As a physician in the network, where do I find up-to-date information on the current rates of infection and recommendations for screening?
All physicians have been directed to key up-to-date official sources of information (either internally or externally), particularly to the following websites:
How should I prepare my office for the COVID-19 pandemic?
All physicians in the network have been provided with recommended processes on how to organize their offices (either internal or external recommendations)
CDC Website:
Who is at risk for COVID-19 and for whom should I be recommending testing?
Both the CDC and DSHS use a very specific algorithm for determining who should be tested. The current recommendations are found on the following websites:
Identifying the risk factors for severe disease continues to emerge as more information about the virus is known. The CDC continues to assert clinical judgement from providers should be paramount, and lists that individuals with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease) and in an immunocompromised state are at higher risk.
Whom do I call if have questions about testing and managing patients at risk for COVID-19? Reporting potential patient – persons under investigation (PUI)?
- THR has a hotline available for physicians in the network that has been distributed to all THPG physicians for questions and reporting PUI. Texas Health Clinician COVID-19 Hotline at 682-236-2101
- CAP physicians have been given the THR hotline for questions. A UTSW solution for CAP physicians is forthcoming.
- CAP Physicians reporting PUI - DSHS has posted the following list of Local Health Entities and phone numbers for questions and reporting of PUI: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/
Should my clinic be testing patients?
- The CDC currently recommends following the recommendations for testing based on criteria outlined in the algorithm. Strict isolation and clean-up protocols must be followed which most clinics are not equipped to follow.
- Current information from the CDC about testing can be found at the following websites: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/Factsheet-for-Healthcare-Providers-2019-nCoV.pdf
- If I suspect a patient is likely to have COVID-19 and meets criteria or testing, where can I send the patient
- THPG and UTSW physicians are instructed to follow their internal processes.
- CAP Physicians: A list of all THR facilities and respective ER phone numbers have been sent to CAP providers so that physicians can call ahead to let them know that a patient is being sent in based on criteria for testing. Their protocols will be provided to the caller at the time of the call. UTSW’s solution is forthcoming.
Are there drive-through COVID-19 testing centers for in DFW yet for widespread testing? I see this on the news in other parts of the country.
Drive-through testing centers are emerging across DFW. The local health departments continue to recommend following the CDC algorithm for testing.
- Parkland: by appointment, Parkland patients only, physician order (as of 3/16/2020)
What are the current recommendations for prevention?
I want to continue to care for patients. How can I do this?
- Telemedicine (video visits) is a viable option.
- THR has implemented this as an option for THPG providers; UTSW is currently piloting this as an option for its physicians.
- CAP Physicians: Several CAP providers have telemedicine in place. The Network Operations team is available to help facilitate this as an option.
- Telephone (non-video) is a viable option during national emergency. TMB released on 3/13/2020 the following statement: http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/dl/920E0677-1BAF-C306-781B-A570AD6795A1
- Can I bill for this?
- SWHR is currently working with our payers to identify if any barriers exist and the documentation requirements.
- Can this be used for more than COVID-19 calls? Chronic disease management?
- Acute care calls? Per the TMB release, telephone calls can be used for care viewed as appropriate by physicians during this national emergency. SWHR is currently working with our payers to identify if any barriers exist and the documentation requirements.
