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Survey: Healthcare
Professionals Asked About Prescription Drug Affordability
The Health and Human Services Commission is conducting a brief
survey of healthcare professionals to learn more about prescription
drug affordability for Texans. The goal of the survey is to
determine cost-prohibitive medications and the barriers people face
in affording their medications. Take the survey here.
FDA Extends Shelf Life for Certain
Pfizer Vaccine Vials, Monoclonal Antibodies
The Food and Drug
Administration last week authorized extending the shelf life to 12 months for two
formulations of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine when
stored at -130ºF to -76ºF. The FDA and Health and Human
Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response also are considering extending the shelf life for the
combination monoclonal antibodies bamlanivimab and/or etesevimab,
and plan to issue an update in early May. Read the fact sheet for health
care providers.
De-Emphasizing Devices: How to Help Patients Combat
Phone Addiction
The overuse of electronics by
young people during the COVID-19 pandemic has several causes,
including the near universal ownership of sophisticated devices
among U.S. adolescents. Too much screen time can lead to several
potential medical problems such as difficulty sleeping, lack of
exercise, and weight problems, according to the American Academy of
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It also can lead to increased
moodiness and poor self-image. Learn more.
FDA Authorizes First COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Using
Breath Samples
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration issued an emergency use
authorization (EUA) for the first COVID-19 diagnostic
test that detects chemical compounds in breath samples associated
with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The test can be performed in
environments where the patient specimen is both collected and
analyzed, such as doctor’s offices, hospitals and mobile testing sites,
using an instrument about the size of a piece of carry-on luggage.
Learn About Surprise-Billing Law’s “Good Faith
Estimates”
Federal authorities have
released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on providing
“good faith estimates,” included as part of the federal No
Surprises Act geared toward curbing surprise medical bills. As
defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),
the good faith estimate (GFE) is “a notification that outlines an
uninsured (or self-pay) individual’s expected charges for a
scheduled or requested item or service.” Continue reading.
FREE PPE Still
Available from BCMS
Do you need PPE For your
practice? Let us help! Physician practices in need of PPE,
please click here to indicate your PPE needs. Requests are filled as
donated supplies are available.
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