University of Washington COVID-19 Resources At Your Fingertips
University of Washington School of Medicine has compiled valuable up-to-date resources in response to COVID-19.
Resources include:
– COVID-19 treatment guidelines and algorithms
– PPE Guidelines
– Critical care training for non-critical care trained providers
Look below for specific resources that are available, or go directly to their resources by clicking HERE.
Contacts To Know
WY Public Health Emergency Line
For providers with urgent patient care or public health concerns
WY Public Health Non-Urgent Questions
For non-urgent questions and concerns. Use COVID-19 email
WDH Infectious Disease
Wyoming Department of Health Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Unit
WY State Lab
Wyoming Public Health Lab Director Cari Sloma
Important Information
DONATIONS
State Homeland Security - Taskforce on Logistics has centralized all donation offers in order to best use these generous resources. Please direct all emails related to donating supplies and equipment to uc.logs@wyo.gov
WDH UPDATES
COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers
EDUCATION
For information about an upcoming Tuesday Provider Connect Zoom, a recording from a past session or other webinars and learning opportunities, you can find it on the COVID-19 education page.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
Below is a repository of resources, links and supporting documents to support COVID-19 response across Wyoming.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
COVID-19 Vaccination Information Flyer – January 15, 2021
Wyoming Department of Health Information:
Centers for Disease Control Information:
COVID-19 Testing
WDH – Public Health Laboratory Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information
- COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers Regarding Laboratory Testing from the WY Department of Health (3/27/20)
- Updated State Guidance: COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
- WY COVID-19 Map and Statistics
- Important WPHL links for Wyoming Healthcare Providers
- WDH COVID-19 Monitoring Policy (2/10/20)
- State Health Advisory – Assessment of Patients with COVID-19 (HAN) (3/18/20)
- State Health Advisory – Assessment of Patients with COVID-19 (HAN) (3/28/20)
CDC: Guidelines for Submitting Specimens to CDC for Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2
CDC: Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Serology Testing
FDA: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Serological Tests (4/7/20)
Univ. of MN – Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Antibody tests may hold clues to COVID-19 exposure, immunity – but it’s complicated (4/15/20)
MEDIA
COVID-19 Counts
PPE Information
Modeling and Projections
COVID Act Now: Coronavirus Act Now
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation: COVID-19 projections assuming full social distancing
Global Counts
Center for Systems Science and Engineering – Johns Hopkins University
World Health Organization (WHO)
Wyoming Department of Health
Current Research and Protocols
Therapeutics
Articles and tables referencing and reviewing all of the recent, past, and ongoing research involving hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, remdesivir, tocalizumab, azithromycin, and others.
FDA: Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Potential COVID-19 Treatment (5/1/20)
NIH: Clinical Trial Shows Remdesivir Accelerates Recovery from Advanced COVID-19 (4/29/20)
Medscape: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Treatment and Management
Oxford Academic: COVID-19 Treatment: A Review of Early and Emerging Options (3/23/20)
ASHP: Assessment of Evidence for COVID-19 Related Treatments: (3/27/20)
UW School of Medicine: UW ID Treatment Guidelines for SARS-CoV2 (Item 8)
CDC: Therapeutic Options for patients with COVID-19
FLARE: Fast Literature Assessment and Review
Massachusetts General Hospital: COVID-19 Treatment Guidance
Hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine
International Journal of Infectious Diseases: Treatments with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and combination in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (8/1/2020)
FDA: Cautions Against use of hydroxychloroquine outside of hospital setting (4/24/20)
Gautret et al: Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19 (3/17/20)
American College of Cardiology: Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk Due to Hydroxychloroquine-Azithromycin Treatment For COVID-19 (3/29/20)
FDA: EUA for use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine (3/28/20)
Care Protocols and Guidelines
University of Washington – School of Medicine COVID-19 Resource Center
Resource Center includes information on the following and more:
- Patient Care protocols and Algorithms
- Policy Statements
- Patient Care Protocols
Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC): Guidelines on the Management of Critically Ill Adults with COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information Repository for Healthcare Professionals
CDC: Clinical Care Guidance (Updated 3/7/20)
CDC: Ending Isolation for persons with COVID-19 – Interim Guidance
CMS: Guidelines to limit all non-essential planned surgeries and procedures (3/18/20)
CMS: General Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit (3/24/20)
Wyoming Department of Health (WDH): COVID-19 Information for Healthcare Providers
WDH: COVID-19 Healthcare Licensing and Surveys Guidance (Includes guidance for infection control and prevention in nursing homes, hospitals, and more.)
