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TMA to Congress: Tie Medicare Physician Payment to
Inflation
As part of a broader push for
Medicare payment reform, the Texas Medical Association, along with
the American Medical Association and 133 national specialty
and state medical associations, recently called on Congress to
index Medicare physician payments to inflation. "Congress has
a real opportunity to relieve the financial strain on Medicare
beneficiaries," they wrote in a March 15 letter to House and
Senate leaders. "We urge you to answer that call." Read more
Increased Use of
Telehealth Services and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder During
the COVID-19 Pandemic Associated with Reduced Risk for Fatal
Overdose
The expanded availability of
opioid use disorder-related telehealth services and medications
during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lowered
likelihood of fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries,
according to a new study. Read more
FDA Announces
Recall of Two More Eye Drop Brands
The recall is the second to
come in recent months for eye drops. Earlier this year, Global
Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled all lots within expiry of
their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops due to possible
contamination. The FDA announced the recall after the drops were
linked to 55 reports of adverse events, including eye infections,
permanent loss of vision and one death with a bloodstream
infection. Read more
Opioid Crisis:
Illegally Manufactured Fentanyl Facts and Resources
Although prescription opioid
prescribing in Texas has decreased every year for the last 10
years, overdose deaths due to illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF)
continues to increase dramatically every year. Easing stringent
regulations on pain management clinics, broadening access to
medications for opioid use disorder, and expanding education,
prevention, data collection, and funding to target fentanyl
overdoses can help reverse this troubling trend. Read more
"Want to
Save Money in Your Practice?" Let TMA Know How
As part of the Ad Hoc
Committee on Independent Physician Practice's study of discount vendor
programs, TMA is exploring group purchasing organizations to
potentially help your practice save money on business expenses,
from medical supplies to office furniture. We'd like to hear from
you about which products would be most helpful to receive discounts
on. Let us know by taking this survey.
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