HPV vaccine's cost turning into key issue: State medical association cites potential toll on doctors' finances in opposing order.

Byline: Janet Elliott

Feb. 15--AUSTIN -- The high cost of the vaccine that protects against a sexually transmitted virus linked to cervical cancer is becoming a key issue in opposition to Gov. Rick Perry's order that schoolgirls receive the shots. The Texas Medical Association opposes the mandatory use of the human papillomavirus vaccine partly because of it's effect on doctors' finances. Perry's mandate has the potential to increase doctor's revenue -- which will be taxed by the state for the first time next year -- but not necessarily their profit, said TMA spokesman Brent Annear. He explained that doctors expect to be reimbursed by insurance companies only…