Asthma Coalition of Texas

10th Annual ACCP Community Asthma & COPD Coalitions Symposium

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:52:57 GMT

10th Annual ACCP Community Asthma & COPD Coalitions Symposium
Start Date: 29-Oct-08 8:00 AM
End Time: 30-Oct-08 5:30 PM
Speaker:

Event Details:

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) invites you to attend the 10th Annual ACCP Community Asthma and COPD Coalitions Symposium, Wednesday and Thursday, October 29 - 30, during CHEST 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Discussion topics will include:
•    Asthma in American Cities project
•    Environmental Tobacco Smoke: How To Reduce Exposure
•    Developing State Plans and Coalitions for COPD
•    How To Reach Local Media
•    Networking oral poster reception – Bring your coalition materials to share

More Information can be found at the following address:
http://www.chestnet.org/CHEST/program/asthmaCoalition.php

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 11-Aug-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 11-Aug-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 14-Jul-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 14-Jul-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 9-Jun-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 9-Jun-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 12-May-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 12-May-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 14-Apr-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 14-Apr-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 10-Mar-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 10-Mar-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 10-Feb-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 10-Feb-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 13-Jan-11 12:30 PM
End Time: 13-Jan-11 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 9-Dec-10 12:30 PM
End Time: 9-Dec-10 1:30 PM

South Texas Asthma Coalition Meeting

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:36:33 GMT

Start Date: 11-Nov-10 12:30 PM
End Time: 11-Nov-10 1:30 PM

Ike Victims to Get More Food Stamp Benefits in October

noemail@texasasthma.org — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to increase the amount of emergency food stamps that many Ike victims will receive in October.

The new policy applies to low-income households eligible for food stamps in the 29 counties declared federal disaster areas after Hurricane Ike. It doesn’t change the income limits for the program, but it does provide eligible families with additional food stamp assistance in October.

“I want to thank the Health and Human Services Commission for recognizing the needs of the residents of these 29 counties and moving promptly on our request for extra help,” said Rep. Garnet F. Coleman of Houston.

HHSC has approved more than 130,000 applications for special disaster food stamps since Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. On average, these individuals and families received $226 in food stamps for October. The amounts range from a low of $14 to maximums that vary based on the size of the family. For instance, a family of four can get a maximum of $588 in food stamps per month.

“Our offices have been seeing many low-income families who aren’t currently receiving food stamps,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. “In many cases, these families lost food because of power outages or flooding, and they’re also facing other financial pressures this month. This special disaster supplement will help them feed their families while they continue to rebuild and recover after Hurricane Ike.”

The amount of food stamps a family gets is based on income and household size, and the new policy doesn’t change the maximum benefits allowed for the program. That means that households already approved for the maximum allotment level in October aren’t eligible for additional food stamps. Other food stamp recipients in the 29 counties declared disaster areas will automatically receive higher food stamp allotments for October. This includes households approved for food stamps before Hurricane Ike.

The new policy is expected to increase food stamp benefits in October for more than 240,000 families, and the amount of the increase will vary according to the family’s size and income level. For example, a family of three with an income of $1,143 will receive $451 in food stamps in October – an increase of $331 over the standard allotment of $120. An individual with income of $870 in October will get $170 – an increase of $156 over the standard allotment of $14.

The new policy is being applied to all eligible food stamp cases in the disaster area. Food stamp recipients do not need to visit an office or reapply. They will begin receiving the supplements early next week when the amounts are added to their Lone Star Cards.

Food stamp cases approved for benefits on or after Sept. 26 were processed using the new policy, and those families were notified of the amount of their October benefits when their cases were approved. Individuals and families with cases approved before Sept. 26 who are eligible for the higher amounts will get a letter notifying them of the increase in their October food stamp benefits.

1-Oct-08 9:00 PM

Nancy Otto, PharmD; Mark T. O'Hollaren, MD
Author Information

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Editor’s Note:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the 2007 NAEPP EPR-3 [National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3] over a year ago. Since then, clinicians have continued to face challenges in assessing and managing asthma. What are some ways to overcome these challenges? How can practitioners involve their patients more in asthma management? To discuss these and other issues, Nancy Otto, PharmD, Editorial Director of Medscape Pulmonary Medicine, interviewed Mark T. O'Hollaren, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, and Director, Clinical Outreach, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Medscape: We're here today with Dr. Mark T. O'Hollaren, Associate Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University and Director of Clinical Outreach for OHSU Healthcare. Today we'll discuss practical insights into assessing asthma and maintenance therapy in light of the 2007 NAEPP EPR-3 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. This is the first of a 2-part series. Welcome Dr. O'Hollaren.

