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Governor Extends Non-Emergent Surgery Suspension in Texas - 07/09/2020

Gov. Greg Abbott today suspended most non-emergent elective surgeries at hospitals in 11 state Trauma Service Areas (TSAs) because of a steady increase in COVID-19 patients. The proclamation does not affect surgeries or procedures at outpatient or ambulatory services facilities.

Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond - 07/09/2020

On March 18, as the COVID 19 crisis accelerated, we converted overnight to “seeing” our patients by video. Our journey into telemedicine was abrupt, and there was a steep learning curve.

TMA: Canceling In-Person GOP Convention Eliminates “Significant Risk” - 07/09/2020

The Texas Medical Association applauded Wednesday’s decision to cancel the Republican Party of Texas' in-person convention next week, in light of the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the Houston area.

The Tele-Future is Now: Will Telemedicine's Footprint Be Permanent Post-COVID-19? - 07/09/2020

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.

Caution Urged as Officials Continue to Monitor Coronavirus - 07/09/2020

State and federal health officials continue to monitor COVID-19. As of Wednesday afternoon, 220,564 cases and 2,813 deaths have been confirmed in Texas, according to a tracker for Texas COVID-19 cases published by the state Department of State Health Services.

Deadline Extended to Apply for Federal Paycheck Loans - 07/09/2020

Small businesses, including physician practices, have another five weeks to apply for a forgivable federal loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), thanks to a law passed July 4. The deadline to apply for PPP loans had been June 30. The new law extends that deadline to Aug. 8.

New CPT Code Is “Industry Standard” for COVID-19 Antigen Testing - 07/08/2020

Three new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are now on the list of COVID-19 lab testing codes, effective June 25

What to Do If a Staff Member or Patient Tests Positive - 07/08/2020

The TMA COVID-19 Task Force has created a guide for what to do when someone in your office – whether a staff member or a patient – tests positive for the disease. The guide includes links to important information on disinfection, work-restriction, and legal and ethical resources.

What’s More Risky, Going to a Bar or Opening the Mail? - 07/08/2020

The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force and Committee on Infectious Diseases have created a chart that ranks activities on their risk level for COVID-19. The levels are based on input from the physician members of the task force and the committee, who worked from the assumption that – no matter the activity – participants were taking as many safety precautions as they can.

CDC Issues Health Advisory on Certain Hand Sanitizers - 07/07/2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health advisory about serious health effects of hand sanitizers that have tested positive for methanol (wood alcohol), which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Don’t Miss the Bus on Vaccine Clinic Grants - 07/07/2020

If you’ve seen a decrease in vaccinations in your community – either through conscientious exemptions or during the COVID-19 pandemic – consider applying for a grant to host your own Be Wise – Immunize vaccination event.

County Medical Societies PPE Drives - 07/06/2020

   

In-Person Convention Poses ‘Significant’ Health Risks - 07/03/2020

Statement by Texas Medical Association President Diana L. Fite, MD, regarding the Texas Republican Party’s decision to hold an in-person state convention.

TMA Withdraws as GOP Convention Advertiser, Urges Party to Use Funds for Masks - 07/03/2020

The Texas Medical Association has withdrawn as an advertiser to the Texas GOP’s state convention after the party’s executive committee voted last night to go forward with plans to hold an in-person convention in Houston.

Governor Mandates Face Masks in Public Spaces in Most Texas Counties - 07/02/2020

Texans in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases will be required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces, with some exceptions, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered today. It takes effect at noon July 3.

TMA Applauds Governor’s Mask Order - 07/02/2020

“The physicians of Texas are very pleased that Governor Abbott is following the science. There is no question about it – face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19. They help protect the people wearing masks, and they help protect the people around them..."

TMA PPE Portal “Basically Kept Our Doors Open” - 07/02/2020

Northeast Texas Neurology Associates in Tyler was able to receive enough PPE to stay in business because of the Texas Medical Association PPE Portal, a partnership among TMA, county medical societies, and the state’s Hospital Preparedness Program partners and Regional Advisory Councils.

TMA House of Delegates to Go Virtual; Fall Conference Canceled - 07/02/2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Medical Association Disaster Board voted to conduct a virtual meeting of the TMA House of Delegates that will culminate in a live virtual session on Saturday, Sept. 12. The board also voted to cancel the association’s TMA 2020 Fall Conference originally scheduled for Sept. 11-12 in the Austin area.

Here’s CDC Guidance for Vaccinations During COVID-19 - 07/01/2020

With so many changes in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, how can physicians and other health care professionals best administer vaccinations safely? To help answer that question, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently produced interim guidance for administering vaccines during a pandemic.

Telemedicine and COVID-19 – What You Need to Know and Do - 07/01/2020

If you would like more help understanding the changes and how to utilize telemedicine to care for your patients, the Texas Medical Association has created several tools and resources for you.

On Pause for the Pandemic: Health Issues Sidelined Amid COVID-19 Response - 07/01/2020

Any physician can look out over the COVID-19 landscape and see important areas of health care tied to their specialty that are being downplayed or ignored as resources pour into fighting the pandemic and scared patients chose not to come to their doctors’ offices.

Covered for COVID? Business Interruption Insurance Could Come in Handy - 07/01/2020

Business interruption insurance could come in handy for losses related to COVID-19.

Governor Expands Elective Surgery Suspension to Hospitals in Four South Texas Counties - 06/30/2020

Gov. Greg Abbott today suspended most non-emergent elective surgeries at hospitals in Corpus Christi and three Rio Grande Valley counties to help ensure capacity for COVID-19 patients.

TMA Urges Republican Party to Change In-Person Convention Plans - 06/30/2020

The Texas Medical Association today urged the Republican Party of Texas to rethink its plans to hold its biennial state convention in person amid a recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the state and the Houston area.

TMA Calls on Republican Party of Texas to Cancel In-Person Meeting - 06/30/2020

Editor's note: TMA sent the attached letter to the Republican Party of Texas this morning. We are hopeful the party will follow our recommendation. "Dear Mr. Dickey, Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Whatley: On behalf of the more than 53,000 physician and medical student members of the Texas Medical Association, I am writing to recommend that Republican Party of Texas (RPT) reconsider its decision to conduct your state convention as an in-person function in Houston on July 16-18. This is just not the time to bring thousands of the party faithful from around the state to an indoor meeting in a county that, as I write, reports more than 18,000 active COVID-19 cases..."