Stories written by Alisa Pierce

YouTube’s ‘Doctor Mike’ Talks Online Success, Patient Trust Ahead of TexMed 2025 - 03/25/2025

YouTube sensation, philanthropist, and family physician Mikhail “Doctor Mike” Varshavski, DO, spoke about the origins of his internet career, fighting rampant online disinformation, and building patient trust in an exclusive Q&A with TMA ahead of his TexMed 2025 presentation.

Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities for Another Six Months - 03/24/2025

Several pandemic-era Medicare telehealth and payment flexibilities will now last through Sept. 30 following recent action by Congress, including those that waive geographic site restrictions for mental health telemedicine services provided without an in-person visit.

Prior Authorization Fuels Physician Burnout, Decreases Access to Care, AMA Survey Finds - 03/10/2025

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.

BCBSTX Reprocessing Flu Testing Claims Following Incorrect Denials - 03/03/2025

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is reprocessing certain claims filed between Jan. 1 and Feb. 13, the payer told TMA’s Physician Payment Resource Center. Physicians should continue to review claims to ensure they are correctly reprocessed.

‘Tremendously Lifesaving’: The Physicians Benevolent Fund Helped Robert Boyd, MD, Fight Depression - 02/27/2025

How The Physicians Benevolent Fund helped Robert Boyd, MD, fight depression, financial stress.

Without Congressional Action, Medicare Telehealth Waivers Will End March 31 - 02/26/2025

Medicare telehealth waivers previously extended by Congress will expire March 31, meaning Medicare patients will no longer be able to have telemedicine visits while in their home and physicians will again be required to meet with patients in-person before a telemedicine mental health consultation.

Scammers Pose as TMA, CMS Leaders Asking for Money - 02/11/2025

TMA warns physicians to be aware of cybercriminals pretending to be affiliated with TMA, a TMA-authorized vendor, or a county medical society. Often, these attacks use logos and branding of well-known companies to impersonate businesses or known individuals, especially those in leadership positions.

Texas Physicians Secure Top Spots in National Leadership Training Program - 02/07/2025

Just 25 seats were available for the inaugural hybrid training program hosted by the Physicians Foundation and Brandeis University. Starting in September, the program will teach physicians how to shape health care policy through leadership and advocacy.

I Never Knew TMA: Had AI Experts on its HIT Committee - 02/07/2025

TMA’s HIT Committee stands among nine councils and 18 standing committees that channel physician expertise to influence policy and programs that support Texas patients and physicians and provide solutions to the challenges they encounter.

You Spoke, We Listened: Listening Tour Collects Valuable Physician Feedback - 02/03/2025

TMA’s 2024 Listening Tour collected valuable feedback about physicians’ pressing needs.

Check Eligibility for Medicare Bonus Following Annual HPSA Update - 01/28/2025

Physicians, including psychiatrists, can receive a 10% quarterly bonus from CMS for providing primary care or mental health services to Medicare patients in qualifying areas, with some important distinctions on services rendered.

Advancing Health Equity: Karen Batory’s 35-year TMA Career Shaped Public Health for the Association - 01/20/2025

Karen Batory’s extensive, 35-year career at TMA shaped public health for both the association and the state

Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Waivers, Payment for Audio-Only Visits - 01/10/2025

With telehealth extensions granted under the American Relief Act, TMA has updated its telehealth waiver chart to reflect these temporary changes that allow physicians to provide telemedicine mental health services without conducting an in-person patient visit. The flexibilities were extended through March.

How TMA Helped This Physician Fight Depression, Financial Stress - 01/07/2025

For retired Lubbock anesthesiologist Robert Boyd, MD, support from TMA’s Physicians Benevolent Fund is both financial and emotional, assisting with personal expenses such as rent and groceries and strengthening his independence.

TMA’s Top Legislative Priorities: Seek Balanced Regulation of AI - 01/06/2025

TMA will work to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) regulation supports physician practices but does not replace physicians’ medical expertise.

TMA’s Top Legislative Priorities: Expand Access to Care with Telemedicine Payment Parity - 12/31/2024

TMA supports improving access to high-quality, physician-led telemedicine care that is covered at the same rate as in-person visits.

TMA’s Top Legislative Priorities: Safeguard Medical Liability Protections - 12/31/2024

The Texas Medical Association will fight to preserve Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms and prevent new liability risks that threaten access to care.

I Never Knew TMA: Hosted Regional Conferences and Events - 12/30/2024

The Texas Medical Association hosts multiple events that are opportunities to network with physician leaders, explore CME tracks, and enjoy keynote presentations.

Ask “Dr. ChatGPT”: What Physicians Should Know About AI - 12/20/2024

Health care adviser Harvey Castro, MD, details what physicians should know about artificial intelligence.

TMA Develops New AI Education - 12/20/2024

Responding to significant interest from members after a 2023 standing-room-only TexMed event, the Texas Medical Association has developed a free webinar for members to learn how to integrate augmented or artificial intelligence technology, including ChatGPT, into patient care.

Executive Order Requires Safe, Secure Use of AI in Health Care - 12/20/2024

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Oct. 30 establishing new standards for the safe and secure use of artificial intelligence via federal oversight across different sectors, including health care.

Feds Require AI Transparency, Define Info-Blocking Exceptions - 12/20/2024

First-of-their-kind transparency regulations established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aim to help physicians determine the safety of artificial intelligence technology. The new rule also established a new information blocking exception and implemented a 21st Century Cures Act requirement for health IT developers. Read more.

Medicine Meets AI: Artificial Intelligence Has Potential in Patient Care - 12/20/2024

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence platforms have potential in patient care, but that future is still a long way off.

TMA to Represent Texas Physicians’ Coding, Payment Concerns on National Credentialing Organization - 12/17/2024

TMA’s Director of Physician Payment Services has been appointed to the former Academy of Professional Coders’ National Advisory Board, where she will elevate the voices of Texas physicians through collaboration on coding, billing, and compliance issues.

AMA President-Elect Acclaims TMA Advocacy for Scope, Prior Auth Wins - 12/04/2024

Texas physicians’ advocacy accomplishments both in the state and alongside the American Medical Association earned praise from AMA’s president-elect at the Texas Medical Association’s Leadership Summit on Jan. 27.