Dr. O'Hollaren: Thank you.

Medscape: Today we're going to explore the topic of asthma control and management. Our first question is, how reliable is the patient's perception of asthma control?

Dr. O'Hollaren: This is a very interesting question, because one would believe that an asthmatic would be able to tell when they're experiencing increasing airway obstruction. In other words, you would think that if increasing inflammation was narrowing airway diameter, that patients would experience increasing dyspnea, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, etcetera. Interestingly, the data would not back up that fact. If you look at studies which correlate a patient's perception of dyspnea with actual measured airflow using spirometry, specifically FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 second], there is very little correlation between actual measured lung function and perception of dyspnea. Nearly all asthmatics can tell if they're acutely worse with their asthma, or if they need to go to the emergency room in a crisis situation. We're not referring to that particular situation, but rather the other 99% of the time when asthmatics are just living their daily lives.

We recently did a study of several hundred asthmatics in which we measured lung function, specifically FEV1 using spirometry, and had patients rate their perceived dyspnea using a Borg Scale, which is a validated tool to measure dyspnea. Interestingly, we found essentially no correlation between measured lung function and perceived level of shortness of breath in patients with asthma. This has significant clinical implications. If a patient is unable to determine their level of airway obstruction, then they may not appreciate the importance of the need to adhere to the medication program prescribed by their physician. Much like patients with hypertension, who may not comply with their antihypertensive medications because they don't experience acute symptoms, patients with asthma who do not perceive dyspnea may not feel that it's important to comply with their chronic controller medication. Because patients with asthma may also alter (ie, decrease) their activity level to accommodate their asthma, they may not exercise enough to provoke dyspnea and provide clues to recognize that their airflow obstruction is becoming progressively worse.

If a patient, for example, experiences a 1% fall in their FEV1 every week, there is no way that the majority of patients with asthma will perceive any change in their asthma control on a week-to-week basis. However, if that process continues unabated, that can amount to a 50% fall in lung function over one year while the patient has not recognized that they're getting worse. Therefore, it is important to realize that when a patient goes to the doctor to be seen, despite their best intentions, they may not give an accurate portrayal of their level of asthma control.

Medscape: So, what are reliable tools to follow a patient's level of asthma control?

Dr. O'Hollaren: There are a number of different tools that have been validated to allow the physician or healthcare provider to more accurately assess asthma control. As per the NIH guidelines, spirometry continues to be extremely helpful in providing an objective guideline for the level of airway obstruction in an asthmatic. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is also being increasingly evaluated as an auxiliary tool to follow airway inflammation. The cost of the equipment to measure exhaled NO has been falling, and may soon be more widely within reach of physicians involved in the care of patients with asthma. In addition, there are several key questions that can be asked to tease out the specific level of asthma control. For example, a general question such as "How are you doing with your asthma?" is next to useless in getting meaningful information regarding a patient's functional status. When a patient is asked such a question, the typical reflex answer would be, "Fine." On the other hand, specific questions such as "Is your asthma waking you up from sleep at night?" or "How often do you need your albuterol during an average week?" or "How much are you able to exercise before needing albuterol or before experiencing shortness of breath?" Those specific questions tend to give far more information about the real level of asthma control.

There have been validated tools developed to assess the level of asthma control for a given patient. One of the most commonly used tools in this category is the Asthma Control Test. This is a 5-question validated questionnaire that allows a patient to score from 1 to 5 on each of 5 questions. So, the maximum score would be 25; the minimum score would be 5. A score of 19 or less on this simplified questionnaire correlates with asthma that is not well controlled when compared with specialist-assessed asthma control, and it also correlates with an FEV1 of less than 80% predicted. This is a simple questionnaire that can be done in a physician's office while the patient is waiting to see the physician.

If the medical assistant or nurse both checks spirometry and has the patient fill out an Asthma Control Test while they're waiting to see the physician, then as the physician enters the room, they have 2 validated tools to accurately assess how a patient is actually doing with their asthma. The Asthma Control Test also provides a quantifiable score for following a chronic disease, which is helpful in the various quality measures that are now being brought forth by Medicare, etcetera. Some physicians choose to ask these specific questions as a part of the history; others use a tool such as the Asthma Control Test. The important point is to go beyond the basic questions such as "How are you doing with your asthma?" and delve into issues such as sleep disturbance, exercise tolerance, and albuterol use. These specific questions are best used in tandem with objective measures of lung function, such as spirometry.

