Headlines

New Prescription Safety Course Now Available

Matt Ames (CMS) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:19:47 GMT

Online course now available. Register now to learn how to identify doctor shoppers, scams, and problem patients and classify if these situations are malicious or episodic while

Comments Needed on CON Standards and Criteria for Lithotripsy

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:22:24 GMT

Physician comments are requested on CON standards and criteria for Lithotripsy.

TMA Seeks Applicants for State Positions

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:11:59 GMT

The TMA is seeking applicants for several state-level positions, including interim state medical examiner.

TMA President Editorial in The Tennessean

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:30:16 GMT

TMA President Dr. Ruffner's editorial on the new medical loss ratio for insurance companies appears in The Tennessean today.

TMA Board Ponders Health Reform Realities, Possible CME Increase

Matt Ames (CMS) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:45:27 GMT

The TMA Board of Trustees (BOT) heard updates on new health system reform laws and a proposal to raise required CME for Tennessee physicians. (member login required)

TMA Successes Mount in HRI Lawsuit

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:13:50 GMT

The TMA has scored another win in its ongoing legal case against Health Research Insights, Inc. (HRI), arising out of a challenged “recovery audit.”

Six-Month Delay But No Permanent Fix for Medicare-SGR

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:58:53 GMT

The U.S. House approved a Senate-passed bill Thursday night, in effect delaying a 21.3-percent Medicare physician payment cut for six months and raising the payment rate by 2.2 percent through November 30.

AMA Supports HR 3200

Matt Ames (CMS) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:18:42 GMT

AMA Supports HR 3200AMA StaffJul 20, 2009AMA News ReleaseThe American Medical Association sent a letter to House leaders supporting H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.” “This legislation includes a broad range of provisions that are key to

2009 TMA Elections: Looking for Leaders

Jenny White (CMS) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:25:00 GMT

Sep 19, 2008 TMA Staff

The TMA is gearing up for 2009 leadership elections and is seeking qualified physicians who are willing and able to serve in various organizational leadership roles. Just let your county medical society officer or TMA Board of Trustees representative know of your interest.

Private Insurer Payment Policies Affected by Medicare Cut

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:32:17 GMT

The current 21.2-percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursement is affecting private health insurance payments to physicians as well.

New Benefit Makes the Most of Ingenix Settlement

Matt Ames (CMS) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:37:44 GMT

The TMA has contracted with Managed Care Advisory Group, LLC (MCAG), to offer members discounted assistance in obtaining their share of a lawsuit settlement against United HealthCare and Ingenix.

MLR Survey: Docs See Improvement, Still Protect Themselves

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:32:20 GMT

Doctors say Tennessee’s medical liability climate has improved since passage of a major MLR law in 2008, but “defensive medicine” costs and physician shortages are big problems.

Patient Privacy Policy Template Developed for TMA Members

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:20:30 GMT

The TMA has crafted a template policy for member medical practices to adapt to the needs of their practices to be in compliance with the Colby Stansberry Act of 2010.

FTC Postpones “Red Flag” Identity Theft Deadline until Dec. 31

Angela Layton (CMS) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:19:31 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced it will delay enforcement of the Red Flags identity theft rule until Dec. 31, 2010.

TMA Tackles Patient Safety, Disaster Preparedness at 174th Annual Meeting(2)

Randall Kaufman (CMS) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:53:39 GMT

The Tennessee Medical Association took policy action on a number of public health and patient safety concerns during its 174th Annual Meeting in Nashville on April 3-4.

Ramsey Calls to Strengthen TennCare Fraud Investigation

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:29:34 GMT

A Republican hopeful for governor says he wants to strengthen Tennessee’s ability to investigate fraud against its Medicaid waiver program.

Interview with TMA President-Elect Dr. Minch on YouTube

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:27:30 GMT

TMA President-elect Dr. Michael Minch interview available now on the TMA's YouTube channel.

TMA Can Save Members 25% or More on Your Workers’ Comp

Matt Ames (CMS) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:24:35 GMT

TMA members can save money on annual workers’ compensation plan premiums through new offering from our TMA Association Insurance Agency. The TMA Workers’ Compensation Program that includes a Group Dividend Plan as part of the agency’s Tennessee Professional Services

Red Flag Rules Implementation Delayed to 11/1/09

Rebecca Morrissey (CMS) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:54:53 GMT

Red Flag Rules Implementation DelayedTMA StaffJuly 29, 2009News Source FTC Announces Expanded Business Education Campaign on 'Red Flags' Rule To assist small businesses and other entities, the Federal Trade Commission staff will redouble its efforts to educate them about compliance

AMA Cecil Wilson comments on HR 3200

Matt Ames (CMS) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:00:40 GMT

TMA Staff | July 24, 2009 | Hear directly from AMA president elect Cecil Wilson, MD, about AMA's position on health system reform and its support for HR 3200.

