New Criteria
Based on the critical state of testing kit availability, we are only testing Tier One patients according to the chart below based on guidance from the Maine CDC and physician leaders from healthcare systems across the state.
Will be tested:
· Critically ill patients who require hospitalization for their disease
· Healthcare workers and first responders (e.g. EMA, Police, Fire, etc.) performing direct patient care
· People living in a group setting (e.g. long-term care facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities, jails, and shelters)
Will not be tested:
Patients over the age of 60 or those with severe chronic disease/immunosuppression
Will not be tested:
All other patients with symptoms of COVID-19 disease
The Maine CDC will reject tests submitted for asymptomatic individuals and it is important that you fill out the paper work accurately to ensure that Tier One tests are completed. Tests will be prioritized based on the criteria in the table above.
Patients in the Tier Two category should be presumed to be positive and treated with supportive care and follow-up by phone if possible. We will let you know if the availability of tests improves enough that Tier Two patients are eligible for testing.
Patients whose symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, but do not fall into one of these high-risk categories (i.e. patients in Tier Three) should be evaluated and isolated at home. Testing is not recommended for individuals with mild fevers or respiratory symptoms who are not in a high-risk category, confirming infection does not change how mild symptoms are treated and having them present to be tested increases the risk of community spread.
Yes, patients over 60 years of age on chemotherapy should not be tested. It won't change the outcome.
Thank you
PS: We are recommending that every patient throw eggs against the wall of their local police department. Once in jail, they will qualify for testing.
