News Room

Fort Worth Physician Sworn in as TMA's 148th President

Martha Francisco — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:53:08 GMT

Stephen L. Brotherton, MD, of Fort Worth, took office as the Texas Medical Association's (TMA's) 148th president Saturday during the associaton's annual meeting in San Antonio. TMA's House of Delegates, the association's policymaking body, elected Dr. Brotherton TMA president-elect last year.

Texas Physicians to Tackle Medicine’s Top Issues in San Antonio

Pam Udall — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:36:05 GMT

More than 1,500 physician leaders and health care experts will convene in San Antonio for TexMed 2013 — the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) annual conference. Participants will examine critical health care policies on the state and national level and discuss strategies to help physicians care for patients in a time of change.

TMA to Give Away More Than 1,800 Bicycle Helmets in May

Martha Francisco — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:41:27 GMT

TMA to Give Away More Than 1,800 Bicycle Helmets in MayTo protect children from head injuries and encourage fitness, the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Hard Hats for Little Heads program will give away more than 2,000 bicycle helmets in May, which is Bike Month.

First Repair for Broken Medicaid System? Better Payment

Pat Overton — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:00:14 GMT

Texas physicians are still being asked to lose money every time we care for a Medicaid patient. This forces most of us to limit the number of Medicaid patients we can see. That, in turn, makes it very difficult for a Medicaid patient to find a physician. The most recent TMA survey found that only 31 percent of Texas physicians accept all new Medicaid patients. That number has plummeted from almost 67 percent since the turn of the century. So, before the state and federal government expand the populations eligible for Medicaid, patient care rates need to be raised to cover the real cost of care.

Medicaid HMO Payments Must Go to Patient Care, Not Elsewhere

Brent Annear — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:12:45 GMT

Statement by Michael E. Speer, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA). Dr. Speer’s statement is regarding the proposal to increase premiums paid by the state to Medicaid health maintenance organizations (HMOs).

Physicians Call for End to Sneaky “Silent PPOs”

Pat Overton — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:15:15 GMT

Silent PPO activity is evident when an insurer or third-party payer accesses a physician’s contract rate using a secondary or “rental” network. Often such networks do not have a valid contractual relationship with the physician.

Ban Texting on Texas Roads, Say Physicians

Brent Annear — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:52:06 GMT

A statewide ban on texting while driving passed the Texas House Committee on Transportation this week, with the support of Texas physicians who see the suffering and death that can result from the potentially dangerous practice.

Physicians to Crowd Capitol to Promote Healthy Vision 2020

Brent Annear — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:23:57 GMT

More than 250 physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members from across Texas will fill the Capitol to urge legislators to support Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) legislative agenda, including improving access to affordable care and bills that reduce red tape and improve efficiency.

Physicians Back Bills That Strengthen Vaccines’ Potential

Brent Annear — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:34:06 GMT

A teenager can make decisions about vaccinating her baby, but under current Texas law, typically she cannot get a flu shot herself without her parent’s consent. A bill moving through the legislature aims to change that.

Reform Medicaid First, Then Create Tx-Specific Expansion

Brent Annear — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:27:08 GMT

On the issue of Medicaid expansion, TMA physicians say: "Reform first, then expand only with a state-specific plan that targets the unique health care needs of our state’s population and that Texas taxpayers can afford."

Physicians Applaud Appropriations for Medicaid/CHIP Vote

Pam Udall — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:10:24 GMT

Statement by TMA president Michael E. Speer, MD, in response to the House Appropriations Committee’s unanimous vote to approve a $4.5 billion emergency appropriations bill to fund the Texas Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program for the final four months of fiscal year 2013.

TMA Online Exhibit Celebrates African-American Physician Pioneers

Brent Annear — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:08:54 GMT

The stories of pioneering African-American physicians who first established medical practices in Texas after the Civil War are told in the Texas Medical Association (TMA) online exhibit, “Courage and Determination.” These pioneers faced big challenges practicing medicine during the racial segregation of America’s “Jim Crow” years.

TMA Honors Two Outstanding Programs for Helping Patients

Brent Annear — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:50:24 GMT

The Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) has presented its 2013 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award and Secondary Award to two Texas programs creating a “Healthy Now” and a “Healthy Future,” reflecting TMAF’s two key overarching initiatives.