Medicare Expands Coverage for PET Scans

Matt Ames (CMS) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:28:58 GMT

CMS News | Apr 21, 2009 | Medicare has issued a final national coverage policy on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans used in diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cancer. Previously, coverage of PET scans for diagnosing cancer

Medical Experts Needed: Oncology, Nephrology

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:17:26 GMT

The TMA is asking members to recommend medical experts from Tennessee’s contiguous states, as part of a project to try and reduce the costs of medical malpractice cases.

TMAA Members Chosen for AMAA Offices

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:38:14 GMT

Mar 30, 2009 TMAA News Release

The TMA Alliance (TMAA) is proud to announce that two members have been asked to serve in national capacity for the American Medical Association Alliance (AMAA). The AMAA Nominating Committee has asked former TMAA President Jo Terry of Knoxville to serve a second year as director and former TMAA President Sue Vegors of Jackson to serve as director.

Results In for 2009 TMA Leadership Elections

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:37:29 GMT

Mar 12, 2009 TMA Staff

The results are in for TMA Leadership Elections, with B.W. Ruffner, MD, of Chattanooga emerging as president-elect for 2009-2010. Elections were held from February 1-28; some 870 members voted in this year’s contest, casting ballots online at Medwire.org or via fax or mail. For the first time, online ballots outnumbered paper ballots, 609-265.

TMA BOT Looks to the Future of Association, State, Health Care

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:36:53 GMT

Feb 13, 2009 TMA Staff

he TMA Board of Trustees dedicated much of its time at its January meeting to evaluating a host of challenges and opportunities ahead for the TMA and medicine in Tennessee as a whole –from its ongoing strategic planning efforts, to the State’s budget crisis, to the future of physician training programs in Tennessee.

TMA TennCare Survey: Pay Cuts Would Cause Significant Disruption in Care

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:35:51 GMT

Feb 2, 2009 TMA Staff

Nearly half of physicians surveyed by the TMA would end their participation or “strongly consider” ending their participation in one or both TennCare MCOs if reimbursement cuts are enacted to ease the state’s budget crisis. Another 31 percent said they would reduce the number of TennCare patients they are seeing.

Candidates Nominated for 2009 TMA Elections

bok bok — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:33:18 GMT

Dec 23, 2008 TMA Staff

The following candidates have been nominated for TMA leadership positions in 2009. The Statewide Nominating Committee will meet in January to finalize candidates for elections that will begin on February 1. All election materials, including ballots, are available online at www.medwire.org/elections.

TMA Leadership Elections: What Members Should Know

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:22:45 GMT

Nov 3, 2008 TMA Staff

For the first time, the TMA is making all election-related materials available on its Web site, including online submission of required forms for Regional and Statewide Nominating Committees and candidates. Your TMA Election resource center is located at www.medwire.org/elections. Further questions can be submitted online or directed to the TMA at 800-659-1862.

Ins. Rating, Legislation, Strategic Planning Top TMA Board Meeting

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:22:01 GMT

Oct 16, 2008 TMA Staff

The TMA Board of Trustees (BOT) took a hard-line position on the rating of physicians by health insurance companies at its October quarterly meeting in Nashville. The TMA Board voted unanimously that “it is morally wrong and unethical for insurance companies to publish information about physicians that they know is incomplete or inaccurate.”

CoverTN doubles physician visit allowance for '09

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:21:24 GMT

Sep 30, 2008 State Release

No Premium Rate Increase In 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that there will be no rate increase in CoverTN premiums in 2009 and the number of primary care physician visits will be doubled.

TMA Appoints New Director of Insurance Affairs

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:20:40 GMT

Sep 19, 2008 TMA News Release

The TMA has named Phyllis Franklin as its new director of Insurance Affairs. “This is a new position for the TMA and is in response to our ever-increasing need to monitor, improve relations with and interpret the complexities of Tennessee’s health insurance market. We are most fortunate to have the best candidate presently on our staff,” said Don Alexander, TMA chief executive officer.

Tight Budget Hits TennCare Providers, Patients

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:19:27 GMT

Jun 3, 2008 TMA Staff

The TennCare Bureau has announced the upcoming fiscal year budget for 2008-2009 will not include any reimbursement increases for providers participating in the new MCOs in the East and West regions.

That from B.W. Ruffner, MD, chair of the TMA Insurance Issues Committee’s TennCare Subcommittee, and TMA General Counsel Yarnell Beatty, who met with senior TennCare officials in a conference call on June 2.