In summary, in order to reliably assess asthma control in an office visit, the physician ideally would like to use an objective measure of lung function such as spirometry and also use specific questions regarding the level of asthma control, as noted above. The combination of both of these approaches will help physicians to more accurately assess asthma control. The level of asthma control has been shown to correlate with subsequent healthcare utilization by asthmatics in the emergency room, hospital, or urgent care setting.

Medscape: What can clinicians do about monitoring the use of rescue medication in asthma?

Dr. O'Hollaren: Frequently there is someone in a medical office who is assigned to handle pharmacy requests for medication refills. One of the simple refill requests for patients with asthma is albuterol. In speaking with groups of pharmacists, it's alarming to me how often they tell me that patients are requesting and receiving 3 and 4 albuterol inhalers at a time, and refilling that number of inhalers every 1 to 2 months. The NIH guidelines suggest that patients whose asthma is well controlled should not need albuterol for treatment of spontaneous dyspnea more than twice weekly. This does not include albuterol taken before exercise.

A typical albuterol canister contains approximately 200 puffs of medication. If the NIH guidelines state that you shouldn't be using more than 2 puffs of albuterol twice per week, or 4 puffs in a week, or roughly one 200 puff canister in a 52-week year. Put another way, if a typical inhaler of albuterol contains 200 puffs, excluding pretreatment for exercise, an albuterol inhaler should last about a year. When you account for exercise pretreatment and the fact that the new HFA [hydrofluoroalkane] albuterol inhalers may not have as long of a shelf life, the average asthmatic should not be needing more than 2 to 3 albuterol inhalers per year. It is alarming if a patient is requesting 2 or 3 albuterol inhalers in a 1- to 2-month period.

It is very helpful if those reviewing requests for albuterol refills note whether or not inhaled corticosteroids or typical controller medications are being refilled at the same time as albuterol. If a patient is refilling only albuterol despite the fact that an inhaled corticosteroid has been prescribed, then the patient has "fallen off the wagon" as far as medication compliance with their controller inhaler. These patients should be contacted or brought in for assessment and education regarding the importance of medication compliance. The NIH guidelines clearly state that if someone needs albuterol more than twice per week (excluding exercise pretreatment) that they should be on a long-term asthma controller such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

In summary, being mindful of how many times a patient with asthma is requesting albuterol refills is important for every medical office, so that indicators of poor asthma control can be recognized and addressed.

Medscape: What do you see as the role of the pharmacist in appropriate asthma management?

Dr. O'Hollaren: I think the pharmacist can play a critical role in helping to identify patients whose albuterol use is spiraling out of control. Frequently, albuterol prescriptions are written with PRN [as needed] refills for a period of 1 year. Albuterol prescriptions, in my view, should never be written in this manner. They should be written for a single or at most 2 albuterol inhalers, with a limited number of refills so that it would trigger a call to the physician's office when those refills are exhausted. This allows some control over the process, so that patients are not going and getting unlimited albuterol refills without knowledge of the treating physician. If the pharmacist sees a pattern of excess albuterol use, I believe that it's very helpful for the pharmacist to call and alert the prescribing physician regarding the number of refills of albuterol that a patient is requesting. The pharmacist can also assess whether or not that patient has been prescribed an inhaled steroid or a controller medication, and whether or not the patient is refilling that prescription.

I sense hesitation on the part of some pharmacists to call a physician's office to alert them in such a situation. However, when I receive such a call, I thank the pharmacist and believe they're playing a critical part in the care of these patients by helping to identify early deterioration in asthma control, often prior to it coming to the attention of the treating physician. In addition, some pharmacies have begun to use the Asthma Control Test to assess the level of asthma control and report those results back to the treating physician. As pharmacists tend to become more involved in helping to maintain the complete health of patients, I think having them as a part of the asthma care team will only improve the quality of care for patients with asthma.

Medscape: Thank you Dr. O'Hollaren for your insights today into asthma control and management. We will continue this discussion in Part 2 of this series.

