COVID-19 Provider Information
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging illness. Many details about this disease are still unknown, such as treatment options, how the virus works, and the total impact of the illness. New information, obtained daily, will further inform the risk assessment, treatment options and next steps. We always rely on our provider partners to ensure the health of our members, and we want you to be aware of the tools available to help you identify the virus and care for your patients during this time of heightened concern.
Guidance:
- Know the warning signs of COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include fatigue, sputum production, and muscle aches. Some individuals have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and nausea, prior to developing respiratory symptoms.
- However, be aware that infected individuals can be contagious before symptoms arise. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Instruct symptomatic patients to wear a surgical or isolation mask and promptly place the patient in a private room with the door closed.
- Health care personnel encountering symptomatic patients should follow contact precautions, airborne with N95 precautions, and wear eye protection and other personal protective equipment.
- Monitor and manage ill and exposed healthcare personnel.
- Safely triage and manage patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Explore alternatives to face-to-face triage and visits as possible, and manage mildly ill COVID-19 cases at home, if possible.
Take Action:
- Be alert for patients who meet the criteria for persons under investigation and know how to coordinate laboratory testing.
- Review your infection prevention and control policies and CDC's recommendations for healthcare facilities for COVID-19.
- Know how to report a potential COVID-19 case or exposure to facility infection control leads and public health officials. Contact your local and/or state health department to notify necessary health officials in the event of a person under investigation for COVID-19.
- Be familiar with the intended scope of available testing and recommendations from the FDA.
Important Authorization Update Regarding COVID-19
June 23, 2020
The DFS Insurance Circular Letter (regarding the suspension of certain utilization review and notification requirements) expired on June 18, 2020. Authorization requirements have been reinstated for claims with dates of service on or after June 18, 2020. Providers are required to contact us for prior authorization on services. Should there be additional direction from the state, WellCare would be updating accordingly.
This guidance is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and may be retired at a future date.