TMA Acts on Quality, Doctor Shortage, Uninsured at 173rd Annual Meet

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:13:39 GMT

Apr 24, 2008 TMA Staff

The Tennessee Medical Association House of Delegates (HOD) took action on a number of healthcare quality, public health, and insurance-related issues during the TMA’s 173^rd Annual Meeting in Nashville on April 19.

TMA Installs Dr. Kirkpatrick as New President

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:58:06 GMT

Apr 21, 2008 TMA Staff

Robert D. Kirkpatrick, MD, a family medicine/occupational medicine specialist from Memphis, was installed as the 154th president of the Tennessee Medical Association during the annual TMA House of Delegates meeting on Saturday, April 20, in Nashville. Dr. Kirkpatrick was elected by popular vote by the members of the organization.

TMA Announces New Member Benefits for Compliance, Cost Savings

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:57:18 GMT

Mar 13, 2008 TMA Staff

TMA is proud to announce the following new member benefits to help your practice with compliance and huge cost savings. The TMA is partnering with The REMI Group, an equipment maintenance management specialist, to save members up to 22 percent on service and repair of their medical and office equipment, while eliminating the hassle on equipment contracts and keeping track of equipment records and history.

TMA Member Service Targets Med School Debt

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:55:53 GMT

TMA members with outstanding student loan debt need to be aware of regulatory and market changes effective July 1 that will affect the management of their outstanding debt.

Results In for 2009 TMA Leadership Elections(2)

Jenny White (CMS) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:53:43 GMT

The results are in for TMA Leadership Elections, with B.W. Ruffner, MD, of Chattanooga emerging as president-elect for 2009-2010.

TMA Takes Governor to Task on Comments

Brenda Williams (CMS) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:59:18 GMT

TMA responds to Governor Phil Bredesen's negative comments about physicians.

Health Reform Dialogue Group Reaches Consensus

Russell Miller (CMS) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:35:58 GMT

Health Reform Dialogue Group Reaches ConsensusAMA NewsApr 1 2009 A health reform dialogue group that includes the AMA has reached a consensus on some steps to take to expand health care coverage in the U.S. For the past six months, the

TMA Matrix Shows When to Use Tamper Resistant RX Paper

Rebecca Morrissey (CMS) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:09:38 GMT

The TMA has developed a matrix to help members determine when to use tamper resistant prescription paper.

TMA Op-Ed on Health Reform Featured in Tennessean

Matt Ames (CMS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:33:21 GMT

An editorial on health care reform by TMA Board of Trustees Vice-Chairman Charles Eckstein, MD, of Nashville, was featured in the April 12 edition of The Tennessean.

2008 TMGMA TMA Salary Survey Now Available

Matt Ames (CMS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:29:49 GMT

The TMGMA/TMA salary survey has been an exceptional tool for managers to use in preparing budgets and managing staff. Conducted in May, the survey compiles data from 162 physician practices from across Tennessee. The data includes not only compensation changes and regional breakdowns and comparisons, but information on employee benefits, extra compensation, ratio of support staff, demographics and other pertinent information that will enable physicians to rate their own practice’s salary status.

BOT Addresses Rating Tiering, Futures, Medicare SGR

Matt Ames (CMS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:28:45 GMT

Physician rating and tiering initiatives topped the list of key issues for the TMA Board of Trustees during its quarterly meeting on July 11-13, along with the future of the TMA and the ongoing Medicare/SGR battle in Congress.

TMA Offers 29th Annual Insurance Workshops

Matt Ames (CMS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:19:58 GMT

The TMA will present its 29th Annual Insurance Workshops across the state throughout September and early October.

TMA Member Alert: New Laws Impacting Physicians

Matt Ames (CMS) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:58:43 GMT

TMA Member Alert New Laws Impacting PhysiciansTMA Government Affairs Jul 1, 2009The following bills passed by the 2009 General Assembly may be of special interest to physicians since they may require action or reporting. Others are for information only. A

TMA Legislative Video Conference

Angela Layton (CMS) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:30 GMT

TMA and its Committee on Legislation invite you to help develop our 2010 Legislative Package.

TMA Tackles Patient Safety, Disaster Preparedness at 174th Annual Meeting

bok bok — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:14:14 GMT

Apr 7, 2009 TMA Staff

The Tennessee Medical Association took policy action on a number of public health and patient safety concerns during its 174th Annual Meeting in Nashville on April 3-4. The group also installed new officers and hosted the launch of the LEAPS (Law Enforcement and Prescriber Summit) statewide conference series.

TMA Bestows Annual Awards at 174th Annual Meeting

bok bok — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:07:03 GMT

Apr 9, 2009 TMA Staff

The Tennessee Medical Association honored seven deserving individuals and two organizations at its 174^th Annual Meeting in Nashville on April 4.