Public Health Group, Key Legislator to Discuss Priorities

Pam Udall — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:42:49 GMT

Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), chair of the House Committee on Public Health, and Texas Public Health Coalition (TPHC) members invite media, and legislators and their staff to a discussion on public health priorities. Both Representative Kolkhorst and TPHC will unveil legislative agendas that save lives and money.

Physicians: Undo Dual-Eligible Cut Harming Patient Access

Pam Udall — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:58:24 GMT

Dozens of physicians from across Texas took time away from their medical practices to ask state leaders to reinstate cuts that harm access to care for thousands of Texas’ dual-eligible patients. Dual-eligible patients are old enough to qualify for Medicare and able to qualify for Medicaid assistance because of their income.

Emergency Continues- Physicians to Legislators: Help!

Pam Udall — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:40:57 GMT

Physicians from the border and across the state will join legislators in a news conference to urge Texas leaders to solve the “medical emergency” plaguing patients and physicians by fully rescinding budget cuts that threaten health care for hundreds of thousands of “dual-eligible” Texans. For more than a year now, dual-eligible patients’ health care funding has been cut.

Texas Physicians: Expand Coverage, and Reform Medicaid

Brent Annear — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:32:20 GMT

At its 2013 statewide Winter Conference, the TMA Board of Trustees formally adopted a resolution calling upon the political leaders of Washington and Texas to immediately develop a bipartisan solution to reform and expand the state’s Medicaid program.

TMA’s 2013 Legislative Agenda

Pam Udall — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:43:55 GMT

As TMA laid out the association’s legislative agenda for the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature, Michael E. Speer, MD, TMA's president, said we must work together to put patients before politics.

Physicians, Legislators to Examine TX' Health Care Future

Pat Overton — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:41:23 GMT

Physician leaders, legislators and top health care policy experts will gather in Austin to discuss the Texas Medical Association’s vision and develop strategies to keep Texans physically and fiscally healthy in the years to come. The broad TMA Winter Conference agenda includes state and national updates.

Physicians Support Deuell Bill to Help Patients in Their Final Days

Pat Overton — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:07:12 GMT

Physicians Support Deuell Bill to Help Patients in Their Final Days (SB 303)

Get Flu Shot Before You Get Sick, Say Physicians

Brent Annear — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:25:48 GMT

Flu season is picking up steam across Texas. Widespread influenza has reached epidemic levels in the state, killing six children so far this flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Texas physicians urge people six months and older to get the flu vaccine if they haven’t already, and to take precautions to stop the spread of this deadly disease.

TMA Exhibits Pioneer Heart Surgeons’ Unique Artifacts

Brent Annear — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:47:01 GMT

Imagine being a patient undergoing heart surgery, and its success might depend on a homemade device called the “Cooley Coffeepot.” Patients of renowned heart surgeon Denton A. Cooley, MD, in the 1950s were helped by the contraption, which now is on public display with other medical artifacts at the Texas Medical Association.

Be Your Own Health Advocate, Doctors Suggest

Pat Overton — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:44:44 GMT

Physicians of the Texas Medical Association remind patients to take charge of their own health by being informed, responsible partners in their care.

Some Coverage Reinstated for Poor, Ill Texans

Pam Udall — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:49:51 GMT

The Texas Legislative Budget Board has directed the Health and Human Services Commission to restore part of a cut in payments for patients covered by both Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare Patients’ Health Care Close to Free Fall

Pat Overton — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:38:19 GMT

TMA statement by Michael E. Speer, MD, TMA's president. Dr. Speer’s statement pertains to the anticipated nearly 30-percent cut in physicians’ Medicare and TRICARE payments under the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. The cut is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.

Texas Physicians Support Text-Free Driving

Brent Annear — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:03:07 GMT

Texas physicians are concerned about motorists texting while driving. Several bills filed in the Texas Legislature would make it illegal to do so.

New Medicaid Fraud Rules Will Bully Doctors’ Offices

Pat Overton — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:04:57 GMT

Physicians fear new rules adopted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) could threaten innocent practices and cut off access to care for thousands of Texas Medicaid patients.

