Together we can and do make a difference.
Take advantage of these member services and the many more offered by HCMS and TMA, and you will receive more than your dues dollars in return. For more information, contact the HCMS office at 713-524-4267, or click on the "Benefits" category listed below.
Join HCMS (application process and instructions)
What do your Harris County Medical Society & Texas Medical Association Dues buy you?
Harris County Medical Society is the largest county medical society in the United States with over 10,000 physician and medical student members. We have the lowest dues of any major metropolitan county medical society in the nation.
Advocacy:
- Liability Reforms: Texas ranked the highest of any state on curbing frivolous lawsuits. Since HCMS and TMA successfully advocated for the 2003 tort reforms, there has been:
A 31 percent drop in medical liability premiums.
A drop in filed lawsuits in Harris County from 1,300 in 2003 to 217 in 2007.
An increase in insurers doing business in Texas.
- Protecting the Physicians/Patients: HCMS meets on a regular basis with health plans, Medicare and Medicaid officials to resolve physician and patient issues. HCMS and TMA work on legislative issues that affect the way physicians practice, such as advocating for no taxes on physicians' practices, protecting physicians' business decisions, and advocating for Medicare and Medicaid funding, to name a few.
Business of Medicine :
- Resolving Issues with Insurance Companies: Through the HCMS Payment Advocacy Program, HCMS has assisted physicians in collecting more than $15 million in reimbursements in Harris County since 2000. The Log also has resulted in numerous policy changes in favor of physicians and their patients.
- Listing in the HCMS/HAM Pictorial Roster: HCMS members are included in and receive a complimentary copy of the Roster, which is used by hospitals, referring physicians, insurance groups and businesses as the "ultimate" medical/health reference book throughout the Greater Houston area.
- Free or Low Cost CME: HCMS offers free or minimal cost CME seminars to assist physicians in managing their practices, finances and staffs.
- Networking: HCMS offers many networking opportunities throughout Harris County through its geographically-based branch societies, the Council of Young Physicians and its other councils that consist of the leaders of various groups: Council of International and Affiliated Medical Societies, Council of Specialty Societies and Council of Hospital Chiefs of Staff.