1-Oct-08 9:00 AM

IN THE NEWS: ASTHMA & ALLERGY

noemail@texasasthma.org — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 GMT

* Researchers have discovered a link between menopause and Adult Onset Asthma. The link is estrogen, a hormone protective of lungs and actively produced in young women of child-bearing years. Menopause reduces or stops the production of estrogen and this estrogen reduction could lead to asthma, especially for thin women. Women that are underweight are four times likely to develop asthma or allergies then women who are in the upper normal weight range. Obesity or being overweight is linked to an increased likelihood of asthma, though. Heavy women have more estrogen which some might think makes them protected from asthma, but obesity is linked to insulin resistance which hurts lung function. Suggestion: remain (become) active, maintain weight levels and discuss hormone replacement options if at risk for asthma.
* Every year approximately 150 people die from anaphylaxis caused by food allergy. The 12 million people with diagnosed food allergies know they have to avoid their food allergens. They must read labels and be vigilant in restaurants yet sometimes food allergens pop-up in unexpected places. Many street food vendors, a common sight at carnivals, state fairs and community celebrations are now using peanut or soybean oil in their fryers instead of trans fats. Vendors are trying to improve health by eliminating the bad fats, yet they’re unknowingly exposing some to serious food allergens that could lead to anaphylaxis. Suggestion: ask vendors at the State Fair and other activities the kind of oil they’re using to fry their wings, corn dogs or snowballs.
* The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that if you had (have) eczema as a child, this might lead to hay fever and/or asthma. Studies of people ages 8 to age 44 who had childhood eczema had twice the incidence of asthma then those who never had eczema. Many physicians aren’t surprised by these findings since they support the “atopic march” theory: a child begins with a food allergy then gets eczema and goes on to hay fever or asthma or both. This is the first study which definitely links eczema to asthma. Treating eczema aggressively may not prevent asthma but usually treating hay fever does reduce asthma risk.
* Are you bothered by sinusitis? Traditional treatments include prescription corticosteroid sprays, nasal sprays or saline irrigation, all effective methods to open clogged sinus cavities so they can drain properly and not become infected. If these methods fail, surgery may be necessary to open sinus cavities by removing bone and nasal tissue, surgery performed under anesthesia and requiring several days to recover. There may be another treatment for some using technology borrowed from methods used to unclog heart arteries. A minimally invasive surgical procedure, a tiny snip under the lip allows the surgeon to place a balloon catheter into the nasal cavity. This balloon expands the passageway and allows excess mucus to drain from the sinuses. The procedure, which is approved by the FDA, is done in a physician’s office under local anesthetic. But don’t rush to your doctor’s office yet. There is a question by many physicians that this procedure could cause nerve and tooth root damage. Most physicians would prefer to wait longer to see what long term effects might be for the 5% of patients who might benefit from this procedure. Suggestion: if you have chronic sinusitis, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for you to open your sinuses and prevent infection.
* Are you trying to be kind to your body, to exercise more and loose weight but every time you venture outdoors to run, jog or walk your allergies go into attack mode and you feel miserable? You’re not alone. In Texas, pollens and molds are active 11 months of the year. Tree pollens thrive January through June, grass pollen season overlaps from April to September, weed pollen season is July to November – just in time for the ragweed season which lasts from August into November or our first heavy frost. Besides pollens, many parts of Texas have very poor air quality and this causes breathing problems and allergy symptoms for many who are chemically sensitive. Suggestion: If you can exercise indoors in a controlled air environment, do so. (gyms, at home, Mall walking, etc). If not, try to exercise outdoors in the evenings when pollen and mold spore counts are much lower. Select an exercise activity that requires shorter bursts of energy rather than sustained activity. Avoid working out or exercising on carpeted or grassy surfaces, instead use mats indoors and look for paved paths away from wooded areas when running. Breathe through your nose rather then your mouth. Nose-breathing helps to filter the air before it gets to the lungs. Warm up at least 10 minutes to allow your lungs and bronchial tubes to also warm up and prevent constriction or tightening. Don’t be afraid to stop exercising if you feel faint or have trouble breathing. If you have a cold or bronchial infection, postpone exercising until you’re over these illnesses. If you have allergies and/or asthma, always discuss your exercise program with your healthcare provider.

Upcoming AAFA-TX programs: 1) Oct. 3, 9-noon, “Asthma Management & Education” a continuing ed. program worth 3 contact hours for nurses, Oklahoma City, OK, Kathleen Conboy-Ellis, instructor. 2) Oct. 4, 9-noon, “Asthma & Allergy Essentials for Childcare Providers” First Baptist Church of Melissa, Mudpies & Lullabies sponsor, Melissa, TX, Darla Theis, instructor 3) October 10 “Asthma & Allergy Essentials for Childcare Providers” Holy Family of Nazareth, Irving, Patty Carlton, instructor. 4) Oct. 13, 8:30 am-11:30 am “Asthma Management & Education” a continuing ed. program worth 3 contact hours for nurses, Corpus Christi, Gwen Carlton, instructor. 5) Nov. 8 “”Walk for Food Allergy: Moving toward a Cure” Bob Woodruff Park, Plano, reg. begins 9 am. Sponsored by FAAN and partnered with AAFA-TX. 6) Nov. 19, 1:30-4:30 pm “Asthma Management & Education” a continuing ed. program worth 3 contact hours for nurses, Albuquerque, NM. Jan Tippett, instructor. Pre-registration required for each nursing program. Contact info@aafatexas.org for more information.