Nueces Alliance Receives Grant for Child Shots

Brent Annear — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:17:27 GMT

The Nueces County Medical Society (CMS) Alliance has received a $1,500 grant from the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) Be Wise — Immunize^SM program. The funds will help the alliance provide free vaccinations to local children as they prepare for school next August.

Local Medical Students Receive Grant to Provide Free Flu Shots

Brent Annear — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:24:14 GMT

The TMA medical student chapter from the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine has received a $2,000 grant from TMA’s Be Wise — Immunize^SM program. The grant is helping students provide flu vaccinations to uninsured Hispanic residents in Fort Worth.

TMA Congratulates Sen. John Cornyn

Pat Overton — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:04:25 GMT

Statement by TMA President Michael E. Speer, MD, regarding U.S. Senate Republicans electing Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) as minority whip for the 113th Congress.

New TMA Grant to Help Doctors’ Practices Succeed

Steve Levine — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:05:13 GMT

Now your doctor’s practice can receive a business checkup, thanks to a new grant awarded to the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

Physicians, Alliance Members Run for Office

Brent Annear — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:19:46 GMT

J.D. Sheffield, DO (R-Gatesville) stands among an unprecedented number of physician and TMA Alliance member candidates who ran or are still running for office in the 2012 elections.

Health Reform, Session to Highlight TMA Fall Conference

Brent Annear — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:40:54 GMT

2012 TMA Fall Conference in Austin, featuring presentations on the impact of the Supreme Court’s federal health law ruling, TMA’s Physicians Medicaid Congress, and a forecast of the upcoming Texas legislative session’s effect on patients and physicians

Doctors: Open Talks Can Prevent Child Injuries

Brent Annear — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:42:13 GMT

Whether talking with parents about baby-proofing their homes or discussing bicycle helmet use with young patients, physicians must be able to talk candidly to their patients about child safety injury prevention, say TMA physicians.

Despite Hurdles, Texas Physicians Implement EHRs

Brent Annear — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:17:13 GMT

More TMA physicians use electronic tools to help them practice medicine than ever before, according to a preliminary TMA survey.

Infant Deaths Prompt Doctors’ Outcry: Get the Shot!

Brent Annear — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:24:09 GMT

TMA physicians say people around newborn babies need to be vaccinated against pertussis to protect themselves from the disease, thereby protecting the child who is defenseless against it.

Poison Control Centers Save Lives, Money, Physicians Say

Brent Annear — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:52:03 GMT

When a child overdosed on Tylenol, a physician member of TMA Committee on Child and Adolescent Health called the Texas Poison Center Network, who helped save the child's life.

Drop in Physician Acceptance of Medicaid, Medicare Patients

Brent Annear — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:14:46 GMT

More physicians are forced to reduce the number of patients they see who depend on government insurance for their health care.

TMA Examines New Health Law’s Effect on Patients, Doctors

Brent Annear — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:37:56 GMT

TMA carefully evaluated the new law to help Texas physicians understand its complexities so they can answer their patients’ questions. The September issue of TMA’s Texas Medicine magazine discusses several key points in the law.

New Billing/Coding System: A Waste of Time and Money

Martha Francisco — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:27:54 GMT

Statement by Michael E. Speer, MD, TMA president, in regard to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announcement requiring physicians to implement a new, arduous billing and coding system known as the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, version 10 (ICD-10).

Don’t Gag Doctors, Says TMA President

Pat Overton — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:16:32 GMT

TMA President Michael E. Speer, MD, points out DSHS’s proposed rules would impose a “gag order” on physicians who participate in the Texas Women’s Health Program (TWHP), barring them from discussing elective abortion with their patients even if the patient asked about it or if the standard of care indicated it should be discussed as an option.

Medical Alliance Receives TMA Grant to Provide Immunizations

Pat Overton — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:22:35 GMT

The Taylor-Jones-Haskell County Medical Society (CMS) Alliance has received a $1,500 grant from Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise — ImmunizeSM program to help provide vaccinations for high-school students through its Don’t Wait to Vaccinate! program.

Now Congress Must Fix What’s Broken in New Health Law

Pat Overton — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:17:17 GMT

The following can be attributed to Michael E. Speer, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Speer’s statement is in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to keep the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act intact.

Houston Physician Elected TMA’s 147th President

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:49:30 GMT

TMA elected Michael E. Speer, MD, of Houston its 147th president. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body, elected Dr. Speer leader of the nation’s largest state medical society during TexMed, the association’s annual conference, held May 18-19 in Dallas.

