July 7, 2011
CAPITOL UPDATE: Session ends with passage of omnibus health reform law
Plus, watch the final installment of Capitol Report video webcast
After 170 days, the 82nd Legislature has concluded its business. Read a legislative recap for the final word on health and human services, graduate medical education, scope of practice, and more. Plus, watch the final edition of Capitol Report.
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Buyer beware: Issues to consider when contracting with EHR vendors
With electronic health record incentive money now flowing, a record number of physicians in Texas are purchasing EHRs. To help physicians navigate an EHR vendor contract, the Texas Medical Association has published a white paper detailing eight key considerations before signing on the dotted line. Access the white paper and read more about what TMA and their REC Resource Center have to offer.
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Use standardized screening tools at appropriate ages to receive incentive for Texas Health Steps checkups
Starting Sept. 1, 2011, physicians will receive additional payments for Texas Health Steps checkups only when they use the standardized screening tools at the appropriate age of the child. View the age chart for reference.
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AAFP News Now: Debt-reduction talks should lead to Medicare payment fix
Academy urges Congress, White House to protect, strengthen primary care
AAFP has urged the Obama administration and congressional leaders to agree on a debt-reduction proposal that reforms the Medicare physician payment system and addresses the nation’s family physician and primary care workforce needs while also ensuring that everyone has access to and coverage for health care services. Read this June 29 story from AAFP News Now for more.
AAFP is working to help small practices survive health system change
In a special June 21 message in AAFP News Now, AAFP President Roland Goertz, M.D., M.B.A., of Waco, acknowledges that that this is a tough time for family physicians in many small or solo practices who are working hard to keep their doors open while the health care system shifts and changes. For those wondering how to transform their practices into patient-centered medical homes or what their role will be in accountable care organizations, AAFP is on your side in the national debate and can provide resources to assist you in this time of reform. Read the News Now story for more.
EDUCATION UPDATE
Come to Annual Session and hear top-rated faculty speak on the timeliest issues
Don’t miss this year’s Annual Session and Scientific Assembly at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel July 27-31 where top-rated CME faculty will present the hottest topics for family medicine. Hear Louis Kuritzky, M.D., present his famous “Five Things I Wish I Knew Last Year,” and Jay Cohen, M.D., present “Prevention, Identification, and Treatment of Osteoporosis.” Other highly-anticipated lecturers are Dale Moquist, M.D., Patrick Carter, M.D., and Clare Hawkins, M.D. View the full CME schedule on the Annual Session page of TAFP’s website, www.tafp.org/professional-development/annual-session.
Other CME Opportunity: Earn up to six free CME credits at TotalMedEd.com
Listed on TAFP’s Other CME Opportunities page, physicians can earn one CME credit for up to six online e-cases through www.totalmeded.com. This online education allows the participant to experience case-based learning from the convenience of his or her home or office computer. Topics include diabetes, gout, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. Earn 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for each case completed as well as 1 AAFP Prescribed Credit. Go to the Other CME Opportunities page of TAFP’s website, www.tafp.org/professional-development/other-cme, or access the programs at www.totalmeded.com.
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