Pretty busy and missed a lot of this stuff. And, what I know will be different than everyone else.
First, just the fact that we have five (and lots more) doctors here that know a helluva lot about medicine and testing. The problem is (and I am not that pissed at CDC for screwing up the kits -- they were moving fast and everyone is human -- OK except president t). The news media and the pundits can talk about not enough test kits and the administration not talking it seriously, but the shame is the federal CDC and the state CDC/state health departments. As I said, I had to pretty much knock down doors.
Whether we have no kits or gowns or anything is one thing, but then every CDC should be mailing, emailing, texting, dropping by and tell what the deal is.
We have been told by the CDC and the hospital lab that we can use the regular RSV/Influenza test kits that I think Jimmie was referring to.
Here's the deal. We haven no "confirmed" cases in Maine. I figure by the time we get one confirmed, there will be 20 that are not confirmed. I am seeing patients in masks and goggles and gowns and gloves. The CDC is sending us 50 masks per week and goggles. They are sending us gowns. We have tons of gloves. The getup works. Getting it off is what is dangerous.
But, I am seeing patients this week. Starting next week, our office will schedule patients and triage them as usual. If they have fever and cough, fairly bad cough, fatigue; they are going to walk-in care or the ED. They can decide to test them there or not. The way I see it hardly anyone is helping me. If one doctor goes down in the ED, there are 20 more to step up. Even if 10 are sick or quarantined. Even if the entire ED closes (patients are screwed), but the hospital can get by without the money. Same with walk-in care. With one doctor, my entire practice is down. I can't afford to lose an MA. The patients or the hospital can yell at me all they want, but unless they are going to me while I am out, then no way. The patients will just be turned away. When they ask why, I will just tell them. We aren't equipped to handle possible coronavirus cases. We have one waiting room. We do not have negative pressure rooms.
It will come and go. And, I know it will be tough to turn patients away. And, with every patient who tests positive, I will have the nightmare of the CDC coming around to quarantine everyone.
