Well, this will be a good forum to post on, because many users will be solo providers or in private practice. Not sure how it has been for others as far as your health department, local hospital or your state CDC, but in Maine it is like I don't exist.
I am sure we all here on the news how poorly the U.S. has responded to this possible pandemic. With new cases and deaths every day, it seems as though it will be an epidemic here. But, most of the news coverage is based on the lack of testing kits. But, this is not nearly the only issue.
A few weeks ago, when there were only a few cases reported but many more expected, I sat back and waited for what I thought would be a coordinated response from our CDC as to what would be expected by my pediatric outpatient setting, what PPE we would need, when would we test, how would we test, etc. It made some sense that there would be centralized testing in clinical settings set up specifically to handle testing, etc. But, I have received ONE email from our hospital saying only one thing. If you are going to send a test here, call us first.
I emailed the Chief of Pediatrics, the CEO of the hospital, the head of the micro lab, the director of the lab, infectious disease. One response. We aren't sure yet, but we can send you some pdfs. So, they did. So, I read them.
No one has talked to us about N95 masks, gowns, goggles or gloves. No one has talked to us about checking the fit of the mask. No one has come over to go over the ideal way to be in a room with someone who meets the criteria of having possible Coronavirus. My guess is the hospital has done all of this with all of their staff and clinics. I am sure that our local FQHC has had the government's CDC advising them. I am sure all of them get this equipment at no cost. All the pediatricians can stand to be out 14 days. I have asked the hospital what I am supposed to do if I am exposed. My reading has stated I can self-monitor and check for fevers.
The state CDC has been absolutely useless. When I asked if they were going to provide information to private practice providers and go over the protocols, she asked what hospital are you affiliated with. I said I am not affiliated with any hospital. And, she says, "Oh, that's a problem. I don't know what answer to give you." Yes, she said, she had no idea.
Then there is the issue of testing kits. From the news, we are woefully deficient in testing kits. But, we have over 100 in stock. Our lab and the CDC can run the test on our Influenza and RSV kits. Although it was a big secret to me. I had to look at that also.
While I have finally located disposable and reusable N95 masks, thank God for Home Depot before that.
Just wondering what everyone else is doing. We have no cases in Maine, so I am seeing tons of normal viruses and Influenza B. We have 60 negative tests done as of today. I have no idea when I am supposed to start testing.
