Expanded COVID-19 TESTING
Based on current and projected supplies for collection of specimens, lab reagents, and testing kits, we have expanded testing guidelines to include symptomatic outpatients (with fever, cough, or shortness of breath) in the following groups:
- Age 65 and older
- Patients with worsening respiratory symptoms
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers for immunocompromised persons
- Members with certain chronic medical conditions:
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes (HbA1c > 8.0)
- Advanced HIV (most recent CD4 < 200)
- Transplant patients
- Cancer patients under active treatment
- Other immunocompromised patients
The list now covers all high-risk outpatient groups who are symptomatic per local and federal health authorities, and Kaiser Permanente's national guidelines.
Categories above are in addition to all the groups we've already been testing, including health care workers, congregate facility residents and workers, first responders, dialysis patients, select oncology patients, and those directed to us by public health departments.
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RELEASE FROM WORK GUIDANCE for employers
As part of our COVID-19 diagnosis, testing, and treatment protocols, we are now providing members with "release from work" letters.
These letters outline that employees may return to work when they have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.), when their respiratory symptoms have shown improvement for at least 72 hours, or if it has been at least 7 days since they first had symptoms — whichever is longer.
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NEW RESOURCE for employers
As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to refer our members to our special COVID-19 page at kp.org for the most up-to-date information about the virus, our facilities, and how to access care.
As an additional resource, we've developed a special COVID-19 employer page that has consolidated information about virtual care options, tools for easing stress, and tips for staying safe, healthy, and productive.
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New masking GUIDELINES FOR our facilities
All members and visitors entering our medical offices and hospitals will be issued a "cover your cough" mask. If a member has their own mask on and they are asymptomatic, they can continue to wear their personal mask. If they are symptomatic, they will be asked to wear the "cover your cough" mask.
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HOW TO GET CARE
- Use our COVID-19 online assessment tool by clicking the "Start an online assessment" link located at the top of kp.org.
- Complete an e-visit to get online care and advice, be evaluated for coronavirus, and get treatment for symptoms if necessary.
- Consider telephone or video visits as alternatives to in-person care.
- Call 1-800-813-2000 (TTY 711) to talk to an advice nurse 24/7.
- To help ensure the safety of all our members and workers, we encourage members use our mail-order pharmacy service. Members who need to pick up their prescriptions should place their order 24 hours in advance for curbside delivery service at any open Kaiser Permanente pharmacy.
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