Table of Contents: April 2007



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Vol. 103 No. 4   

COVER STORY  

What?
The treatment you prescribe for patients is worthless and may be even be hazardous to their health, if they don't understand what you're saying. Physicians now recognize that patients' health literacy and doctors' ability to communicate clearly are important factors in how well patients respond to treatment. "Physicians must understand that one of every two patients who come into their office will leave without understanding what they're trying to get them to do," one expert says.

By Erin Prather Stafford 

PUBLIC HEALTH  

The HPV Controversy
Gov. Rick Perry's mandate to vaccinate girls entering the sixth grade with the human papillomavirus vaccine has sparked considerable controversy. TMA supports physicians' ability to provide the HPV vaccine but does not support the mandate.

By Erin Prather Stafford  

MEDICAL ECONOMICS  

Keeping a Tight Rein
Physicians across the state are receiving letters from health insurance companies informing them they could be terminated from the insurers' networks if they do not cease referring PPO patients to out-of-network physicians, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, or other facilities. TMA has filed a complaint with state insurance regulators.

By Ken Ortolon  

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS  

Lottery for Sale
The governor wants to sell the lottery to raise an estimated $14 billion and use the money for public education, a health insurance premium assistance program for the uninsured, and cancer research. TMA says it's glad he recognizes the importance of investing in health care.

By Ken Ortolon  

TRUSTED LEADER  

President Hinchey
Inspired by his father to be a physician, San Antonio pathologist William W. Hinchey, MD, will be sworn in as TMA president later this month.

By Larry BeSaw 

ROUNDS  

TexMed 2007: A Big Time in Big D
Economic Survival Tops Texas Physicians' Concerns
TMA Practice Consulting Provides Financial Assessments
Foundation Gala to Support TMA Health and Education Programs
Ask the TMA Knowledge Center
Health Care to Top Legislative Agenda, Lawmakers Say
Posters Highlight Insurance Hassles
TMA Foundation Works to Improve Science Literacy 

MANAGING YOUR PRACTICE  

e-Prescribing Promotes Patient Safety
Patient safety is a major concern, and the health care industry considers electronic prescribing a great technological tool that can help prevent errors.

WHP Contraceptives
The Texas Women's Health Program provides gynecologic exams, related health screenings, and birth control for low-income women through Texas Medicaid.

Be Wary of Consultants
Physicians engaging the services of consultants should watch for promises or practices that could be problematic and trigger investigations. 

JOURNAL  

Care for Immigrants With End-Stage Renal Disease in Houston: A Comparison of Two Practices (abstract)

By   David Sheikh-Hamad, MD; Elian Paiuk, MD; Andrew J. Wright, MD; Craig Kleinmann, MD; Uday Khosla, MD; and Wayne X. Shandera, MD 

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