TMA Practice Well

In this episode expert guest Dr. CM Schade elaborates on the Texas Medical Board's revamped CME requirements for opioid prescriptions, which now focus only on direct patient care physicians. He offers insights into how the new rules bring flexibility while placing an emphasis on meticulous documentation. With decades of experience in legislative advocacy, Dr. Schade shares valuable tips on navigating these changes and encourages utilizing TMA's educational resources. Access the ondemand webinar - Prescribing and Monitoring of Controlled Substances Access current TMB rules

Welcome to this episode of TMA's Practice Well Podcast, where we dive into the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Join us as Shannon Vogel, TMA's Associate Vice President for Health Information Technology, hosts a conversation with Dr. Dan McCoy, a leader in AI consulting and education. Explore the evolving terminology and concepts like data drift and hallucinations, and how they relate to AI in the medical field. Dr. McCoy shares his insights on pre-training and post-training of AI models, highlighting their implications for physicians. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents, including the importance of validating AI outputs and maintaining safety standards. Learn practical strategies for physicians to engage with AI systems, enhance practice efficiency, and contribute to the ongoing development of AI models. Tune in to unlock the full potential of AI in medicine today. Claim CME credit for this episode and check out more CME to Go on AI in health care Access TMA AI Resources TMA Policy Compendium

Welcome to the TMA Practice Well podcast. In this episode, our host Shannon Vogel, TMA's Associate Vice President for Health Information Technology, engages in conversation with Dr. Nithisha Thatikonda, a resident at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. They explore the evolving role of augmented intelligence (AI) in healthcare and clinical research. Dr. Thatikonda shares insights on how AI, particularly machine learning, accelerates drug discovery and optimizes clinical trials. She discusses the AI-powered innovations that streamline drug development processes, enhance diversity in patient recruitment, and improve participant retention. Follow along as Dr. Thatikonda and Shannon delve into the challenges of using AI, like data quality and model performance variability, and emphasize the importance of human oversight and collaboration in advancing AI technologies responsibly. Join us to discover how AI is transforming healthcare research, ensuring safer, more efficient drug development, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Visit our episode description for additional resources and stay informed about AI in practice. Access TMA AI Resources Check out TMA CME to Go on AI in health care

Shannon Vogel, Associate Vice President for Health Information Technology and special guest, Dr. Harvey Castro, author of the first book on chat GPT in health care, discuss the evolving role of AI in direct patient care in this second episode of the AI in Health Care series. Discover why TMA prefers the term 'augmented intelligence' and explore how it can enhance, not replace, a physician's clinical decision-making. Harvey Castro, MD shares his expert insights into evaluating AI products and vendors. With a background in emergency medicine and entrepreneurship, Dr. Castro provides practical tips for physicians just starting their AI journey. Learn how to identify the right AI tools for your clinical and administrative needs, avoid shiny distractions, and ensure smooth integration with your existing systems.  Whether you're in a large hospital or a solo practice in a rural area, this episode offers strategies to help you adopt AI effectively and responsibly. Plus, get tips on cost management, contract negotiations, and staff training for seamless AI integration. Claim CME for this episode Access TMA AI Resources

Welcome to the TMA Practice Well podcast, where we explore the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. In this episode, our host Shannon Vogel, TMA's Associate Vice President for Health Information Technology, dives into the world of AI and its impact on medical practices with our guest, Rehan Ahmed, MD. Dr. Ahmed, an experienced ophthalmologist and AI enthusiast, shares his journey into AI from programming as a high schooler to integrating cutting-edge technology in eye care. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of AI as an assistant, agent, and superpower in enhancing clinical decision-making and reducing administrative burdens. Explore practical tips for implementing AI in both small independent practices and larger settings, addressing concerns physicians may have and demonstrating potential benefits, like improved patient interaction and saving time on routine tasks. Whether you're a tech-savvy practitioner or new to AI, this insightful conversation highlights the transformative potential of integrating AI into healthcare. Claim CME for this episode Access TMA AI Resources

