TMA Practice Well

Quick Tip: Mastering Billing Challenges for 2025

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

Quick Tip: Navigating Medicare 2025 Challenges

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 

TMA Health Beat: Strengthening Border Health Care

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.

Dodge the Denial: Increase Claims Approval

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!

TMA Health Beat: Vaccination Clinics in Tarrant County

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.

TMA Health Beat: Caring for Older Patients

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.
 

TMA Health Beat: Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

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.

Building Relationships to Support Physician Well-Being

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.

In Case You Missed It: Top Stories and Leadership Insights for Texas Physicians

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
 

Annual Checkup: Is Your Career on Track?

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.