Coronavirus

Texas Medicaid, CHIP Changes Extended Through November - 10/22/2020

Some Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) flexibilities put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended through Nov. 30, state health officials announced.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Should Include Effective Communication, TMA Tells State - 10/21/2020

COVID-19 vaccines should be distributed effectively and efficiently, particularly early on when supplies are limited, and are seen as trusted tools in the fight against the illness, TMA testified during a public meeting on the state's vaccine distribution plan Monday.

TMA Delegates OK Policy on Certain Health Care Disparities, LGBTQ Health Section - 10/20/2020

At an unprecedented live virtual meeting Saturday, the Texas Medical Association House of Delegates took action on a variety of initiatives important to the health of all Texans.

Survey Part of Texas COVID-19 Antibody Study - 10/20/2020

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has announced more details on its statewide seroprevalance study on the human antibody response to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19 Deadlines for Doctors - 10/20/2020

Upcoming deadlines and extensions in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protect Public Health from Budget Cuts, Medicine Says - 10/16/2020

Important state public health functions such as tobacco control, immunizations, and child health will be severely undercut if the Department of State Health Services is forced to cut its budget by 5% in the wake of a global pandemic, a coalition of health professional organizations said.

Public Meeting on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Set - 10/15/2020

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response will lay out its plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Texas and hear public comments on those plans in a virtual meeting scheduled Monday, Oct. 19.

Coronavirus vs. Influenza: The Differences and What We Need to know - 10/15/2020

As physicians, other medical experts, and the public learn more about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, scientists are learning more about the similarities – and differences – between COVID-19 and influenza. Both viruses cause respiratory disease, yet the World Health Organization (WHO) reports there are important differences between the two and how they spread.

Texas Physicians Say: Remain Calm, Protect Yourself, Stay Safe - 10/15/2020

Statement by Texas Medical Association (TMA) President David C. Fleeger, MD, about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s state of emergency declaration regarding COVID-19.

AMA Creates CPT Codes for Combination COVID-19/Flu Tests - 10/15/2020

The American Medical Association (AMA) has created two new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for multi-virus testing to detect COVID-19 and influenza.

Take Steps to Curb HIV Spread Among People Who Inject Drugs During COVID-19, CDC Says - 10/15/2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, physicians, practices, and other health care professionals can take steps to continue to curb the spread of HIV among people who inject drugs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a health advisory.

Sign Up with DSHS Now to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines - 10/14/2020

Nobody’s certain when the first COVID-19 vaccines will be available, but you can take important steps now to make sure you’re ready to vaccinate patients quickly once the shots arrive, state health leaders said this week.

Medicare Extends Repayment of Advance Loans - 10/13/2020

If you received payments in the spring from the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program, you will now have more time to repay those loans, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.

Vote, but Vote Safely, Physicians Urge - 10/12/2020

Early voting starts in Texas this week. Physicians urge all Texans to play it safe as they fulfill their civic duty, reminding everyone that it is possible to vote safely during a pandemic.

COVID-19 Health Emergency Extension Pushes Waivers, Protections Into 2021 - 10/09/2020

The national public health emergency (PHE) related to COVID-19 has been extended until Jan. 20, meaning many state and federal waivers and protections will continue throughout the year.

CDC Update: COVID-19 Can be Spread by Airborne Particles - 10/08/2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its How COVID-19 Spreads guidance to include the potential for airborne spread of the virus.

Mixed Bag: Some Payers Capitalize on COVID Chaos; Others Help Make Care Easier - 10/07/2020

Physicians believe some payers are taking advantage of COVID chaos with their drug policies, but also see some plans taking steps to make care easier during the pandemic.

Encourage Patients to Participate in COVID-19 Antibody Study - 10/06/2020

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is seeking participants for a statewide seroprevalance study on the human antibody response to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Researchers are asking physicians to encourage patients to participate in the study.

FAQ Offers Guidance on Modifying Respiratory Care During COVID-19 - 10/06/2020

To help you answer questions you might receive from patients who use nebulizers or tracheostomy tubes, the Texas Medical Association has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to guide those discussions.

Commentary: The Covid-19 Registry - 10/05/2020

As COVID-19 continues to affect our communities, it is essential to understand the impacts of this outbreak. A new national data platform, developed right here in Texas, can help us do just that: the COVID-19 Registry (registry.rice.edu/covid19).

More Emergency COVID-19 Funds Becoming Available - 10/02/2020

The federal Health and Human Services (HHS) Department will begin accepting applications Monday for a new round of emergency funding for physicians and practices affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating Across the COVID-19 PPE Chasm - 10/01/2020

In the era of COVID-19, clinicians face myriad new communication challenges: muffling masks; glaring face shields; heightened anxiety and fear amongst patients, families, and clinicians; and increased use of telehealth and virtual communication.  

Opioids: The Forgotten Epidemic? - 10/01/2020

COVID-19 inflamed the crisis; telemedicine helps Texas physicians cope with the fallout.

Pandemic Pressures:COVID-19 Poses Serious Behavioral Health Challenges - 10/01/2020

The mental health fallout caused by COVID-19 radiates throughout Texas. In this issue, we look at four of the biggest challenges physicians are responding to as more people say that worry and stress related to coronavirus have negatively impacted their mental health.

Feds Release Reporting Requirements For Emergency COVID-19 Funds - 09/30/2020

If you or your practice received more than $10,000 in financial assistance related to COVID-19 from the federal Provider Relief Fund, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department this week provided information on how to report those funds.