In this educative episode of TMA's Practice Well Podcast, Cara Benson and Alexis Harvey from TMA's Physician Payment Resource Center look into the strategies essential for optimizing practice revenue in 2025. Discover actionable insights on implementing regular staff training, staying updated with the latest billing codes and policies, and effectively managing claim denials. The discussion provides essential resources and best practices for enhancing the financial health of your practice, emphasizing the importance of physician involvement in billing operations. With a focus on improved communication with patients and utilizing technology, this episode equips medical professionals with the knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape efficiently. Contact TMA Physician Payment Resource Center today to take advantage if this free member benefit! Physician Payment Resource Center  Billing and Coding Hotline 512-370-1414 Webinars and more billing and coding help in the TMA Education Center

Welcome to this episode of the TMA Practice Well podcast, hosted by Cheryl Krhovjak, Director of the TMA Education Center. In this insightful discussion, we are joined by Robert Bennett, TMA Vice President of Medical Economics, to delve into the significant impact of Medicare 2025 physician fee schedule. With over 65 million beneficiaries, Medicare is a key player in health care, and its spending is projected to surge in the coming years. Robert highlights the recent updates in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, including anticipated reductions in conversion factors unless Congress intervenes. This episode underscores the challenges faced by health care practices due to administrative burdens and payment cuts, which threaten patient access to physicians. The episode also discusses legislative efforts such as the Medicare Payment Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024 and the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Provider Act, aimed at stabilizing physician payments and ensuring fair inflationary updates. Listeners are encouraged to advocate for these changes to protect their practice and patients. Additionally, discover the resources offered by the Texas Medical Association, including the Physician Payment Resource Center, to assist Texas physicians in navigating billing, coding, and payment challenges. Tune in for actionable insights and tips to help your practice thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape. Medicare Payment Reform Center Medicare Patient Outreach Flyer Physician Payment Resource Center (PPRC) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Ondemand Webinar 

The Texas-Mexico border region faces unique health care challenges. Many people have diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health conditions, and they often lack health insurance – 42% of adults have no health coverage. At the recently held TMA Border Health Conference, physicians, other health care stakeholders, and government policymakers gathered to discuss how to strengthen border health care. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person's medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

Discover the critical differences between medical claim denial management and  prevention programs, and learn how to set up effective processes to reduce and manage claim denials. Guest expert, Sabrina Skeldon, shares valuable insights on the financial impact of claim denials, the importance of clean claim ratios, and practical strategies for improving front desk, coding, and billing staff performance. Join us as we explore the true cost of reworking claims, the benefits of regular billing audits, and the overall advantage of adopting a denial prevention program. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you streamline your practice's revenue cycle and enhance financial viability. For more resources and on-demand education, check out the  TMA Education Center at www.texmed.org/education. Stay tuned for more episodes from TMA Practice Well. Until next time, stay well!

For more than two decades, the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County has played an important role in ensuring uninsured and under insured families get necessary vaccinations, especially before kids head to school. Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance members participate en masse to make the vaccination clinics a success by greeting patients and providing information on the vaccines available. In this episode of TMA Health Beat, volunteers explain how the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County got its start and what motivates them to spend their time at vaccination events. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person's medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.

The number of people aged 65 and older in Texas will more than triple by 2050. As this population grows, Deborah Freeland, MD, a Dallas geriatrician, and Guadalupe  Zamora, MD, a family physician in Austin, weigh in on the specialized heath care needs of older patients and how the medical community can give them the care they need. NOTICE: This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal or medical advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. This podcast does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person's medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information may connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. This podcast is also not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases.  

As the summer temperatures rise and the heat index surges, many Texans suffer from heat-related illnesses. Hilary Fairbrother, MD, an emergency medicine physician and chair of the Texas Medical Association's Committee on Emergency Medical Services and Trauma, says she sees many patients suffering from heat exhaustion and the more dangerous heat stroke. In this TMA Health Beat Podcast, she says, staying hydrated is the best way to stay safe in the heat and she describes some of her most typical heat illness patients.

