COVID-19 Overview and Update
Local Information and Resources
March 28, 2020
Dear AAP-OC Chapter Members,
 
A big shout out and thank you again to all of our pediatricians, sub-specialists, and all health care providers and staff working tirelessly to keep children and families in our community safe. I am proud to work alongside you in this unprecedented time. 

This is our third weekly update since COVID-19 has hit Orange County, and we are committed to keeping you apprised of the key updates and resources you need for yourself and your patients.

Next week we will hold our first virtual Chapter Chat to discuss key topics and help address your questions.

AAP-OC Chapter Virtual Chat
COVID-19 Update
Thursday, April 2, 2020
6:00pm PDT
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Due to the continuing shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), AAP-OC has created a PPE drive to collect and distribute needed equipment throughout the community.
TESTING UPDATES
Social distancing remains the best way to flatten the curve and reduce the time COVID-19 will be affecting our community. Testing should be considered only when it will significantly change management.

WHO TO TEST: COVID-19 testing should be performed for hospitalized patients with significant respiratory illness and symptomatic health care workers (fever and respiratory symptoms). Testing of non-priority populations can be performed based on provider discretion and available resources ( CDC Testing Criteria ).  Patients who have mild illness and do not belong to a high priority population do not need to be tested.  (OCHCA)

OUTPATIENT PCR TESTING:
  • Quest test code - 39444 (changed from previous)
  • Labcorp – 139900 (unchanged)
  • Turn around time is around 7 days. 
 
Providers do not need to report COVID-19 positive patients tested at LabCorp or Quest unless they are health care workers, hospitalized, or live in a long term care facility.

Symptomatic patients  with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should remain in self isolation for 7 days after illness onset, 72 hours after last fever, and until feeling better.
 
 
Household members & caregivers  exposed to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients should be quarantined at home for 10 days after the last unprotected contact with that person.


NO RECOMMENDED TREATMENT
Currently there is no treatment for COVID-19. While trials are ongoing, no medications are recommended including hydroxychloroquine, which has potential toxicities (OCHCA). 
 
OCHCA Provider 24-7 hotline : 714-834-8180 OCHCA 
OUTPATIENT CORNER

TELEHEALTH


Free Webinars from CMA:


FINANCIAL


Free Webinars from CMA:


OTHER PROVIDER RESOURCES

Providing free emergency remote work kits to health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and other qualified organizations/entities.

Access is available for a limited time (new users only).

Phone consultation service provided by CHOC Children’s that assists pediatricians who care for patients with behavioral or psychiatric issues in a primary care setting. M-F, 8:30am - 5:00pm

The current crisis is an especially difficult time for healthcare professionals so Headspace is offering free access to Headspace Plus for all US healthcare professionals working in public health settings.

CMA Seeks volunteers to provide remote support to health care workers serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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PARENT RESOURCES

CMA resource guide for families

Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
 
Speak to a CHOC nurse 24/7 to answer your questions about COVID-19 and your child 


ONLINE RESOURCES
AAP-OC Page is updated regularly with information from these emails and other important resources.

This website provides up-to-date information about known cases in Orange County, and provides key points about COVID-19, including print-ready handouts (multi-language) for your patients and families.

Includes and updated FAQ from pediatric infectious disease specialists. Includes information that is most relevant to pediatric patients and their families.

CDC
COVID-19 information specifically for healthcare providers. Includes protocols on evaluation, testing, and reporting patients, as well as infection control and PPE recommendations.
If you have any further questions, please contact Jamie McDonald, Executive Director at jamie@aap-oc.org 
 
Thank you for all you do to ensure our patients, families, and community stay in optimal health during this time.
 

Best,
Katherine Williamson, MD, FAAP