Stories written by David Doolittle

Apply for COVID-19 Relief Funds Before Next Week’s Deadline - 09/20/2024

State health leaders are encouraging physicians who treat Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) patients to apply for federal COVID-19 relief funds before the Aug. 3 deadline. In a press release  dated July 24, Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

All Texans 65 and Older Prioritized for COVID-19 Vaccine - 09/20/2024

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. The group, known as priority group 1B

Additional PPE Supplies in Texas Allocated, Officials Say - 09/20/2024

Update:  The limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) distributed to Texas’ major Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) has been allocated as of Tuesday, those RACS have told Texas Medical Association staff. However, TMA staff is working with the Texas Department of Emergency Management

Abbott: More PPE Distributed in Texas - 09/20/2024

Texas has received more personal protective equipment (PPE), including 2.5 million masks, that will be distributed throughout the state in the coming days, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press conference Monday. “The Texas Medical Association greatly appreciates the work that Gov. Greg Abbott has done to bring mor

A Simple Reminder to Patients from Texas Physicians: “I’m Here” - 09/20/2024

Although most physician practices have been back in business since early May, your patients might not be aware that you’re ready to see them again. We’re out to help change that. To help you spread the message that Texas physicians are there for their patients, the Texas Medical Association has created a pu

A Simple Musical Message for an Uncertain Time - 09/20/2024

You might’ve heard the term “three chords and the truth” to describe certain songs. Well, Texas musician and producer Matt Hubbard has three words and the truth for everybody during the COVID-19 pandemic: “Stay Home, Texas.” Mr. Hubbard created a video of that message along with a short, catchy tune for the

A Shining Example of How to Stay Home During COVID-19 - 09/20/2024

By now you and your patients have heard the message about staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But you probably haven’t heard that message delivered with as much enthusiasm as Austin band Shinyribs  has in a new song called “Stay Home.” “The bars are closed; hospitals are full; the churches

A Saxy Twist on a Familiar Message: Stay Home, Texas - 09/20/2024

Texas saxophonist, producer, and composer Joe Morales is staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and he’s tooting his own horn about it. To help you remind your patients to scale down their time outside, Mr. Morales recorded a video with that message for the Texas Medical Association’s “ Stay Home, Texa

A Quick Guide on COVID-19 Testing Options - 09/20/2024

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to test people has been one of the most pressing – and confusing – aspects of treating and stopping the spread of the illness. In fact, adequate testing is one of the key components to Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan  to safely reopen Texas businesses and social act

A “Stay Home” Message That’s Twice as Nice - 09/20/2024

  By now you’ve probably seen some of the videos in the Texas Medical Association’s “ Stay Home, Texas ” campaign, which features short performances by Texas musicians. Well, the latest installment features a new twist: A duet – by Austin singers/songwriters/guitarists Carolyn Wonderland and Shelley Ki

“What If I’m Running Low on PPE?” - 09/20/2024

One of the biggest challenges physicians have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping themselves, their staff, and their patients safe while still providing the best possible care.  Unfortunately, demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) is exceeding supply because of an extreme surge in pati

“Doctor, What Does ‘FDA-Approved Treatment’ Mean?” - 09/20/2024

Believe it or not, it’s been six months since reports first surfaced of coronavirus-related illnesses that we now know cause COVID-19. Seems like it’s been a lot longer than that. Well, since then, you’ve probably had to explain to your patients a lot of terms they – or possibly you – had never heard before o

“Vaccinate All Medical Staff,” Medicine Tells Hospitals - 09/20/2024

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.

“Texas Strong” Mask Campaign Calls on Texans to Come Together to Fight COVID-19 - 09/20/2024

As cases spike again throughout the state, the Texas Medical Association and four other members of the Texas Health Care Industry Strike Force on COVID-19 are reinforcing the call to wear masks through a new public service announcement campaign entitled “Texas Strong.”

TMA Foundation: 25 Years and Improving - 09/19/2024

Twenty-five years later, well over 1 million Texans have benefited from the generosity of donors, leaders, and volunteers who have provided dozens of health improvement programs to communities across the state.

Death Certificate Problems Being Addressed, State Says - 09/19/2024

State health officials say they are continuing to address problems and long wait times associated with the rollout of the new TxEVER system for registering death and birth certificates. On Monday, DSHS officials told the Texas Medical Association that they significantly reduced wait times by shifting staff from other departments to handle customer service phone lines.

State Working to Clear Confusion with TxEVER - 09/19/2024

Although an official with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) last week said the new TxEVER system should be operating smoothly, the agency on Friday acknowledged some of the difficulties physicians are experiencing.

Reviewers Required for Rural Revenue Recipients - 09/10/2024

If you understand rural health needs and have some time to help facilities in those areas seek state funding, the State Office of Rural Health needs your help.

Evidence of Zika Infection Found in More Than 250 Texas Mothers - 07/22/2024

Officials have identified 265 Texas women who had evidence of a Zika infection while pregnant, a new report from the Texas Department of State Health Services says.

UHC Postpones Higher Liability Coverage Requirements Plan - 06/20/2024

UnitedHealthCare (UHC) postponed a plan that would require Texas physicians to substantially increase their professional liability insurance coverage in order to participate in its networks. The move comes after the Harris County Medical Society and Texas Medical Association expressed serious concerns about the new policy.

Did You Receive an Email Requiring Registration to the State’s PMP? - 02/28/2024

TMA can confirm that an email sent Friday afternoon asking physicians to register for a PMP Aware account are indeed legitimate; however, there is no deadline to register.

Measles: Updated Information and Resources Available to Fight Rising Cases - 02/21/2024

As measles cases continue to rise in Texas and across the U.S., the Texas Medical Association and Texas Hospital Association have created a document to help physicians and other health care professionals combat the highly contagious respiratory illness. The document provides the latest recommendations for diagnosing and reporting measles, immunizations, infection prevention and control, and post-exposure prophylaxis and exclusion.

Be a Part of Creating TMA’s New LGBTQ Health Section - 01/24/2024

The Texas Medical Association's LGBTQ Health Section is ready to take next steps after the House of Delegates created the new section to recognize and address LGBTQ health-related issues and needs. You still have a chance to take part in development of the section, which will be open to any TMA member. 

Comprehensive Prior Authorization Reforms Needed, Medicine Tells Feds - 11/30/2023

As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks ways to relieve the burdens of prior authorization on health care, it should not rely solely on automation of electronic health records. Instead, CMS should seek comprehensive reforms that include transparent PA requirements and protections of continuity of care as well as automation, the Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, and a host of other medical societies wrote in a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma last week.

With Your Help, TMA Foundation Improved Health Throughout Texas - 10/21/2023

“Good health is priceless. That’s why your charitable gifts to TMA Foundation are so valuable.” That’s the message from Susan M. Pike, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF), in its 2018 Annual Report.