Information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for responsible professional care to diagnose and treat specific symptoms and illness. Any reference to products and procedures is not an endorsement. AAFA-TX and all parties associated with this Bulletin will not be held responsible for any action taken by readers as a result of this Newsletter.

1-Oct-08 9:00 AM

Updated - Healthcare Services for Ike Evacuees

noemail@texasasthma.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Healthcare Services for Ike Evacuees

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) anticipates that federal legislation will be filed to provide relief for uninsured Hurricane Ike evacuees who seek medical care. While HHSC awaits Congressional action, providers should be aware of information that may be necessary to process claims for services provided to uninsured Ike evacuees.
It is important to understand that unless Congress authorizes funds, there is no guarantee that reimbursement will be made available for the treatment of uninsured evacuees. However, in the event that Congress does not authorize funds, HHSC will still need to track the cost of uncompensated care. If an evacuee seeks services, providers should collect the following information:

      Name and Social Security number.
      Citizen status.
        County and Zip Code where evacuee resided before the hurricane
         (see attachment for counties/Zip Codes covered).
      Monthly income.
      Evacuee attestation that they are uninsured.
      Demographics, including:
      Age
      Gender
      Race.
      Household composition, including the following information about people in the
      client’s household:
      Names of others in the household
      Ages of others in the household
      Relationship to client
      FEMA Registration ID Number
      Signature of client.

HHSC will provide more information about when to file claims; what period of time will be covered and other important details regarding reimbursement for providers as soon as Congress acts. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to provide services to the victims of Hurricane Ike and for the work you do to support clients of the Texas Medicaid program.

You can view or update your subscriptions, password or e-mail address at any time on your User Profile Page. All you will need are your e-mail address and your password (if you selected one).
This service is provided to you at no charge by Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Visit us on the web at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/.

P.S. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.

GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission · 4900 North Lamar Blvd · Austin TX 78751 · 1-800-439-1420

29-Sep-08 12:00 PM

Separate Billing for Outpatient Prescriptions and DME

noemail@texasasthma.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:00:00 GMT

The Vendor Drug Program reimburses providers for outpatient prescription drugs only. Drugs administered in the doctor’s office, inpatient hospital, outpatient hospital, or any location other than the client’s home, nursing facility, or extended care facility are not a covered Vendor Drug Program benefit. Physician-administered drugs must be provided by the medical provider at the time of administration.
Pharmacies also may provide durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies to Medicaid clients as appropriate. Reimbursement for DME is different from drug claims; pharmacy providers must enter into a separate written agreement with HHSC, through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP). Download the TMHP Provider Enrollment Application at
www.tmhp.com. Some clients are enrolled in Medicaid managed care health plans and, for those clients, pharmacies must enter into a contract with their individual health plans to be reimbursed for DME and medical supplies.
To learn more about the Vendor Drug Program, please visit:
http://www.txvendordrug.com
You can view or update your subscriptions, password or e-mail address at any time on your User Profile Page. All you will need are your e-mail address and your password (if you selected one).
This service is provided to you at no charge by Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Visit us on the web at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/.

29-Sep-08 12:00 PM

Asthma Attack Kills Plainview Teen

noemail@texasasthma.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Posted: Sep 26, 2008 06:41 PM CDT

Asthma Attack Kills Plainview Teen

An asthma attack took the life of a Plainview boy during a homecoming bonfire Thursday evening. Doctors pronounced 14-year-old Brentod Wooley dead at a Lubbock hospital, after he was airlifted from Plainview.

The Plainview Daily Herald spoke with Wooley's aunt. Bridget Hall tells the paper Wooley has been fighting asthma for years. She says he loved basketball and even with asthma, he still tried to play football.

A love fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. The family is still making funeral arrangements.

