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In this Week's Issue

  • Urge Texans to Get Flu Vaccine Early, Officials Say
  • University Health System to Schools: Stop Using Nebulizers
  • Tips and Strategies for Managing Remote Staff
  • Texas Medicaid, CHIP Changes Extended Into October
  • What Antibody Tests Should No Longer Be Used and/or Distributed for COVID-19? 
  • FDA's lists of updated dangerous hand sanitizers
  • Deadline Extension for Medicaid, CHIP Providers to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds
  • BCMS COVID-19 Resources Page
  • Free PPE Supplies
  • University Health System Weekly Newsletter
MEMBER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Circle of Friends Spotlight
 

 
Important Physician News and Deadlines
Urge Texans to Get Flu Vaccine Early, Officials say
On August 6, Governor Greg Abbott and other state health leaders emphasized the need for Texans to continue to be vigilant against COVID-19 and is urgining everyone to understand the importance of getting ahead of the curve by making sure you get a flu vaccine. Read full article.

University Health System message to Schools: Stop Using Nebulizers
University Hospital stopped using nebulizer treatments on COVID-positive patients early in the pandemic, after evidence emerged that those treatments increased the risk of exposure to health care providers. Dr. Mandie Svatek spoke to a group of 476 nurses and health assistance this week that they need to switch to delivering inhaled medicines through metered dose inhalers, or MDIs, with spacers and specialized face masks. Read University Health System Letter.
Read
CDC guidance

Tips and Strategies for Managing Remote Staff
If your practice is considering letting staff work remotely or if it already has employees who do, there are multiple resources to provide tips and strategies to successfully manage those employees. View resources

Texas Medicaid, CHIP Changes Extended Into October
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has extended some Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) flexibilities through Oct. 23. Many of the extensions “will minimize face-to-face interactions and ensure continuity of care for clients during the COVID-19 response,” Gov. Greg Abbott’s office said in a press release. Read full article.

What Antibody Tests Shouls No Longer Be Used and/or Distributed for 
COVID-19?

Many physician practices in the community are using antibody tests. It is advised that before you purchase any antibody test that you ensure you are purchasing a test that the FDA has not removed from the Emergency Use Authorization list. Click here for the full list. Revocation letter of the Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA. See which tests have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) 

FDA's lists of updated dangerous hand sanitizers
The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warning about hand sanitizers to avoid, with the list now topping 100. View updated list

Deadline Extension for Medicaid, CHIP Providers to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds
On August 5, Governor Abbott and Texas HHSC announced the federal government has further extended the deadline to apply for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. The new deadline is now August 28, 2020 for Medicaid and CHIP providers. For more information click here

Free PPE Supplies
Need PPE for your practice? BCMS can help! Physician practices in need of PPE, please click here to indicate your PPE needs. Requests are filled as donated supplies are available.
Upcoming Community Events

Metro Health Health Weekly COVID-19 Medical Provider Update
August 9 
│6pm│Join meeting
Panelists Dr. Junda Woo and Dr. Anita Kurian will provide COVID-19 updates and local guidance, and will answer questions.

SAMGMA Lunch Connection: Fraud in the Age of COVID-19
August 18
12pm

SAMGMA Membership Meeting
August 27
6:30pm

Military City USA Trauma Collaborative Research Conference
August 26-27
│1pm│SAVE THE DATE
Circle of Friends Gold Sponsors
Circle of Friends Silver Sponsors
Thank you to our BCMS Circle of Friends sponsors! Donations from Circle of Friends sponsors help keep down the cost of dues and allow BCMS to continue to provide quality service to its members.The Society continues its pledge to you that it will only involve itself in services and programs that benefit you, the member, and your patients.
Bexar County Medical Society
4334 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 200
San Antonio, TX 78249
210-301-4391

www.bcms.org
 
About The Physician's Link
The Physician's Link is a service of the Bexar County Medical Society. Some of the suggestions conveyed may not be applicable to your practice today, but the goal is to offer information over time that returns value in excess of the cost of your membership. If you would like to recommend future topics to share with your colleagues, please submit them to the BCMS Executive Director at
steve.fitzer@bcms.org.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. Copyright © 2020 Bexar County Medical Society, San Antonio, Texas. All rights reserved.






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Bexar County Medical Society · 4334 N Loop 1604 W · San Antonio, TX 78249-3484 · USA