Table of Contents: January 2015



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Volume 111, Number 1 — January 2015

COVER STORY (pages 26-34)

Capitol Decisions Ahead
Jan. 13 marks the start of the 2015 legislative session. TMA has an ambitious agenda to ensure that the patient-physician relationship is a priority and that legislators consider it as bills work through the legislative process. By Amy Lynn Sorrel

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (pages 37-41) 

Feeling the Pain
On Oct. 6, hydrocodone combination products became a Schedule II drug. Austin internist Liam Fry, MD, opposes the change on the grounds it will disrupt care for patients in severe or chronic pain. By Kara Nuzback

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (pages 43-48)

Minding the Gap
Texas chose not to expand Medicaid eligibility in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, leaving more than 1 million uninsured Texans in the coverage gap. By Amy Lynn Sorrel

PUBLIC HEALTH (pages 49-53)

Battling a Destructive Virus
Infectious disease experts and epidemiologists urge physicians to educate their patients about Ebola and to know the signs that may indicate a patient has the virus. By Kara Nuzback

LAW (pages 55-58)

Sun to Set on Overzealous Fraud Investigations
After a scathing Sunset Advisory Commission report on the Office of Inspector General, TMA supports improving the agency's investigations of physicians accused of fraud, waste, and abuse. By Kara Nuzback

ECONOMICS (pages 59-63)

Smoother Sailing?
As medical practices prepare to adjust and help care for the newly insured in round two of the Affordable Care Act marketplace, some uncertainties linger. By Amy Lynn Sorrel

DEPARTMENTS

Inbox (page 5)
Fact (page 7)
Focus On (pages 9-10)
Commentary (pages 11-12)
Rounds (pages 13-24)
Back Talk (page 64)

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