Fort Worth Physician Named TMA President-Elect

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:49:04 GMT

TMA has elected Stephen L. Brotherton, MD, of Fort Worth president-elect of the association. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body, elected Dr. Brotherton during TexMed, TMA’s annual conference held May 18-19 in Dallas. Dr. Brotherton will serve as president-elect for one year, before becoming the association’s 148th president.

Houstonian Elected TMA Alliance President

Pat Overton — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:27:17 GMT

The Texas Medical Association Alliance (TMAA) has elected Linda Swan Adkins, Houston, as its 95th president. TMAA is the volunteer service organization of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) comprising physicians and physicians’ spouses.

Frisco Psychiatrist Elected Speaker of TMA’s House of Delegates

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:48:40 GMT

Frisco psychiatrist Clifford K. Moy, MD, was elected speaker of the TMA House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body. The House of Delegates reelected Dr. Moy during TMA’s annual conference, TexMed 2012, held this year in Dallas. For the past four years, he has served as vice speaker of the TMA House of Delegates.

Wichita Falls Pathologist Elected Vice Speaker of TMA’s House of Delegates

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:48:18 GMT

Wichita Falls pathologist Susan M. Strate, MD, was elected vice speaker of the TMA House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body. Dr. Strate was elected during TMA’s annual conference, TexMed 2012, May 18-19 in Dallas.

Dallas Physician Reelected to TMA’s Board of Trustees

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:47:59 GMT

Don. R. Read, MD, a Dallas colon and rectal surgeon, was reelected to serve on the TMA Board of Trustees. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking board, reelected Dr. Read to the position during TexMed, TMA’s annual conference in Dallas, May 18-19. He was first elected to the board in 2009.

Houston Physician Reelected to TMA’s Board of Trustees

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:47:41 GMT

Lewis E. Foxhall, MD, a family physician from Houston, was reelected to serve on the TMA Board of Trustees. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body, elected him during at TexMed, TMA’s annual conference, May 18-19 in Dallas. He was first elected to the board in 2009.

San Antonio Physician Reelected to TMA’s Board of Trustees

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:47:22 GMT

San Antonio pathologist David N. Henkes, MD, was reelected to serve on the TMA Board of Trustees, the association’s governing body. He was elected during TMA’s annual conference, TexMed 2012, May 18-19 in Dallas. He was first elected to the TMA Board of Trustees in 2009.

San Antonio Physician to Lead TMA’s 50-Year Club

Martha Francisco — Thu, 31 May 2012 20:42:41 GMT

Estrella de Forster, MD, of San Antonio, became president of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) 50-Year Club at the association’s annual meeting, TexMed 2012, May 18-19 in Dallas.

TMA Honors Abilene Physician With Distinguished Service Award

Pat Overton — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:21:20 GMT

At Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1933, Virginia Boyd and her two female classmates were told point-blank by a male physician that only one of them would graduate. Little did he know that Virginia Boyd Connally, MD, would one day receive Texas’ highest physician honor, the TMA Distinguished Service Award.

Paris Physician Tagged TMA’s “Young at Heart”

Martha Francisco — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:55:23 GMT

Paris physician Josie R. Williams, MD, MMM, received the Young at Heart Award from the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) young physicians. The award was presented during TexMed 2012, TMA’s annual conference, in Dallas on May 18.

TMA Physicians Award Teachers Who Inspire Students’ Love of Science

Martha Francisco — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:31 GMT

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) awarded three Texas teachers the 2012 TMA Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching. The winners were recognized at TexMed, TMA’s annual meeting, held this week in Dallas.

Minority Medical Students Receive Scholarships from TMA

Martha Francisco — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:37 GMT

Nine minority students entering Texas medical schools each received a $5,000 scholarship from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Friday at TMA’s annual TexMed conference in Dallas.

Abilene Physician Named TMA President-Elect

Martha Francisco — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:54:01 GMT

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) has elected Austin I. King, MD, of Abilene, as its president-elect. TMA’s House of Delegates, the association’s policymaking body, elected Dr. King today during TMA’s annual conference in San Antonio. Dr. King will serve as president-elect for one year, before becoming the association’s 149th president.