Ask Amy: Facility Fees added to Houstonians’ medical bills
We know a lot of you are paying more for your medical bills with added ‘facility fees’. Some seeing hundreds of dollars in charges above your co-pay. Investigator Amy Davis has heard from a lot of you about these fees after the KPRC 2 Investigation earlier this month. In this week’s Ask Amy episode, Amy talked to experts about these fees and what you can do about it.
‘It’s absolutely outrageous’: Houston resident charged surprise $400 ‘facility fee’ after doctor visit
Unexpected, unexplained fees are driving up the cost of doctor visits for families across Houston. We are talking hundreds of dollars in charges above your co-pay. They’re called “facility fees,” and patients are told days or weeks after their appointments they have to pay up. KPRC 2 Investigator Amy Davis is looking into these facility fees and getting answers for people who are worried about their own bills.
Houston Lakewood Church shooting suspect endangered family several times, woman’s ex-mother-in-law says
The paternal grandmother of the 7-year-old child injured in the Lakewood Church shooting spoke to KPRC 2′s Corley Peel on Tuesday and shared more about the shooting suspect’s reported mental health issues.
Texas volunteers reflect on HeartGift medical mission trip to Bolivia to heal children’s hearts
An all-volunteer medical mission team, made up of 30 people, traveled over 4,000 miles to Bolivia to save children with congenital heart defects. Two of those volunteers shared their experience on KPRC 2 News Today at 10.
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Why one family moved to Houston to treat daughter’s histiocytosis
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease of white blood cells in which an overabundance of abnormal dendritic cells causes damage to the skin, bone, and other organs, according to Texas Children’s Hospital.
What’s Going Around? COVID and strep throat hitting kids headed back to school
At Texas Children’s Hospital, doctors said there are currently hospitalized babies with RSV and COVID.While CVS MinuteClinic practitioners say the main viruses driving patients into their clinics are COVID and strep throat.
Child found unharmed after mother killed in murder-suicide outside Texas Children’s Hospital-west campus, HPD says
A woman has died after being shot by a suspect who then turned gun on himself in the parking lot of Texas Children’s Hospital in west Harris County, according to the Houston Police Department.
Judge Lina Hidalgo announces Harris County Public Health will start distributing vaccine for kids under 5
Judge Hidalgo provided an update Thursday on Harris County’s distribution of the recent FDA-authorized pediatric vaccines with Texas Children’s Hospital and Harris County Public Health Department.
Houston’s major health institutions forming study to determine how to prevent children from having ongoing seizures
To study the best way to administer the seizure medication, midazolam, so that fewer children arrive at emergency departments with an ongoing seizure: Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Houston Fire Department Emergency Services, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and UT Health are forming a study called PediDOSE to determine the best way to stop them.
WATCH LIVE: Mayor Sylvester Turner visits family COVID-19 vaccine clinic at GRB
Texas Children's Hospital has opened appointments for children ages 5 and up to receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine beginning Saturday, Nov. 6, pending emergency use authorization and final sign-offs from the FDA, CDC and State next week.
Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys names new sandwich after Houston’s Dr. Peter Hotez
Dr. Peter Hotez takes part in Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys ‘H-Town Originals’ initiative, crafting his own sandwich to help raise funds to support vaccine development at Texas Children’s Hospital. In collaboration with Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, Houston’s Dr. Peter Hotez has created the next ‘H-Town Originals’ sandwich to raise funds to support vaccine development at Texas Children’s Hospital. Antone’s ‘H-Town Originals’ initiative invites local celebrities and chefs to create their own sandwiches to be sold at the restaurant, which will raise proceeds for particular causes and organizations. AdAntone’s will be donating 50% of the proceeds earned from its ‘H-Town Originals’ sandwich with Hotez to support the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital. His work has been and will continue to be life-changing for millions,” CEO of Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, Craig Lieberman said.
Texas Children’s Hospital begins vaccinating teens with chronic, underlying health conditions
HOUSTON – A major effort is underway by Texas Children’s Hospital to vaccinate young teens and adolescents with chronic and underlying health conditions. It may require advanced critical care,” said Dr. Jim Versalovic, the Interim Pediatrician in Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital. Hospital leaders with Texas Children’s said they have already identified more than 85,000 patients who would be eligible through their equitable allocation framework and under the State’s 1B plan which includes those 16 and older with chronic and underlying health conditions. AdAs the country’s largest pediatric health care system, leaders with Texas Children’s said it is more important than ever to get the message out. So far, more than 5,500 patients who were eligible have already been vaccinated at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Houston Texans, Texas Children’s Hospital select 4 local healthcare heroes to attend Super Bowl LV
HOUSTON – The Houston Texans and Texas Children’s Hospital announced that they have selected four local healthcare workers to attend the Super Bowl LV as their guest in Tampa Bay on Sunday. The healthcare heroes were selected based on their “unwavering commitment to their community throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” according to a release. The four workers, among other selected care workers who’ve been invited by NFL clubs, will participate in several Super Bowl LV activities at Raymond James Stadium. Those chosen to attend Super Bowl LV in celebration of their dedication include Kaitlin Hernandez, a respiratory therapist, Bhumi Patel, a registered nurse, Matthew Rivera, a registered nurse, and Dr. Matthew Pesek, a medical director for the pediatric intensive care unit at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. AdThe invitation will include a roundtrip flight on United Airlines, a two-night hotel accommodation, a Texans travel kit and Super Bowl LV Draft Experience, Gameday Tailgate and a ticket to the game.
As COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Texas’ hard-hit border areas, experts warn vaccinated people could still spread virus
Some 15,600 doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine arrived at hospitals on Tuesday in El Paso and Edinburg, and more will land in Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville and El Paso later this week. El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said he’s concerned about community spread continuing as the vaccine begins to be administered. The pandemic has disproportionately affected El Paso and Hidalgo counties compared to areas of similar or larger sizes in Texas. As of Wednesday, there had been more than 91,000 cases recorded in El Paso County, the fourth-highest total in the state. This is an exciting time,” said Mielke, the University Medical Center of El Paso spokesperson.
Houston hospitals ready and waiting to receive Pfizer vaccine
HOUSTON – Houston Methodist Hospital, UTMB in Galveston, Ben Taub, Memorial Herman, and Texas Children’s Hospital all say they plan to begin vaccinations next week. “Our personnel are ready to accept vaccines as early as this weekend, should it arrive, but we probably anticipate it arriving on Monday or Tuesday,” said Roberta Schwartz, executive VP of Houston Methodist. Memorial Hermann said with two effective vaccines likely coming to their doorstep, they’ll eventually be able to vaccinate every employee. Key dates:- Dec. 14 is when the state says they could begin rolling out the Pfizer vaccine to hospitals. AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are two other companies that could be following close behind them but they have yet to apply for EUA.
These Houston-area hospitals are set to receive the coronavirus vaccine first
The Houston-area’s first batch of the coronavirus vaccine will include 59,475 doses of the inoculation, state health authorities announced last week. Greg Abbott said that the state would receive its first allotment of the vaccine — approximately 1.4 million doses from the drug makers Pfizer and Moderna — beginning in mid-December, pending federal approval. 21 hospitals in Harris County, four in Montgomery County, one in Galveston County and one in Fort Bend County were selected to receive the vaccine. “I intend to take the vaccine and I intend to get vaccinated in a very public way. Here’s a list of the local hospitals set to receive the state’s first allocation of the vaccine.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Oct. 14
Here are things to know for Wednesday, Oct. 14:1. ‘They’re threatening to kill me and my kids:’ Houston woman seen kicking dog in viral video tells her side of storyThe Houston woman seen in a viral video kicking and punching a yelping dog said the dog, which is not hers, had just attacked her 5-year-old son. Harris County sets record for turnout on first day of early votingVoters in Harris County shattered records for turnout Tuesday on the first day of early voting. The record for highest day turnout during early voting was broken after 4 p.m. when the number passed the 100,000 mark. The previous record of 100,005 was set in 2016 on the last day of early voting.
Man, 25, sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl in Tomball
TOMBALL, Texas – A 25-year-old man was sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Tomball on Jan. 21, 2018, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Glenis Dionicio Cordova-Lopez, also known as Fernando Lopez, was sentenced Monday for aggravated assault of a child. “I want to thank the first Harris County jury since COVID began for showing up, listening to the testimony, reviewing all the evidence, and finding a sexual predator guilty,” Ogg said. “I am glad his victim knows that she was believed and that he will serve a long prison sentence for his crimes against her. The girl reported the assault to family members and was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital where she was examined, according to prosecutors.
Court rules in favor of Texas Children’s Hospital in Baby Nick case, final decision to be made Monday
The 14th court of appeals denied the family’s motion, saying there was not enough evidence to rule in favor of baby Nick, the attorney said Friday afternoon. According to the court of appeals, three judges found “no error” in the initial decision that Judge Roth made on Oct. 2 and rules in favor of Texas Children’s Hospital Friday evening. He said, currently, baby Nick is not being given the nutrients he needs to help his heart continue beating. Baby Nick was rushed to the hospital on September 24 after he was found unresponsive in a bathtub. A doctor with Texas Children’s Hospital said that Nick’s brain is not working and that his lungs and kidneys are not functioning.
