TMA is here to help Texas physicians understand and navigate Medicaid’s funding complexities. Read more.

TMA Signs Letter Calling for Congress to Protect Medicaid Funding - 04/17/2025

As the U.S. House of Representatives considers $880 billion in cuts from the committee overseeing Medicaid, TMA and all 50 state medical societies detailed the impacts such a cut would make to patient care and practice viability.

Medicine Whelms Nurse Scope Expansion Bill - 04/15/2025

Physicians from across the state made the trek to the Capitol to testify that House Bill 3974 would dismantle Texas’ longstanding physician-led care model and with it, patient safety. TMA and the legislature remain committed to quality solutions to the state’s access-to-care challenges.

AI Experts Added to Committee on Health Information Technology - 04/15/2025

Recognizing the potential of augmented and artificial intelligence to greatly impact patient care and physician interests, the Texas Medical Association has announced the addition of 10 expert consultants to its Committee on Health Information Technology.

Sponsored Content: Make an Impact on Your Patients and Practice - 04/14/2025

Free CME courses teach you how to use the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program to ensure safe prescribing and communicate effectively with patients about prescription drug misuse, addiction, and overdose. Sign up today to receive credits—and to create a lasting impact on your patients and practice.

Medicine Backs New Legislation Halting Latest Medicare Payment Cut - 04/14/2025

Led by physician lawmakers, the proposed legislation would cancel the most recent physician pay cut and provide some extenuating relief for the remainder of the year. TMA recently joined the American Medical Association’s national advocacy conference to take their efforts to lawmakers’ doorsteps in D.C.

TMA Mobilizes Against Nurse Scope Expansion Bill - 04/11/2025

House Bill 3794 is among dozens of bills filed this session that chip away at Texas’ scope of practice laws. While for the most part TMA has stopped such bills in their tracks, by contrast, HB 3794 would open what TMA President G. Ray Callas, MD, strongly warned is a “floodgate” for independent practice by advanced practice registered nurses. TMA urges physicians to act to stop the bill.

Vaccine Uptake Improves Amid Measles Momentum - 04/11/2025

With measles spreading to another corner of the state and showing little sign of slowing, adjusted vaccine recommendations apply to residents of and visitors to 10 affected counties. TMA Foundation grants are available to support vaccine clinics.

Online Testimony on TMA Business Items Closes April 17 - 04/10/2025

TMA members have until April 17 to submit online testimony on business items to be considered by the House of Delegates at TexMed, May 8-10. A permanent fixture since 2020, online testimony allows the association to hear and address members’ concerns early.

Combating Measles Resource Center - 04/10/2025

Get caught up on measles-related news from state and federal agencies, as well as TMA's actions and resources, with this webpage. Find information from DSHS, patient-facing materials, and links to clinical insights.

TMA Calls for Increased Funding to Help TMB Address Workforce Issues - 04/09/2025

TMA President G. Ray Callas, MD, advocated for Texas Medical Board (TMB) funding, citing record numbers of physician license applications. Plus, learn the Texas House committee assignments that may influence medicine’s legislative agenda. Read more.

Where Are They Now? 15 Years of Leadership College: G. Ray Callas, MD - 04/09/2025

Graduates have found leadership success within TMA and their communities by participating in the nine-month development program. Applications are open now until May 31 for the class of 2026.

E-Cigarette Regulation Heard in Senate, House Committees - 04/07/2025

TMA testified to regulate e-cigarettes just as traditional tobacco products, with protections for children and youth. TMA is also tracking numerous women’s health and insurance bills on the move.

Physician Legislators File Federal Prior Auth Reform Bill - 04/07/2025

The measure applies to Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug plans. Its reintroduction follows medicine’s federal advocacy in Washington, D.C., and AMA’s latest survey showing prior authorization continues to negatively impact physicians and patients.

U.S. Main Residency Match Reveals New and Growing Specialty Interests - 04/07/2025

This year’s match results show growth in osteopathy, a rebound in emergency medicine and pediatrics, and obstetrics holding steady.

TexMed 2025 Unveils New CME, Tailored Offerings to Attendees at All Career Levels - 04/04/2025

This year’s annual conference will see a presentation by YouTube’s Dr. Mike, tailored CME submitted by TMA members, practice resources for established physicians and networking opportunities for students and residents. Plus, a new badging system cuts check-in hassle.

Prior Authorization Fuels Physician Burnout, Decreases Access to Care, AMA Survey Finds - 04/03/2025

Prior authorization continues to intensify physician burnout, increase health care costs, and limit patients’ access to care, per AMA. Meanwhile, TMA advocates against health plans’ use of artificial intelligence in the prior auth process and aims to reduce its burden on physicians.   

‘Who Writes the Rules Matters’: Medical Students Converge on Capitol to Educate and Advocate - 04/03/2025

As First Tuesdays continues its run in the second half of session, physicians and medical students bring their thoughts, stories, and concerns to lawmakers to shed light on TMA priorities, including scope of practice and physician workforce measures.

First Tuesdays at the Capitol Lets Legislators Hear What Matters Most to Medicine - 04/02/2025

Since 2003, TMA member physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members have told their stories to legislators via First Tuesdays at the Capitol. Advocates for medicine have two more opportunities this session to share their views.

Books and Brunch: Dallas Physicians Promote Literacy, Healthy Habits - 04/01/2025

Physicians in Dallas County, including a mother-daughter medical duo, treated patients to breakfast, games, and free books at their Texas BookShare event. Thanks to generous support from the TMA Foundation, TMA members can host a Texas BookShare event for free or as little as $500.

Walk with a Doc Turns 20, Creates Lasting Community Changes - 04/01/2025

Walk with a Doc is celebrating its 20th anniversary by challenging physicians and their patients to walk for at least 20 minutes every day in April – and two Dallas physicians are celebrating a one-year anniversary of their own.

Insurance Concerns Dominate TMA Testimony - 03/31/2025

One bill would exempt certain plans from important patient protections, while another could undo reforms to insurer ranking and tiering practices.

CMS Issues New MIPS Hardship, Extension Tied to IV Fluid Shortage - 03/28/2025

The 15-day window opens today, March 31, and comes in response to medicine’s advocacy. TMA encourages affected physicians to document those shortages and the impact on their practices.

UPDATE: Submit 2024 MIPS Data by April 14 to Avoid 9% Pay Cut - 03/28/2025

The data submission period for Medicare’s 2024 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance year is underway and closes on April 14 at 7 pm CT. At stake is a pay cut of up to 9% in the 2026 payment year.

‘An Honor and a Tremendous Relief’: Scholarship Furthers Medical Careers - 03/26/2025

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.