Things Health Providers in NYC should know during COVID-19

Wondering what health providers in NYC should know as COVID-19 cases continue to increase?

 As of May 14, 2020, the state of New York tested over 1 million persons tested with 340,661 testings positive; with 193,663 cases in New York City. To help patients and themselves, NYC health providers must stay informed and up to date with COVID-19 trends and guidelines.

How the State is Tracking COVID numbers

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)  COVID-19 Tracker, allows providers to examine COVID-19 trends, testing availability, disparities, and how the testing is being performed. Health providers should use this interactive map to keep up to date on cases and hospitalization rates.

Testing and Collection Site

As of May 7th, five new drive-through testing locations (Niagara, Erie, Broome, Monroe, and Oneida County) in the state opened. Patients may come to providers with questions on where to get tested or access to testing sites. Do your patients have questions about testing?

Health providers patient-response to serology and testing questions

• Diagnostic testing? They can call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or Visit the NYSDOH’s screening website.  The testing requires appointment individuals who fit the state priority category to screened for eligibility. 
• FDA has authorized home-based specimen but these are not yet in New York State.
• The Health Advisory on COVID-19 provided a sheet to answer patient and community questions on serology assay.

Information on Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS)

Recently, New York City put out a health alert after identifying 15 cases in their pediatric intensive care units. As of May 14, officials are investigating  102 cases of PMIS. Providers must report suspected cases to the State Health Departments of anyone under the age of 21 who may have symptoms i.e rash, fever, and a minimum of one-history of subjective or objective fever and hospitalization.  New York City has launched a campaign to inform guardians about PMIS, including symptoms, and ways to connect with pediatricians. 

Resource: Fact Sheet, Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome  (NYC Health)

Guidelines for COVID-19, Therapeutics, and Reopening Strategies

 Looking for updates, trial information, and/or resource guidelines? Here are some guidelines for Health Providers:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines
• The National Institutes of Health has published interim guidelines for the medical management of COVID-19
• Hospital Resources for COVID-19
• Infectious Diseases Society of America(ISDA) COVID-19 Guidelines for Clinicians
• CDC Collection and Testing Guidelines
• Regional Dashboard for reopening strategies and safety strategies identified

Reminder: New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through the NY State of Health through June 15, 2020. They must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.

Health Providers Adjusting to Telehealth

There’s been a shift to telehealth, and communication even as the city slowly reopens. Providing care through virtual appointments allows providers to ensure the health of patients and themselves. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS) have implemented new policies to ensure safe and easy transitions into telemedicine. CMS will temporarily pay clinicians, providing telehealth services to patients across the country and recommending free to low-cost telehealth platforms; allowing for better communication between patients and health providers.  

Here are some useful Telehealth resources:

• Guidance for Medicaid Providers 
• Using Telehealth to Care for Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• CARES Act: AMA COVID-19 pandemic telehealth fact sheet

Want more in-depth information? Check out the New York State Health department weekly webinar. The webinar keeps health providers up to date with information about COVID-19 outbreaks in NYS. The weekly health update happens every Thursday between 1-2 pm; includes questions on patient care, locations of testing, wellness of providers, etc.  From updates on available molecular assays, Hydroxychloroquine (as of May 14, 2020), reopening strategies, Provider wellness, and more. Health providers should utilize the webinar and submit any comments, questions, or concerns you may have about COVID19.