Coronavirus

Staying the Course: Medicine Enters an Unprecedented Session at the Texas Legislature - 01/16/2021

The way the Texas Legislature conducts business during the 2021 session may look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Texas Medical Association’s commitment to improving health care remains the same. Some of those goals are up against deep cuts to state agency budgets. At the same time, however, the pandemic has created opportunities for medicine to bend lawmakers’ ear on some of its longstanding goals, including advancing access to care, vaccines, health coverage, and telemedicine.

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan.15, 2021: CDC Provides Vaccine Allergy Recommendations - 01/15/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 15, 2021

Look for Tax Forms on CARES Act Payments - 01/12/2021

It’s tax season, and if you received payments in 2020 through certain federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act programs, be on the lookout for a tax form that includes information on those payments.

Webinar to Troubleshoot ImmTrac2 Errors for COVID-19 Vaccine - 01/11/2021

State health officials have scheduled a live webinar designed to help address common errors and data quality issues when reporting COVID-19 vaccine information to ImmTrac2, the state’s vaccine registry. The webinar is set for 1 to 2 pm (CT) Friday, Jan. 15.

The COVID-19 Relief Bill: What It Means For Medicare Payments - 01/11/2021

When Congress passed the omnibus spending and COVID-19 relief bill at the tail end of 2020, it carried important implications for physicians operating under this year’s Medicare physician fee schedule, including some changes that will positively affect doctors’ bottom line.

TMB Extends Waiver Allowing Pain Prescription Refills via Telemedicine - 01/08/2021

The Texas Medical Board has extended a waiver until March 2 that allows for refills of prescriptions for chronic pain patients who recently saw their doctor via telemedicine.

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan.7, 2021: Vaccines to Go to Large Hubs, Officials Say - 01/07/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 6, 2021

COVID-19 UK Variant Identified in Texas - 01/07/2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 6, 2021: Vaccines A Harris County resident was diagnosed with Texas’ first case of a COVID-19 variant first identified in the United Kingdom during the fall, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced today.o Go to Large Hubs, Officials Say

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 6, 2021: “No Vaccine Should Be Kept In Reserve,” Health Official Says - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 6, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 5, 2021: More Vaccines Distributed, Including Second Doses - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 5, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Report, Jan. 4, 2021: Physicians Remain Priority, Officials Say - 01/06/2021

The latest COVID-19 vaccine news as of Jan. 4, 2021

Health Plans Extend Telemedicine, Cost-Share Waivers - 01/05/2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health plans in Texas have adopted various temporary deadlines and extensions as part of their coronavirus policies.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy - 01/04/2021

Physicians have proven ways to respond to patients’ reluctance on vaccines.

Medicare 2% Payment Cut Suspended Through March - 01/04/2021

Medicare sequestration, the federal government’s 2% across-the-board payment cut, will be suspended until March 31, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

Don’t Delay Administering Vaccines, Health Officials Tell Facilities - 12/30/2020

State health officials are urging facilities that have received COVID-19 vaccines to not delay administering those vaccines and to report all inoculations to ImmTrac2, the state’s vaccine registry.

The Tele-Future is Now: Will Telemedicine's Footprint Be Permanent Post-COVID-19? - 12/29/2020

COVID-19 threw Texas physicians headlong into telemedicine. Will its increased footprint be permanent? Physicians tell Texas Medicine that depends how telemedicine will be regulated and paid for.

TMA Offers Guidance on Clearing Youth Athletes Who Have Recovered From COVID-19 - 12/23/2020

As schools and other recreational leagues prepare for spring sports seasons in the upcoming year, the Texas Medical Association has published guidance for physicians to clear athletes ages 18 and younger who have recovered from COVID-19.  

What’s Different About the Available COVID-19 Vaccines? - 12/23/2020

To help you and your patients understand the differences and similarities between the COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, the Texas Medical Association has compiled important links to review before administering either vaccine.

Ten Things to Know to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines - 12/23/2020

State health officials have begun distributing COVID-19 vaccines across the state, based on guiding principles that prioritize essential health care workers and vulnerable populations. Here are 10 things to know about administering vaccines manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

Health Plans to Cover Costs of Administering COVID-19 Vaccines - 12/23/2020

Individual health plans, Medicare, and Medicaid will cover COVID-19 vaccine administration fees without cost-sharing, TMA has learned. Meanwhile, the federal government will pay for each COVID-19 vaccine serum – even if it is part of a claim – at least through the end of the national public health emergency, TMA understands.

Governor’s First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine a Confidence Boost for Texas - 12/22/2020

Please attribute this statement to Texas Public Health Coalition Chair Jason V. Terk, MD, in response to Gov. Abbott receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. “Every dose of COVID-19 vaccine administered brings Texas one step closer to the end of the pandemic. The Texas Public Health Coalition celebrates the news Gov. Greg Abbott received his first dose today and expresses appreciation for his personal leadership by example..."

All Texans 65 and Older Prioritized for COVID-19 Vaccine - 12/22/2020

Anyone 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions such as, but not limited to, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and pregnancy will be among the next group to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines, state health officials announced today.

“Vaccinate All Medical Staff,” Medicine Tells Hospitals - 12/22/2020

As more COVID-19 vaccines are distributed to facilities across the state, the Texas Medical Association is dedicated to working so that all Texas physicians receive doses to protect themselves and their patients.

TMA Applauds Governor Abbott for Getting COVID-19 Vaccine - 12/21/2020

“TMA thanks Governor Abbott for rolling up his sleeve to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People need to see we can make Texas strong against the coronavirus if we all take these preventive measures to protect ourselves and others. The governor is leading by example by getting the shot..."

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments Available for COVID-19 Outpatients in Texas - 12/21/2020

Physicians treating certain COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms should be aware that monoclonal antibody treatments are available at select Texas outpatient facilities.