29-Sep-08 10:00 AM

The Asthma Friendly Office

noemail@texasasthma.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

/attachments/wysiwyg/539/asthma_friendly_office.pdf

29-Sep-08 0:00 AM

Seeking Members of the Online Network with Experience in Asthma Education!

noemail@texasasthma.org — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:45:00 GMT

The Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments is seeking members of the Online Network with experience in asthma education!

Do you provide patient and family education as part of your asthma care program? Have you overcome challenges in obtaining reimbursement for education conducted by non-physician providers?

Please join a virtual conversation happening now in the Online Network Discussion Forums. Your contribution to the discussion will help others who are facing barriers with asthma education reimbursement and answer questions such as:
• What billing codes are you using for asthma education?

• How much are you billing for/charging?

• Are your claims getting paid?

• What documentation do you use?

This discussion on financing asthma education can be found in the Program Sustainability and Financing Forum or by visiting: http://www.asthmacommunitynetwork.org/forums/Forum5-1.aspx.

To participate in the discussion, simply login to the Online Network and select Discussion Forums from the left menu bar. For guidance on using the discussion forums, click here to access the Discussion Forums Tutorial. Be sure to activate the RSS feature or subscribe to receive e-mail updates so you can follow this discussion in real time.

22-Sep-08 10:45 PM

Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments

noemail@texasasthma.org — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:30:00 GMT

Visit the Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments Online Network to get immediate access to the most comprehensive compendium of asthma management resources!
Take advantage of this one-stop shopping Resource Bank for quick, easy access to hundreds of up-to-date tools and materials!

As part of the transition of the Allies Against Asthma Resource Bank to the Communities in Action Network, resources were updated and catalogued and many are now available for the first time electronically. Search the Resource Bank to find valuable asthma-related materials and resources to assist your program.
Access the Online Network today and discover the features of the Resource Bank, including:
•     Dynamic Resource Rating System
•     Electronic File Download and Upload
•     Advanced Search Options

22-Sep-08 10:30 PM

More Findings On Gene Involved In Childhood Asthma

noemail@texasasthma.org — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:00:00 GMT

ScienceDaily (Sep. 16, 2008) — Asthma researchers have found that a gene variant known to raise the risk of childhood asthma in European children plays a similar role in white American children, but not in African American children.

See also:

Health & Medicine

Reference

The most common chronic illness among children in the developed world, asthma is a complex disease in which a variety of genes are thought to interact with each other and with environmental influences to produce its effects. As in many other genetic diseases, researchers expect that better knowledge of gene associations will pave the way for new treatments and to customizing treatments to each patient's genetic profile.

Researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that variants in the ORMDL3 gene were associated with childhood-onset asthma among U.S. patients of European ancestry. In 2007 a study team based in Europe had identified the ORMDL3 gene, located on chromosome 17, as contributing to childhood asthma among British and German children.

The current study, from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, appeared as a brief online report Aug. 29 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

"We replicated the European findings among American children, and showed that the gene plays a role in asthma of any severity level," said study leader and pediatric pulmonologist Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Applied Genomics at Children's Hospital. "The previous group had detected the association of ORMDL3 with asthma by examining families having two or three members with severe disease."

Furthermore, said Hakonarson, "Through the testing of additional markers, our data suggest that other genes outside the region occupied by ORMDL3 might have important roles in raising susceptibility to asthma." His group plans further studies to further refine this and other regions.

Drawing on patients from the Children's Hospital network, the study team analyzed DNA from 807 white children with asthma, compared to 2,583 white children without the disease. Another cohort consisted of African American children, of whom 1,456 had asthma and 1,973 were healthy controls. The researchers used highly automated gene-scanning equipment at Children's Hospital's Center for Applied Genomics, the largest pediatric genotyping program in the world.

"Because asthma is a very heterogeneous disease, the genes involved in childhood-onset asthma may be very different from those involved in asthma that first appears in adults," said Hakonarson. "Furthermore, the biological mechanisms by which genetic variants contribute to asthma are not well understood. However, we will continue our investigations, to shed light on how we might use genetic knowledge to develop more effective treatments for this common disease. These treatments will be a form of personalized medicine, better tailored to the genetic makeup of the individual patient."

An Institute Development Award from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia supported this research. Hakonarson's co-authors, all from Children's Hospital, included Patrick M.A. Sleiman, Ph.D., Julian Allen, M.D., Jonathan Spergel, M.D., Ph.D., Robert Grundmeier, M.D., Ph.D., Michael M. Grunstein, M.D., Ph.D., and Mark Magnusson, M.D. Hans Bisgaard, M.D., from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, also collaborated.

