Volume 107, Number 12 – December 2011
COVER STORY (pages 16-20)
Medicare Meltdown
Once again, physicians face a drastic cut in Medicare fees, and patients face decreased access to vital care unless Congress acts. It may already be too late. A Texas Medical Association survey shows half the doctors in Texas are considering leaving the Medicare program. By Ken Ortolon
LAW (pages 23-28)
Doctor and Owner
Lawsuit challenges ownership ban. By Crystal Conde
PUBLIC HEALTH (pages 31-35)
A Heads-Up Idea
Doctor's brainchild saves little heads. By Crystal Conde
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (pages 39-43)
Private Matters
New law protects health data. By Ken Ortolon
MEDICAL EDUCATION (pages 45-49)
Disappearing Docs
Texas faces severe primary care shortage. By Ken Ortolon
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (pages 51-55)
A Meaningful Connection
Patient portal aids meaningful use. By Crystal Conde
ROUNDS(pages 7-13)
Physicians Vital to Hospital Efforts to Meet Health Reform Quality Mandates
TMA "Calendar of Doom" Helps Physicians Meet Compliance Deadlines
Dr. Allen Receives TMA Distinguished Service Award
December Meeting Covers Death Registration
Medicare, Medicaid Incentives Top $30 Million
HHSC Makes Medicaid E-Prescribing Easier
DEPARTMENTS
Newsmakers (page 12)
Portrait (page 56)