Specialists – Page 77

Articles with relevant information for Specialists.

21SepSeptember 21, 2016

Undescended Testicles and the Use of Ultrasound

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis (UDT) is the most common urological birth defect, occurring in 1 in 33 live male births. The most important reasons for surgical treatment of cryptorchidism include increased risks of testicular malignancy, infertility, testis torsion and/or inguinal hernia. The current standard of treatment for any UDT that fails to spontaneously descend by 6 months of age in the United States is orchidopexy (surgery to reposition the testis to the scrotum). Evaluation of UDT includes a thorough gestational...

By Texas Children's Health PlanOB/GYNs, Primary Care Providers, SpecialistsCryptorchidism, pediatrics, UDT, Ultrasound, Undescended Testicle, Urology0 CommentsRead more...

29AugAugust 29, 2016

Provider Alert! STAR Kids Provider Training Schedule

Beginning September 1, 2016, STAR Kids Provider Training will be offered in multiple locations, including the Harris, Jefferson and North East Medicaid service areas. Make your plans today to attend a training near you. Check our website for more details on training dates, locations, and registration. Click to Register for STAR Kids Provider Training

By Texas Children's Health PlanProvider Alert, Specialistsprovider events, STAR Kids, training0 CommentsRead more...

19AugAugust 19, 2016

SBIRT: A validated practice to recognize teens who need help for substance abuse is a benefit of Texas Medicaid

A recent survey of pediatricians found that only a minority of pediatricians used validated screening tools for substance abuse screening, and most relied on clinical impressions. Studies have found that only one-third of adolescents excessively using alcohol were detected when pediatricians relied on clinical impressions. A revised policy statement and a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (see additional resources below) contain updated guidance, including screening tools and intervention procedures in support of universal Screening, Brief Intervention...

By Texas Children's Health PlanPrimary Care Providers, Specialistsalcohol, chemical dependency, Drugs, reimbursement, SBIRT, screening, substance abuse0 CommentsRead more...

07JunJune 7, 2016

Not Too Much and Not Too Long: Appropriate Use of Opiates for Pain Management

In March 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. The most important points for primary care providers treating acute pain severe enough to require opioids are to prescribe the lowest effective dose of immediate-release opioids and to prescribe a quantity no greater than what is necessary. Three days or less will often be sufficient; more than seven days will rarely be needed. Opioid pain medication use presents serious risks,...

By Texas Children's Health PlanSpecialistsCDC, Chronic Pain, Opioids, Pain Management, Pain Medication0 CommentsRead more...

02JunJune 2, 2016

ADHD: Should your patient take a drug holiday?

Parents of children who take stimulant medication for ADHD often wonder whether their kids should take a "drug holiday" during the summer months. A drug holiday, or a structured treatment interruption, is a deliberate, temporary suspension of medication. Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Edward Walton, recommends against drug holidays unless there is a compelling reason. Current research and population data shows that children with ADHD who stick with their treatment programs year-round reap better results than those who experience treatment interruptions. Children...

By Texas Children's Health PlanSpecialistsADHD, Psychostimulant therapy, Stimulants0 CommentsRead more...

03AprApril 3, 2016

STAR Kids 101: Learn the Basics

What is STAR Kids? STAR Kids will be the first Medicaid managed care program in Texas specifically serving youth and children who get disability-related Medicaid. Texas Children’s Health Plan STAR Kids program will provide services, including long term support services (LTSS), for members ages 20 or younger who either receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid or are enrolled in the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP). Children and youth who receive services through other 1915(c) waiver programs will also receive their basic...

By Texas Children's Health PlanSpecialistsCare Coordination, Disability, LTSS, MDCP, medicaid, SSI, STAR, STAR Kids, texas0 CommentsRead more...

01AprApril 1, 2016

Battling Abuse: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we learn more about the relationship between adversity in childhood and its negative effects on adult health outcomes, the early identification and intervention for children who are victims of abuse becomes increasingly important. Although there are over 2 million reports of suspected child maltreatment per year, victims of child abuse continue to pass through physician offices, emergency departments, and hospitals unrecognized. These same children, often return with more severe injuries. Physicians and...

By Texas Children's Health PlanSpecialistsapril, child abuse, child abuse month, neglect0 CommentsRead more...