In this episode of the TMA Practice Well podcast, recorded live at TexMed 2024, Dr. Toi Harris moderates an insightful panel discussion on fostering relationships for improved physician well-being. Joined by esteemed panelists Joshua Baker, Dr. Lane Aiena, and Dr. Cheryl Hurd, the conversation delves into the significance of both professional and personal relationships in enhancing health and happiness. Discover strategies for maintaining meaningful connections despite the challenges of a demanding medical career. Learn from real-life experiences shared by the panelists, including the vital role of mentorship and the impact of strong personal bonds. The episode also explores the importance of empathy, active listening, and effective communication in supporting colleagues through difficult times. Audience questions and reflections further enrich the discussion, providing practical tips for integrating well-being into everyday practice. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable advice to foster relationships that contribute to your overall well-being. Claim your CME credits for this episode by following the link in the description.

Welcome to TMA's Practice Well podcast, where we help you improve the health of all Texans. In this episode, we cover the latest updates and essential news for Texas physicians. Scroll down to get links referenced in this episode. Firstly, we discuss a crucial payer update: Cigna will start denying claims without Z-code documentation from July 14th. Learn how this change might impact your practice and what you need to do to comply. Next, we highlight Aetna's decision to pay Medicare Advantage G-2211 claims. Discover how this new policy can benefit your practice and ensure you are up-to-date with Medicare's latest coding requirements. We also introduce TMA's new Leadership Development Program, designed to support physicians at every career stage. This 18-month self-paced program offers in-person and on-demand courses to help you become a leader in organized medicine, practice management, or advocacy. Finally, we celebrate the installation of Dr. Ray Callas as the 159th President of TMA. Dr. Callas shares his journey and vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of physician advocacy and leadership. For more details on these stories, check the episode description. Remember to like and follow TMA Practice Well to receive every episode. Until next time, stay well! Physician Payment Resource Center Cigna to Deny Claims Without Z-Code Documentation Aetna Set to Pay Medicare Advantage G2211 Claims Lifelong Leadership: TMA Debuts Development Program for Physicians at Every Career Stage Straight Shooter: Incoming TMA President Ray Callas, MD, Aims for Practice Protections, Membership Gains  

Delve into the complexities, challenges, and joys of a fulfilling medical career with Dr. Rajani Katta in this insightful podcast episode. As an experienced dermatologist and mentor, Dr. Katta brings a unique perspective to maintaining career health in the medical field.  Dr. Katta emphasizes the importance of annual career check-ups and the ongoing self-evaluation of one's professional growth and fulfillment. She explores the pressing issue of burnout among physicians while also introducing the 'Doctor Thinking' approach to career wellness and discusses the concept of effort to benefit ratio. Special emphasis is laid on personal modifications and strategic planning to enhance efficiency and productivity - experiences from her dermatology practice serve as real-world examples. The episode provides a critical examination of career dynamics in the medical field against the intricacies and pressures that come with the profession. Rich viewpoints on career longevity, task meaningfulness, and work-life balance lay the foundation for preventing physician burnout. The importance of cultivating positive relationships and maintaining adequate energy levels is also underlined, drawing references from the renowned Harvard Happiness Study. From dealing with rudeness at work to managing emotional exhaustion, Dr. Katta thoroughly reviews and addresses the issues physicians face in their career journey. The episode closes with a deep dive into the topic of physician burnout. Dr. Katta introduces the NASA Physician Task Load, a useful tool to structure how demanding a medical professional's workday is. She emphasizes the importance of doctors' self-care and the essential role of social support and strong relationships for mental well-being. This captivating episode not only offers a wealth of wisdom for medical professionals but serves as an important reminder of the necessity of maintaining mental health in demanding professions. Claim CME for this episode at the www.texmed.org/education. 

In an engaging episode of the TMA Practice Well podcast, we sample CME from TMA's premiere conference TexMed. Guest speakers provide insightful discussion on essential aspects of maintaining a productive relationship with the Texas Medical Board, particularly important in light of telemedicine's post-pandemic boom. Dr. Mary Maness speaks on the growing issue of vaccine hesitancy. Then Dr. Mehta offers practical tips on using intense, non-judgmental awareness to foster physical health and psychological resilience. The compilation concludes with Dr. Kata, a successful mentor, offering advice on managing task load and burnout risks, emphasizing the importance of periodic career health evaluations to maintain a thriving work life. Registration today for TexMed 2024 and visit the TMA Education Center to find the full programs from this episode. 

