Ending a relationship with a patient isn’t something providers take lightly. But when certain patterns continue – missed appointments, refusal to follow a treatment plan, or inappropriate behavior – it may be time to move on.

The Stark Law, officially called the Physician Self-Referral Law, is a federal rule that shapes how healthcare providers handle referrals and financial relationships. It was created to prevent arrangements that might put financial interests ahead of patient care. In Texas, providers often have questions about what the law covers and how to stay aligned with it.

Starting or growing a medical practice in Texas comes with its fair share of logistical challenges, but few are more critical than completing the physician credentialing process. Whether you’re opening a new clinic in Austin or adding a new specialist to your Fort Worth group, the credentialing process for physicians is what ensures compliance, payer reimbursement, and uninterrupted patient care.

Yet, many practices stumble at this stage, not because they’re disorganized, but because the process is packed with technicalities, deadlines, and payer-specific requirements. In Texas, with its blend of national insurers, Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), and independent hospital systems, credentialing can feel like assembling a 1,000-piece puzzle, without the box lid.

Referral relationships are part of everyday operations in a medical practice – but they can also create unexpected legal risk. If a physician refers patients to a facility where they have or a family member has a financial interest, that referral could violate federal law. The Physician Self-Referral Law, known as Stark Law, was created to prevent these conflicts and reduce unnecessary services billed to Medicare or Medicaid.

Let’s face it: EHR systems aren’t the shiny new toy in your office anymore — they’re the standard. 

For most healthcare practices, EHR implementation is no longer a question of “if” but “how well.” Spurred by federal incentives and evolving care standards over the past two decades, electronic health record platforms have gone from novel innovations to non-negotiable tools in modern healthcare. Today, almost every provider depends on EHR software to centralize patient data, streamline workflows, and coordinate care seamlessly.

But simply going live doesn’t guarantee success. Even well-established systems can leave teams battling workflow hiccups, security blind spots, and lingering frustration long after “implementation day” has come and gone. The real test now isn’t adoption — it’s optimization.

Building a healthcare clinic — a space where care meets community — is a dream for many forward-thinking entrepreneurs. You don’t have to wear a white coat to want to make a difference. But if you’re asking yourself, “Can I open a clinic without being a doctor in Texas?” you’re asking the right question.

Leaving a comfortable medical practice can be daunting. You've built strong patient relationships and mastered the daily routine. But for some, the desire for growth and autonomy sparks the idea of opening their own practice. 

The idea of shaping your future and building something new is exciting. 

But it’s not just about finding the perfect location or setting up appointments; launching a medical practice in Texas requires thoughtful planning and navigating important challenges. From legal and financial considerations to selecting the right team and technology, there are several crucial steps to take before making the leap. 

Let’s dive into how to start a medical practice in Texas.

Compliance is a critical concern in the healthcare industry, where complex regulations protect patients and ensure medical decisions are based on need — not green. 

Among the most impactful are the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), federal Stark Law, and Texas’ Patient Solicitation Act. These laws shape how healthcare providers, hospitals, and organizations operate, especially for referrals and compensation arrangements.

In Texas, providers must understand federal regulations and state-specific laws like the Texas Anti-Kickback Statute. These regulations impose additional layers of oversight — and consequences — that providers may ignore at their own risk.

Running a healthcare practice comes with great responsibility – especially when protecting patient information. 

A HIPAA Security Risk Assessment helps identify potential risks before they become bigger problems, like data breaches or compliance violations that could lead to hefty fines.

Switching EHR systems isn’t just an IT project — it’s a transformation that affects every aspect of your practice. 

Whether you're frustrated with an outdated electronic health records system, struggling with inefficient workflows, or facing hidden costs from your current platform, switching to a new EHR can feel overwhelming. And expensive.

But here’s the truth: Sticking with an inefficient system can cost your practice more because of: 

• Lost productivity

• Low staff morale

• Compliance risks 

So, how can you make the transition without disrupting daily operations? The key is preparation.