Table of Contents: December 2011



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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)


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