The allergy season can be tough for many Texans who struggle with cough, runny nose and itchy eyes. Louise Bethea, MD, allergist and immunologist from The Woodlands, talks about the allergens that affect Texans the most, allergy induced asthma and the difference between allergies, and respiratory illnesses. 

In Case You Missed It… In this episode of TMA's Practice Well Podcast, we cover several interesting and valuable topics aimed to help physicians across Texas thrive. We begin with a story on the significant reduction of administrative strain using virtual scribes in medical practice. We delve into how these scribes streamline notetaking and paperwork processes within Electronic Health Records (EHR), leading to improved time management and overall physicians' satisfaction. Next, get the details on a notable decrease in the Medicare Physician Pay cut, achieved through high-pressure advocacy by TMA and others in organized medicine, brought some relief to physicians and their practice wellbeing. However, we emphasize the concerted efforts towards additional reform, as lack of suitable Medicare physician payments threatens physicians' practice viability and patient care access. Lastly, we highlight the recent flexibilities announced by CMS due to a cyber-attack on Change Healthcare, which disrupted many practices' operations. We present various ways this is being addressed, from request acceleration of Medicare payments to alternative methods for submitting claims. This section serves to provide crucial advice during such disruptions and aid in navigating through them.   The episode wraps up with a reminder of the wealth of free resources provided for TMA members. Stay tuned to Practice Well for more valuable insights. Until next time, stay well. Resource Links Virtual Scribes Enhanced Relationships Between Patients and Physicians   Congress Mitigates 2024 Medicare Physician Pay Cut Change Healthcare Cyberattack Resources 

TMA's new podcast called TMA Health Beat will focus on public health issues and outreach programs organized by TMA. In the first episode, Marinel Munda, MD, a pediatrician from Tyler, Texas, talks about Walk with a Doc – a free program organized by physicians to encourage their patients to exercise. Dr. Munda explains why walking is important for a healthy lifestyle and how the program helps her give back to her community.

The Texas Medical Board clarifies new fingerprinting requirement ahead of February license renewals. Get instructions and details at the TMB website. Read the TMT article at www.texmed.org/TMT.

Guest Jeff Drummond, partner at Jackson Walker LLP in Dallas noted for his experience in advising on Texas privacy laws and HIPAA and cyber security concerns, answers frequent questions about HIPAA and Texas privacy laws. Get more help on this topic at the TMA Education Center.

We wish you the happiest of holidays! We'll be back in January with new episodes.

The final 2024 Medicare fee schedule solidifies pay cuts and heightens calls for reform. Robert Bennet, VP of TMA's medical economics division, provides tips you can use today with your patients to fight the ongoing crisis surrounding the Sustainable Growth Rate formula. Get the ondemand Medicare 2024 Payment Update webinar to learn other key changes starting January 1, 2024. Use the links below to inform your patients and yourself on this call to action. TMA Medicare Toolkit Physician Office Materials: Flyers and Slate Card for Your Practice TMA Medicare Toolkit Social Medicare Graphics TMA Legislative Action Alerts H.R.2474 - Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act

TMA's Ask the Expert series answers physicians' questions on a wide range of practice management and regulatory topics. In this episode, staff experts will take on questions about medical records, which justify billing practices and are integral to risk assessment. To claim CME for this episode and access links to the resources discussed, go to www.texmed.org/CMEtoGo. Find more Ask the Experts topics.

During the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in the volume of complaints filed with the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and investigation notices issued by the board. Now, the board has begun to churn out more complaint notices. Listen to this episode to get quick tips to help you steer clear of TMB notices. Looking for more on this topic? Play the entire ondemand webinar in the TMA Education Center. 

A new survey of Texas residents sheds some light on how patients are influenced by vaccines. Recorded at TexMed 2023, Dr. Mary Manis shares some of the survey findings and offers tips to improve vaccination rates in Texas. Visit the program page at the TMA Education Center to claim CME and to access resources for this episode.

