Health Care

The top of a building called The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas terminates Medicare Advantage agreement with MD Anderson

MD Anderson said it was notified via a letter from BCBSTX earlier this year.

A dimly lit, empty doctor's office with an examination chair, a few regular chairs and a monitor on a desk

Health

Texas’ abortion laws are straining the OB/GYN workforce, new study shows

More doctors are considering leaving or retiring early, while fewer medical students are applying to obstetrics and gynecology residencies in Texas.

A photo of an African American male barber giving a haircut to another man.

Health

At local barbershops, clients leave with a haircut and health screenings

Olivia Aldridge

The Black Men's Health Clinic has partnered with local barbers to be health ambassadors, working to connect clients with primary care services.

In this photo, one gloved hand is administering a fingertip blood test to another, ungloved hand. A vial is filling with a small amount of blood.

Health

An Austin company is marketing finger-prick blood tests, years after Theranos’ failure

Olivia Aldridge

BetterWay blood testing is part of a growing field of companies striving to carve out a niche in the blood testing industry.

A photo of a group of Central Health board members attending a meeting of the organization.

Austin

Central Health asks Travis County for time to respond to new audit report

Olivia Aldridge

The independent performance review reported no wrongdoing or "significant deficiencies" by the health care district but included some recommended financial oversight reforms.

Leaders from Integral Care, including CEO Jeff Richardson, center with scissors, and other community organizations celebrate the opening of the new youth crisis respite center.

Health

Mental health center opens for Austin teens in crisis

Olivia Aldridge

The respite center will serve as an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for youth navigating times of crisis.

Health

Central Health sends 2025 fiscal year budget to Travis County for final approval

Olivia Aldridge

The county's public hospital district doubles its investment in direct health care services in the proposed budget.

Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas at a hurricane recovery news conference in July. In August, Abbott issued an executive order about the cost of health care for undocumented migrants.

Politics

Abbott order will require Texas public hospitals to collect patients’ immigration status

Asad Jung

The executive order from the Texas governor will require these hospitals to track the cost of care for undocumented migrants, in order for the state to push for federal reimbursement.

Photo of a brightly-colored building. On one side is a sign for a thrift store, and on the other is a sign for a clinic and pharmacy.

Health

At a new Austin clinic, you can get tested for HIV or thrift a new sweater

Olivia Aldridge

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation's new “all-in-one” clinic, offers primary care, STI testing, case management and pharmacy services. Also on site is the Out of the Closet Thrift Store, where 96 cents of every dollar earned will go towards HIV prevention and treatment in the Austin area.

In this photo, a group of county leaders cut the ribbon in front of the entrance of a clinic.

Health

Central Health opens Rosewood-Zaragosa clinic, expanding specialty care in East Austin

Olivia Aldridge

The renovated historic clinic originally served as a neighborhood health center in the 1980s.