Monthly Archives - March 2016
17Mar

Provider Alert! LARC Billing Update

Paragard and Nexplanon have been added to the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) Buy Back Program. Paragard IUD (manufactured by Teva) and Nexplanon Implant (manufactured by Merck), have been added to the LARC Buy Back program, as the Mirena and Skyla currently are. Mirena and Skyla are currently available from Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy (NOTE: that has not changed from before). The Texas Medicaid/CHIP Vendor Drug Program has verified which pharmacies the Paragard IUD and Nexplanon Implants are available. In the case of Paragard: Biologics, Inc, Specialty...

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15Mar

Zika Virus and Pregnant Women

Everyone is talking about Zika! The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitos. Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, along with parts of South America, have documented transmission of the virus and pregnant women who live in or travel to these areas are at risk of infection. Infection during pregnancy may or may not be accompanied by symptoms and has been associated with microcephaly. No treatment is available at this time. The most important thing to remember is that our knowledge about several...

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08Mar

Video: 2015-2016 Respiratory Virus Season Update

Dr. James Dunn, Medical Director for Medical Microbiology and Virology at Texas Children's Hospital provides an update on the 2015-2016 Respiratory Virus Season in Texas. Topics include an update on the current flu and RSV conditions in Texas, Point of Care (POC) testing, and helpful resources to help you through this year's Respiratory Virus Season.

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05Mar

Mosquitoes: Safe repellant and protection

By: Dr. Lia C. Rodriguez, MD FAAP Medical Director, Texas Children’s Health Plan The recent Zika virus epidemic has increased awareness of mosquito born illnesses. Currently, the biggest risk of infection with Zika is for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy and their partners. Nevertheless, mosquitos can also carry other illnesses and create discomfort. There are several ways we can advise families to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites. Advising environmental control is one important way. Mosquitos breed in standing...

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01Mar

It’s not too late to vaccinate!

The influenza season is underway, and flu activity is increasing in the US according to the latest CDC reports. Most reports of severe illness are in unvaccinated patients, therefore vaccination continues to be critical to provide protection against infection. Laboratory data confirms that the influenza viruses circulating in our communities match the strains in the 2015-2016 influenza vaccines. It is NOT too late to vaccinate our patients as antibodies only take about 2 weeks to develop for protection against the...

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