Adapted from materials provided by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

22-Sep-08 10:00 PM

Hospital Admission for Asthma Diagnosis Totals More than $1.3 Billion

noemail@texasasthma.org — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: 10:00 a.m. CST, May 6, 2008 Kim Davis Executive Director (210) 365-0172 HOSPITAL ADMISSION FOR ASTHMA DIAGNOSIS TOTALS MORE THAN $1.3 BILLION Texas Asthma Plan Hopes to Reduce Burden in Texas (AUSTIN, TX) -- On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, The Asthma Coalition of Texas, in partnership with Senator Leticia Van de Putte (D – San Antonio), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the American Association for Respiratory Care, kicked off National Asthma Awareness Month with a World Asthma Day Rally and the release of the 2007-2010 Texas Asthma Plan – A Statewide Strategic Plan Guiding Asthma Activities Across Texas held at the state capitol building. An estimated 1.5 million adults and 389,000 children living in Texas reported having an asthma diagnosis,...

UTMB School of Nursing

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Childrens Medical Center

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:50:03 GMT

Jacqueline Gross

Me

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:23:34 GMT

I have asthma since I was 2 years old. Later it been out for control and I now have a mounting debt. I am looking for a second job. My expenses food, gas, electrical, and other bills that are through the roof. I rent an apartment. I been try to get help but I have receive not. Is there originations that will help get on my feet. I started receive report and update this last week. I do not qualify for any government programs. Are there any other programs that I missing. I contact my state represents and senators and only one tried to help but found that I do not quantified for anything. The represent told me I speak with my doctor and apply for disability. How does that improve my problem. I also contacted United Way and Lulca and they did not help me. I contacted goodwill but they did not response and I called Texas 2-1-1 program but all I get is a run around. I contact the governor office and they send I letter state that some from the Texas Health and Human Services would...

AstraZeneca

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:31:58 GMT

Hemi Ahluwalia
hemi.ahluwalia@astrazeneca.com

16937 CR 15

Tyler, TX 75703

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (Pediatric Clinic)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:27:18 GMT

LUIS ROBLES
luis.robles@amedd.army.mil

168 Laura Dr.

Killeen, Texas 76549

(254) 535-0940

Pflugerville ISD

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:44:06 GMT

Susan Franzetti
susan.franzetti@pflugervilleisd.net

1401 West Pecan

Pflugerville, Texas 78653

512.594.0127

Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, School of Rural Public Health

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:56:05 GMT

Genny Carrillo Zuniga
gcarrillo@srph.tamhsc.edu

Mothers for Clean Air / GHASP

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:04:36 GMT

Cynthia Brum
cdbrum@ghasp.org

3100 Richmond Ave., Ste. 309

Houston, TX 77098

713-528-3779

Children's Medical Center of Dallas

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:02:06 GMT

Robin Luffy
robin.luffy@childrens.com

1935 Medical District Drive

Dallas, TX 75235

(214) 456-2853

City of Plano

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:10:48 GMT

Melissa Baird
melissab@plano.gov

4200 W. Plano Pkwy

Plano, Texas 75093

(972) 769-4132

Our Vision - Texans with Asthma Will Realize Optimal Health and Quality of Life

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:42:37 GMT

Welcome to the home of the Asthma Coalition of Texas. We invite you to take a look around, make yourself at home and feel free to send us feedback on our new home. We look forward to hearing from you! In 2006 in the state of Texas, the inpatient hospitalization charges associated with asthma totaled over $391 million. That is a staggering rate of over $12 per second. Most of these hospitalizations were preventable with proper asthma management. Register NOW! 2008 Asthma Coalition of Texas Annual Meeting Make your plans to join us at the 2008 Asthma Coalition of Texas Annual Meeting. The meeting will feature presentations on health disparities and asthma, health literacy, Patient Self-Management Strategies, Crafting your Legislative Message, Asthma and Indoor Air Quality, the Value of Certification as an asthma educator and the process for reimbursement, as well as the opportunity to network with your colleagues from across Texas. The meeting will take place September...