Dr. Andre Chen, a Board Certified Addiction Medicine specialist in practice at Advanced Pain Care in Austin, TX provides guidance on opioid stewardship and substance use disorders. This program is eligible to count towards: (i) the eight hours of training on treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders required for all U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-registered practitioners, and (ii) the two hours of CME in the study of pain management and the prescribing and monitoring of controlled substances required by the Texas Medical Board. Participation in this program in no way implies that the participant has fully met the federal and state mandated training requirements. Participation in this program in no way implies the participant has fully met the federally and state-mandated training requirements. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring any mandated training requirements are completed. Claim CME for this episode or go to www.texmed.org/education for more CME programs.

The weight of the physician's words can be monumental, driving medical decision-making by the patient and other decision-makers. An internal medicine physician and board-certified palliative medicine specialist, Dr. Rezaie shares some of her experiences with terminal patients and their families, and discusses techniques that can help frame and navigate difficult discussions. Claim CME for this episode or go to www.texmed.org/education for more CME programs.

TMA coding expert and guest provide some quick tips to improve documentation and avoid claim denials. Looking for more help? Get billing and coding help from TMA at www.texmed.org/billingandcoding. You can find billing and coding CME programs at www.texmed.org/education FREE for TMA members. Contact Sabrina Skeldon at physicianpracticeguidance.net.

No matter where you are in your career, you have strategies and options that will help you achieve your financial and retirement goals. Expert financial advisors provide tips on what to look for when selecting a financial professional and key considerations at many of the stages for growing your personal wealth. For more help on this topic visit the TMA Education Center and to speak directly with today's experts contact Dale and Kelly Cooper at  U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC.

Make the most of the slower pace of summer and catch up on CME -  FREE for TMA members and their staff! You can download a pdf publication, watch a webinar, or listen to a CME to Go episode all from www.texmed.org/education. We'll be back in two weeks with new episodes, until then stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay well.

A new rule, effective in 2023, expands CMS' audit scope regarding Medicare Advantage plans. Experts discuss how this change will increase the frequency of audits as well as potential plan and provider liability. Get billing and coding help from TMA at www.texmed.org/billingandcoding. Contact Sabrina Skeldon at physicianpracticeguidance.net. Find billing and coding CME programs at www.texmed.org/education FREE for TMA members

TMA invites you, your patients, your practice, and public institutions across Texas to travel through medical history. Grab your bag, your doctor's bag that is, and join the history of medicine committee medical student representative Arianne Felcititas and staff Audrey Griffin as they journey through time and the iconic doctor's bag. Learn more about current exhibits and how to bring free traveling banner displays to your area at TMA's History of Medicine webpage. 

My AR is out of control, what can I do? Is a common question TMA practice consultant are often asked. it can be hard to find ways to optimize your revenue, TMA's expert staff offer practical tips you can use to minimize operations that chip away from your practice revenue. Claim CME for this episode and get the links to resources discussed at www.texmed.org/education. Find more Ask the Experts topics.

The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency kicked off a series of changes to telehealth coverage and billing as physicians have known them for the past several years. TMA experts answer member questions to help guide physicians and their practices through this transition. Claim CME for this episode and get the links to resources discussed at www.texmed.org/education. Find more Ask the Experts topics.

TexMed is TMA's annual meeting where physicians can attend CME talks across various specialties, all geared toward educating and empowering the physicians of Texas. Register and plan to attend TexMed here. To access the full CME programs from this episode, click here.

Amphetamines are riding the wave of the opiate epidemic and creating new challenges for physicians. This taste of TexMed provides a sample of Dr. Helene M. Alphonso's CME presentation - Amphetamines, the Next Epidemic: What History Has Not Taught Us. To get the full program and see other offerings from past TexMed conferences click here. TexMed, TMA's premier annual conference, is held every spring and this year is in Fort Worth. Come join us at TexMed 2023 May 19-20, register now.

After more than three years and 11 extensions, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will expire May 11. TMA experts answer member questions about how their practice will be affected by the end of the PHE. Claim CME for this episode and get the links to resources discussed at www.texmed.org/education. Click here to find more Ask the Experts topics.

