MESSAGE FROM STATE HEALTH OFFICER DR. CATHY SLEMP RE COVID-19 TESTING INFO ON ALF and CCC

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Bureau for Public Health

Commissioner’s Office

Dear Healthcare Providers: 

Increasingly, testing capacity for COVID-19 is expanding in state and through the commercial sector.  Recently, there have been a few large-scale testing initiatives in West Virginia in support of reopening (childcare staff testing) as well as those aimed at protecting and better understanding disease (symptomatic and asymptomatic) among highly vulnerable populations (nursing homes and assisted living facilities).   I write to share information on current vulnerable population-based testing initiatives you may be contacted about, specifically testing for childcare providers and residents/staff of assisted living facilities.  

 

Governor Jim Justice recently issued Executive Order 35-20 that requires testing of childcare staff as well as residents/staff at assisted living facilities. The assisted living facility plan for complying with Executive Order 35-20 will utilize state coordinated resources to support locally driven operational plans. A copy of the statewide testing guidance of assisted living facilities is available HERE.  Guidance on testing and expanding/reopening of childcare services is available HERE.

 

As a healthcare provider, you may be asked to place the order for this testing. The testing (and any care that results from such) is covered under the individual’s insurance based on the CARES Act. If the person is uninsured, they are eligible for testing at no cost through Medicaid.  An FAQ for insurance issues, including issues relating to uninsured is available HERE.

 

Each center will identify different strategies for testing. Below are a few examples of how the orders may be placed: 

 

·      The staff or facility may contact the individual’s primary care provider to place an order for COVID-19 testing. If they do, consider using the following codes:

o  If the patient is ASYMPTOMATIC: Z11.59 - no symptoms of COVID-19 unknown if they have been exposed to the virus. 

o  If the patient is SYMPTOMATIC: U07.1 COVID-19 presumptive positive COVID-19 test result.

·      Orders for testing may be coordinated and placed through the Local Health Officer. 

·      Some facilities may work with local federally qualified health centers (FQHC) to coordinate ordering and perform testing. 

·      Facilities who have a Medical Director may coordinate ordering and testing for their facility through that healthcare provider.   

 

Simultaneous with these population-based initiatives and the reopening of many healthcare services, it is important to also increase testing for those with symptoms of COVID-19.  Testing through most commercial and diagnostic labs can now be done based on clinical judgement and lab supply availability.  Commercial laboratories that you have agreements with can often provide collection supplies.  The Bureau for Public Health is also working to increase specimen collection supply availability through the public and private sector in the next several weeks as well. 

 

Thank you for your ongoing dedicated care during this pandemic. Please send any questions on the childcare or assisted living efforts to dhhrbphcommand@wv.gov.