Appeals court rules in favor of Baby Nick’s family to keep him on life support longer
HOUSTON – An appeals court ruled Monday in favor of Baby Nick Torres' family, allowing the family to keep him on life support for longer. Baby Nick was rushed to the hospital on September 24 after he was found unresponsive in a bathtub. A judge gave Nick’s parents and lawyer, Kevin Acevedo, until 6 p.m. Monday for the court of appeals to review the case and the motion. At 3 p.m. Monday, Acevedo held a press conference and said after they filed emergency appeals, they had not yet heard from the appeals court. Watch his full press conference below:WATCH LIVE: Attorney speaks after Baby Nick's family files an emergency appeal Monday to keep him alive.
Bill O’Brien fired by Texans: “We didn’t do enough to get it done”
HOUSTON – The Bill O’Brien era is officially over in Houston. McNair didn’t feel a turnaround would occur unless he gave O’Brien, the teams General Manager since January, his walking papers which he did on an afternoon phone call to O’Brien. Associate Head Coach Romeo Crennel was tabbed by McNair as the Texans Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. Here are some of the top quotes from the now former Texans GM and Head Coach. I will leave here with very fond memories of the Houston Texans organization.
Texas family drives 2 hours, supports from parking lot while 16-year-old battles COVID-19 at Texas Children’s Hospital
HOUSTON – One Texas family is not giving up on seeing their loved one at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. This health battle has been tough for the Swearingen family. One Texas family is not giving up on seeing their loved one at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. At Texas Children’s our highest priority is the health and safety of those we serve. We need our families' assistance and support in protecting our patients, families and caregivers by following our visitation restrictions.
Texas Children Hospital notifies patients of data security incident
HOUSTON – Texas Children’s Hospital is notifying its patients of a data security incident involving one of its vendors, the hospital announced in a release Monday. Blackbaud said it has no reason to believe the attackers have another copy of the hospital’s database or released the data publicly. As soon as Texas Children’s Hospital was notified, they mailed its patients who were affected by the security incident. Texas Children’s investigation determined that certain free text fields in the database may have contained certain patients' names, dates of birth, department(s) of service, treating physician, and/or limited clinical information. Importantly, no patients' Social Security Numbers or financial records were involved in this incident," according to a release by the hospital.
New study warns of possible link of pregnant women spreading COVID-19 to newborns
HOUSTON A new study suggests expecting moms can possibly pass the coronavirus to their unborn babies. The study looked at 31 women in Italy that had COVID-19 and later gave birth. Out of these 31 different women, there were three instances that were suspicious for having transmitted SARS-COV-2 from mom to baby, said Dr. Kjersti Aagaard. Some sort of transmission at very low levels, so rare instances, might be occurring but it wasnt conclusive, she said. We and other people have published that there is a risk of stillbirth that occurs with moms, who are sick with COVID-19 disease.
Leaders of Houston’s 4 largest hospitals say capacity is in good shape as coronavirus cases increase
HOUSTON – Leaders from the four largest hospital systems in Houston said Thursday that they are in good shape to handle a surge of coronavirus patients if it happens. Still, CEOs from four leading hospitals in the medical center say they’re prepared to handle surge capacity. Houston hospital leaders discuss capacity Houston-area hospital leaders are discussing capacity at their facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the hospitals in the Texas Medical Center are equipped to deal with a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations. “What they are showing is an increase in cases, increase in hospitalizations, increase in intensive care unit stays, and an increase in deaths for the next couple of months,” he said.
Texas Children’s Hospital now admitting adults as other area hospitals prepare to ‘activate surge plans'
HOUSTON – To help create additional capacity for adult hospitals in the Houston area, Texas Children’s Hospital is now admitting adults, a spokesperson said. Other hospitals in Greater Houston are prepared to “activate surge plans.”COVID-19 hospitalizations in Texas have more than doubled in the last month, Gov. “There is a limit to the number of hospital beds that we currently have and hospitals are seriously considering activating their surge plans,” Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse said. A surge plan is an emergency plan to expand available ICU beds above normal maximum capacities. “When challenged with those surge plans, (which) are very resource-intensive, and that’s probably not something they would be able to do for a long period of time,” Persse said.
Texas Children’s Hospital employees to receive $500 stipend amid coronavirus pandemic
HOUSTON – Texas Children’s Hospital is giving all employees separate checks this Friday with a special stipend of $500 for those working full-time and $250 for those working part-time, president and CEO Mark A. Wallace announced. Wallace said he wants to honor the “dedication and commitment” of employees for the professional and personal sacrifices they have made while working to take care of patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The next few days, weeks, and months will be critical, and we are going to face some incredible challenges. As such, all employees will receive a separate check this Friday with a special stipend of $500 for those working full-time, and $250 for those working part-time. You are the heart and soul of everything we do at Texas Children’s, and I simply cannot thank you enough for the support you’re providing, wherever you may be.