The tobacco industry has manipulated consumers for decades, and your most susceptible patients are prime targets. Dr. Lindy McGee, advocate and champion against the rise of e-cigarette use, provides an in-depth look at how vaping became so prevalent amongst teens and young adults and discuss what physicians can do to help patients avoid and overcome nicotine addiction. Claim CME for this episode and get the links to resources discussed at www.texmed.org/education.

Make sure you get paid correctly and on time in 2023! TMA's Reimbursement Services staff have put together a list of practical actions you can take at the to keep your billing and collections on track throughout the year. If you have questions about billing and coding or payer policies, email reimbursementservices@texmed.org or call (800) 880-1414, or call the TMA Knowledge Center at (800) 880-7955.  For in-depth help with billing and collections improvement, consider a Revenue Cycle Assessment from TMA Practice Consulting; ask for more information at (800) 523-8776, or email practice.consulting@texmed.org. Also, visit the TMA Education Center for courses about collection techniques, and to obtain a copy of TMA's Policies and Procedures: A Guide for Medical Offices. 

In this CME to Go episode, experts continue the discussion on common challenges physicians regularly encounter in managing staff. To claim CME for this episode, visit texmed.org/CMEtoGO, and to get all of the Hot Topics episodes with Amanda Hill here. To receive a summary and tips for this episode, contact Amanda Hill via hillhealthlaw.com.

Providing healthcare involves very personal interactions and as such require not only excellent technical knowledge and skills, but excellent people skills as well. TMA consultant Teri Deabler is continually amazed at how little physicians know about what's happening over their phones, at their front desk and in their billing departments. The total patient experience influences how your patients perceive their care and can affect their confidence in the physician. Here are some tips Teri shares for improving customer service in your practice today. Get more training on customer service at TMA Education Center.

Of all the expenses your practice incurs, few are as significant — and perhaps avoidable — as unhappy, unproductive employees and employment law issues.  In this CME to Go episode experts discuss challenges physicians regularly encounter in managing staff.  To claim CME for this episode, visit texmed.org/CMEtoGO, and to receive a summary and tips, contact Amanda Hill via hillhealthlaw.com.

We'll be back in January with new episodes. Have a healthy, safe, and happy holiday! Check out all of TMA's programs at www.texmed.org/education. 

The 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which takes effect Jan. 1, and brings with it a mixed bag of consequences for physicians. TMA experts answer physician member questions about the coming changes. Claim CME for this episode and get the links to resources discussed at www.texmed.org/education.

TMA Practice Well podcast gives thanks to all our wonderful listeners and physician members. Thank you for all you do and your dedication to making healthier Texans. We'll be back next week with a new hot topics episode. Until next time, stay well.

In this Taste of TexMed Michael Sprintz, DO, board certified in addiction medicine, discuss delves into the “pain patient” and addiction. To get the full program, learn how to recognize substance-use disorders in pain patients and the basics of safe management for the patient and your practice, and claim CME play the ondemand webinar Addiction in Chronic Pain Patients: How to Know and What to Do in the TMA Education Center.

Recorded at TexMed 2022, Speaker Kim Becking discusses your ability through your actions and your attitude to lead right from where you are, regardless of your title, role, or position. To get the complete course and earn CME credit, go to www.texmed.org/education and select the ondemand webinar: Lead from Where You Are.

TMA practice management and technology experts discuss practices expenses and operational cost management ranging from staffing and technology to medical and drug supplies.  To claim CME for this episode, visit texmed.org/CMEtoGO and find all the Ask the Expert episodes here.

A popular presentation at TexMed, TMA's annual conference, delves in to physician burnout and tips to build your resilience. Enjoy this snippet from the conference. To get the full program and earn CME credit go to www.texmed.org/education and select the Wellness Tips on How to Enjoy Practice Again ondemand webinar.

Childhood exposure to lead may be more common than you think. Yet Texas falls behind when it comes to testing and reporting blood lead levels in children under age 15. Could more of your patients than you realize suffer from lead poisoning?  Listen to this expert panel discuss the why, what, and how of blood lead-level testing and reporting to learn what you can do to protect and educate your patients. To access resources discussed and to claim CME for this episode, visit texmed.org/CMEtoGo.