Texas Family Physician - Vol. 63 No. 3, Summer 2012

CONTENTS

Primary care in Texas: Condition critical
For the sake of Texas’ citizens and its economy, the 83rd Texas Legislature must renew its investment in primary care.
By Jonathan Nelson

Two Texas ACOs to test accountable care
With the establishment of the final rule for the Medicare Shared Savings Program and 27 organizations named as its first participants, the CMS-approved accountable care organizations must now prove what many have known for decades: that preventive, coordinated care based on a foundation of primary care can save our failing health care system.
By Kate Alfano

TMB rules you should know
TMLT presents a set of Texas Medical Board rules physicians may unknowingly break, addressing physician advertising, leaving a medical practice, documentation, prescribing, death certificate requirements, standing delegation rules, and office-based anesthesia rules.
By TMLT Risk Management Department

Research
Researchers explore correlation between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension.

Reduce waste, save billions
Top experts say we can save hundreds of billions by targeting waste in six key categories.

AAFP urges docs to choose wisely
Academy joins several groups in a new campaign to cut unnecessary medical services.

Member news
Chief residents gather to hone skills
Family doc elected to TMA leadership
In memoriam: Mathis Blackstock, M.D.
Resident research
Tar Wars winner
TAFP revives preceptorship program
Report from AAFP’s NCSC/ALF