Medina Valley Family Practice

05/15/2025

With Texas Tech Health El Paso – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 4 months in a row. 🎉

02/25/2025

While Medicare payments to hospitals have increased 60% from 2001 to 2024, payments to physicians over that same period have decreased by nearly 30% when adjusted for inflation, the letter continues. Noting cuts are occurring “in times of high inflation, with higher labor and overhead costs,” the letter characterized the Medicare fee schedule as an “underinvestment in physician services” that is contributing to widespread physician burnout – 60% of doctors per a recent Physicians Foundation survey – and jeopardizing independent physician practices.

“More than half of physicians who left independent practice to become employees of corporate-owned systems said declining reimbursement was a driving factor in their decision,” according to a PAI study by NORC at the University of Chicago

After an AARP Bulletin article connected the current physician shortage to a wider health care crisis, TMA joined the Physicians Advocacy Institute to co-author a response focusing on the role that Medicare payment cuts play.

10/25/2024

Castorville, TX— Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Mary S. Nguyen, MD, FAAFP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for Providing Compassionate Family Medicine with a Focus on Cannabis and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

10/03/2024

Despite evidence showing the benefits of primary care, the specialty receives only a small fraction of total health care expenditures. This National Family Medicine Week, join us in advocating for increased investment in primary care to ensure all Texans have access to high-quality health services.

10/01/2024

Did you know? States with more primary care physicians have better health outcomes; lower rates for mortality from heart disease, cancer, or stroke; and lower infant mortality and healthier birth weights. Primary care is valuable for all Texans – now is the time to advocate for the investment it deserves!

08/12/2024

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-us-largest-summer-wave-cdc-high-transmission-rcna165765

A rise in Covid infections began in early June, and wastewater data from the CDC shows levels are still rising.

07/20/2024

This is why I love family medicine.

This September will mark a significant milestone in Dr. Emily Briggs’ career as a family physician — serving the New Braunfels community for 15 years.

07/11/2024

Another payment cut for medicine. Very distressing news. Imagine if your boss told you that you would be getting a 2.8% reduction in your pay.

It’s financial bad news, but there is renewed attention on primary care, according to physician groups.

06/11/2024

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/06/10/planetary-diet-lower-mortality/

The planetary health diet, which encourages people to eat more plants and fewer processed foods, lowers the risk of early death, new research shows.

01/22/2024

If you are wondering why you can't find a doctor or having a difficult time seeing your doctor, here is one reason. With inflation increasing the cost of everything, congress is continuing to reduce payments to physicians. Last year congress gave doctors a 2% reduction in payment and now they are reducing payment.

Congress’ Failure to Stop Medicare Payment Cut Frustrates, Threatens Texas Physicians, Patients

"Congress failed patients and the physicians who care for them" when it failed to stop a 3.37% Medicare physician payment cut in the measure that averted the latest government shutdown on Jan. 19. So says TMA President Rick Snyder, MD, in reaction to the "extremely disappointing"...

11/08/2023

08/22/2023

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/08/21/long-covid-lingering-effects-two-years-later/

The report finds a heightened risk for lung problems, fatigue, diabetes and other health woes.