News Blog
06May

Key Points of March 2016 CME

It isn’t Funny when your Eyes and Nose are Runny Key Points of March 2016 CME “It isn’t funny when your eyes and nose are runny” was presented by Dr. Kristin Dillard, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital Section of Allergy and Immunology and Dr. Honey Herce, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital Department of Ophthalmology. The live CME activity on March 3, 2016 was simulcast to several Texas Children’s Hospital locations across the Houston area. Key points from the...

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06May

Annual Chlamydia Screening—No Pelvic Necessary!

Annual chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women ages 15 to 24, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection. Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive tests, and can be performed on easily obtainable specimens such as urine or vaginal swabs (either clinician- or patient-collected). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections...

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05May

Provider Alert! Reminder on the use of the U8 Modifier

To: All Texas Children’s Health Plan Providers Subject: Reminder on the use of the U8 Modifier All eligible organizations and covered entities that are enrolled in the Federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to purchase 340B discounted drugs must use modifier U8 when submitting claims for 340B clinician-administered drugs. Non-compliance with this new requirement to use modifier U8 on all claims submitted for 340B clinician-administered drugs may jeopardize a covered entity’s 340B status with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources...

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05Apr

Cesarean Delivery

This article presents new research and strategies to safely reduce the rate of primary Cesarean delivery. One out of three deliveries is by Cesarean.  In certain situations, Cesarean can be life-saving for both mother and baby.  But Cesarean deliveries aslo carry greater risks for mothers—research has shown that women who deliver their first baby by cesarean are more likely to need blood transfusions and be admitted to the ICU than women who have a vaginal delivery.  In addition, after that first...

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03Apr

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...

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01Apr

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...

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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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