Local Asthma Coalitions

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:38:19 GMT

The Asthma Coalition of Texas is a strong supporter of local asthma coalitions throughout Texas. For more information about a Coalition in your area, please visit the local coalitions web page. If you are interested in starting a local coalition in your area, please contact us TexasAsthma@aol.com Central Texas Asthma Coalition Contact: Steve Conti 512-324-3321, sconti@seton.org Coastal Bend Asthma Initiative Contact: Janie Pequeno, 361-694-6006, Janie.Pequeno@dchstx.org Julie Teat, 361-904-0955 ext 2126, jteat@valencehealth.com Dallas Asthma Consortium Contact: Anne Crowther, 214-456-4789, anne.crowther@childrens.com East Texas Asthma Coalition Contact: Paul Sharkey, 903-566-0278, Paul.Sharkey@uthct.edu El Paso Asthma and Allergy Coalition Contact: Yvonne Banegas, 915-577-6992, negasrt@sbcglobal.net Respira (Laredo) Contact: Gladys Keene, 956-712-0037, respira@grandecom.net South Texas Asthma Coalition Contact: Debra Long, 210-704-2465,...

Asthma Data Links

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:39:12 GMT

• Asthma Mortality   This site provides information about asthma mortality within a three-year period (1995-97) through maps of the continental U.S. For each state and population subgroup the total number of deaths was aggregated into the Health Service Areas (HSAs). From any map of the continental US, users can click within a state to see a more detailed description of the HSAs within the state. (Note: some HSAs comprise more than one state) This site is useful in identifying disparities in asthma mortality and health-care resources and utilization at the local level.  • Asthma In America : Texas Results  In 1998, a large comprehensive survey about public, patient and health care providers' attitudes and beliefs towards asthma was conducted by a research firm specializing in health issues, and was funded by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. In addition to the national sample of asthma patients (or parents of patients), regional samples, including the state of Texas,...

Patient Resources - Helpful Links

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:19:57 GMT

National Asthma Education Program information for the lay public Information available in English and Spanish. My Asthma Site developed by Protocol Driven Healthcare, Inc. (PDHI), a private corporation. Basic facts about asthma and human interest stories. Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics Information regarding low cost educational products and equipment for asthma Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Information on purchasing asthma education booklets and tools. Asthma Center - Help for Asthmatic Kids An easily navigated asthma site. This site calculates peak flow ranges automatically when a personal best is entered and a colored action plan can then be printed out. There is also a nice symptom diary that can be printed out. National Safety Council Environmental Health Center This site has wonderful graphics. The language is very easy to understand. This site seems to be directed towards the asthmatic patient. There is curriculum manual (English and...

Tools for Your Practice

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:40:06 GMT

User-friendly PEFR Chart for Asthma Action Plan
(pdf format) (Developed by Dr. Stanislau Ting)

Asthma Home Environment Checklist:
Tool for assessment of the home environment developed by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Health Disparities Collaboratives Asthma Resource Manual
(pdf file): this collaborative (funded by the Bureau of Primary Health Care, HRSA, DHHS) is a national effort to improve health outcomes for all medically underserved people with chronic diseases. The Asthma Resource Manual provides complete information about changing health care systems to improve asthma care.

Reviewed 8/07

*Disclaimer:
The Asthma Coalition of Texas (ACT) is not responsible for the content of the specific websites listed below and does not monitor other websites for accuracy. Each link posted below has been reviewed on the date listed.

These links may take you to a website that may have different privacy, security, and accessibility policies than the ACT website. Posting of these links does not imply endorsement or support of any specific programs, products, or services.

Environmental Resources - Helpful Links

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:38:46 GMT

Indoor Air Quality Sites Healthy Indoor Air Program was developed to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers on how to get a handle on indoor air quality in their homes through education on health risks. Also provides control measures related to common residential indoor air problems. Help Yourself to a Healthy Home Very good manual to identify environmental hazards in the home. Easy to read for lay audiences. Includes advice on: lead, carbon monoxide, asthma triggers, pesticides, household cleaners, and many more useful tips. US Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality - Tools For Schools The Tools for School sections include successful outcomes in schools (health benefits and costs savings), research on IAQ and schools (cost savings, performance, and health effects), mold, asthma and a detailed reference section. Health House - Raising the Standard for Healthy Environments The Health House project is a national education program created...

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Hospital Admission for Asthma Diagnosis Totals More than $1.3 Billion

UTMB School of Nursing

Childrens Medical Center

Me

AstraZeneca

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (Pediatric Clinic)

Pflugerville ISD

Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, School of Rural Public Health

Mothers for Clean Air / GHASP

Children's Medical Center of Dallas

City of Plano

Our Vision - Texans with Asthma Will Realize Optimal Health and Quality of Life

Local Asthma Coalitions

Asthma Data Links

Patient Resources - Helpful Links

Tools for Your Practice

Environmental Resources - Helpful Links

Nancy Otto, PharmD; Mark T. O'Hollaren, MD
Author Information