Related Stories

COVID-19: Practice Operations - 11/21/2025

View COVID-19 resources related to practice operations.

Adverse Event Reporting Law Targets Emergency Use, Experimental Vaccines - 10/17/2025

A new state law effective Sept. 1 requires physicians to report serious adverse events for patients who receive emergency use-authorized (EUA) vaccines, but the recent termination of certain authorizations may narrow the bill’s impact going forward.

‘There’s Never a Good Time to Let Your Guard Down’: Measles Outbreak Ends, But Risks Remain - 08/28/2025

The West Texas measles outbreak has ended, officially. Nearly 100 people were hospitalized, and two fatalities occurred in school-aged children; the state spent between $8 million and $9 million to mount its response.

Combating Measles Resource Center - 08/12/2025

Get caught up on measles-related news from state and federal agencies, as well as TMA's actions and resources, with this webpage. Find information from DSHS, patient-facing materials, and links to clinical insights.

Alison Days, MD: “We Can’t Go Back” to COVID’s Worst Days - 08/05/2025

Even as much of the crippling fear from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic has faded, its impact persists on El Paso pediatrician Alison Days, MD, her city, her county, and her day-to-day. After the pandemic kicked into gear during early 2020, Dr. Days and her staff at Healthy Days Pediatrics started eating lunch apart from each other. With the virus now less of a terrifying mystery, her staff have gone back to keeping each other company at lunchtime. She still hasn’t.

FDA Proposes Transition Plan for Medical Devices Granted COVID Emergency Approval - 08/04/2025

The COVID-19 public health emergency is expected to be extended a ninth time, through at least mid-July. But its eventual end raises questions about the medical devices and therapies used to diagnose and treat COVID that were issued emergency use authorizations on the basis of the federal emergency declaration.

Texas Physicians Reflect on Two Years of Battling COVID-19 - 08/04/2025

Two years ago this week, normal life in Texas stopped. Uncertainty, fear, and anxiety loomed as the new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2, arrived in Texas. Looking back, physicians reflect on the ongoing impact of March 13, 2020, when Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19, the disease the virus causes.

Measles Threat in West Texas Wanes, But Endemic Risk Persists - 07/30/2025

As the state’s numbers stabilize, public health authorities reiterate the importance of communication and information sharing amid an outbreak. TMA members can support immunization activities in their communities with a Vaccines Defend What Matters grant.

El Paso Physician Broadcast Arms Public with Health Care Knowledge - 07/29/2025

Physician-led efforts to educate patients on vaccines may help the U.S. battle recent surges of preventable diseases.

Cardiologist Experiences COVID – and Its Ripple Effects - 07/23/2025

Dallas cardiologist Rick Snyder, MD, had already witnessed firsthand many of the big-picture impacts of COVID-19: cases of long COVID, elements of the “Great Resignation,” and of course, the chaos the pandemic brought to just about every medical practice starting two years ago.

TMA Delegates OK Policy on Certain Health Care Disparities, LGBTQ Health Section - 07/17/2025

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.

Vaccines Still Offer Best Protection Against Respiratory Viruses, Medicine Affirms in Open Letter - 06/25/2025

Alongside the American Medical Association and state medical societies nationwide, TMA added its signatory to a reaffirmation of the value of vaccines to protect against flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses ahead of an expected difficult season.

U.S., Texas Child Flu Deaths Increase Amid a Grim Season - 06/04/2025

Texas has recorded 15 pediatric flu deaths so far for the 2024-2025 flu season. That number is significantly higher than last year, when no child deaths associated with flu occurred in the state. Physicians continue to advocate immunization as the best defense.

Whooping Cough Spikes in Texas Among Measles Outbreak - 04/30/2025

The Texas Department of State Health Services so far has reported 1,060 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, outpacing the rate seen in 2024. Tdap and DTaP immunizations are crucial, including for pregnant mothers.

Vaccine Uptake Improves Amid Measles Momentum - 04/11/2025

With measles spreading to another corner of the state and showing little sign of slowing, adjusted vaccine recommendations apply to residents of and visitors to 10 affected counties. TMA Foundation grants are available to support vaccine clinics.

Earn CME and Hear Practical Measles Guidance as Outbreak Expands - 03/21/2025

As the West Texas outbreak shows little sign of slowing, TMA and DSHS present an update and strategies for combating measles in a CME-qualifying webinar.

Safely Incorporate Remote Patient Monitoring Into Your Practice - 02/07/2025

If you’re considering using telemedicine or remote patient monitoring, the Texas Medical Liability Trust’s (TMLT) Risk Management team has some recommendations to protect you and your practice.

Are You Ready for Telemedicine Prime Time? - 02/07/2025

Like a stage actor who comes across awkward on a television or movie screen, you might find it challenging to connect with your patients during video telehealth visits. Here are some tips to make for five-star video telehealth visit.

Let Your Patients Know You Use Telemedicine - 02/07/2025

To make telemedicine more available, many state and federal rules and regulations regarding telehealth have changed temporarily during the COVID-19 public health emergency, including payments for certain types of visits. That’s all good news if you or your practice is struggling financially because of decreased in-person patient visits. But it doesn’t mean much if your patients don’t know about it.

DSHS Urges Measles Monitoring as More Cases Confirmed - 02/03/2025

DSHS has confirmed measles cases in Gaines and Lubbock counties as well as in Houston. Officials urge physicians to report any suspected cases immediately for investigation.

Enhancing Awareness: Physicians Can Help Dispel Myths to Ease the Syphilis Epidemic - 01/08/2025

Physicians can help dispel myths to ease the syphilis epidemic in Texas.

State Law Banning Refusal of Care to Certain Unvaccinated Patients Takes Effect - 11/18/2024

Starting Sept. 1, a new state law prohibits clinicians caring for patients enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to refuse health care services based on their vaccination status.

TMA Testifies on a Flurry of Public Health, Insurance Bills - 11/18/2024

As of the March 10 bill filing deadline, state lawmakers had introduced more than 9,000 pieces of legislation, establishing a new record and teeing up the Texas Medical Association’s busiest session yet.

Travel Advisory: Travel Details Can Help Uncover a Diagnosis - 11/18/2024

Physicians can aid in the prevention and spread of travel-related illnesses with thorough questioning on trip history.

Congress Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities in Medicare - 11/07/2024

The COVID-19-era flexibilities for telemedicine in Medicare will last at least another five months following recent action by Congress.