PulmCCM (in partner with MedPage Today) Mechanical Ventilation in ARDS: Overview
AMA: Physician’s Guide to COVID-19
JAMA: Comprehensive overview of the coronavirus by the JAMA Network – including epidemiology, infection control and prevention recommendations – available for free on its JNN Learning website.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Supplies
University of Washington – School of Medicine PPE Policy Statements
- PPE Conservation – Respiratory Care Supplies
- Guidance for Limited Reuse of N95 Respirators and PAPR Hoods
- PPE conservation policy-UWM (3/12/20)
Wyoming Medical Center Protocols and Guidance
CDC: Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators
CDC: Strategies to Optomize the Supply of PPE and Equipment
CDC: Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) PPE Situation Summary Updated (3/21/20)
CDC: Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (3/12/20)
CDC: Checklist for Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Optomizing the Supply of N95 Respirators during the COVID-19 Response
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance
JAMA: Conserving Supply of Personal Protective Equipment – A Call for Ideas (3/20/20)
Emory University School of Medicine: Conservation – COVID-19 ACE/DICE Printiable PDFs
The New Yorker: Keeping the Coronavirus From Infecting Healthcare Workers (3/21/20)
Federal Action Toward PPE and Testing Supply
AMA Advocacy toward emergency steps needed to boost production of PPE for COVID-19
Joint letter to request swift actions be taken to tackle PPE supply issues (3/18/20)
Telehealth
Telehealth will continue to play a key role in helping Wyoming care for patients in response to COVID-19. Use the links below to learn more.
General Guidance and Tools
American Medical Association (AMA) quick guide to telemedicine practice
Wyoming Telehealth Network (WyTN)
Advisory Booard: 3 ways to ramp up telehealth to deal with COVID-19 (3/20/20)
Advisory Board: Tips to make telework work – for your team.
Billing and Reimbursement
COVID-19 – Telemedicine Information published by WMS (3/18/20)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Telemedicine Operations Update (3/17/20)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Telemedicine Matrix (4/3/20)
UnitedHealthcare Provider Telehealth Policy Update (3/19/20)
CIGNA COVID-19 Interim Billing Guidance for COVID-19 (3/17/20)
TriWest Healthcare Alliance Telehealth Guidance (3/19/20)
Health and Human Services
- OCR will exercise its enforcement discretion and will not impose penalties for noncompliance with the regulatory requirements under the HIPAA rules against covered health care providers in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency
Medicare
- Physicians can now provide common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventative health screening to beneficiaries via telemedicine regardless of geographic location
CMS.gov: Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 – Medicare
CMS.gov: Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers – COVID-19 FAQs
CMS.gov: COVID-19: New ICD-10-CM Code and Interim Coding Guidance
Foley: Telehealth: 5 Key Takeaways from the Coronavirus Spending Bill
Medicaid
Child Abuse/Neglect and Mental Health
During these unprecedented times we are all acutely aware of the far reaching and varied impacts of COVID-19. Stresses are heightened on a wide range of fronts: uncertainty, financial, loss of loved ones, fear, changed patterns, dynamic shifts at home, scarcity, and isolation. We know that stressors combined with limited or finite coping skills can lead to a perfect storm that ultimately can result in elevated levels of child abuse. In addition to the heightened stress that families are likely to be experiencing during this time, we also know that children are more isolated than usual, with very few if any outside outlets or safety nets (i.e. public health nurses, schools, church, coaches, etc). The AAP has recommended, when possible, to continue to bring children 2 and under in for their well child checks. The highest risk age for mortality from physical child abuse is infants under the age of 1. This vulnerable population of infants, is also the age of infants that the AAP and CDC are still recommending, when possible, to come in for their well child checks to keep up to date on their immunizations. So, let’s use that as an opportunity to discuss prevention (crying issues, safety plans to put infants down if getting frustrated, screening Mom’s for postpartum depression (Edinburgh postnatal depression scale), and trying to get Mom’s who screen high on the EPDS in for telehealth mental health appointments). Seeing the 2 year olds, gives us an opportunity to review normal toddler behavior (temper tantrums, boundary testing, potty training) that can be triggers/stressors under regular circumstances for families and opens the door to discuss appropriate discipline techniques and reiterate that spanking is not recommended by the AAP. We can also ask about other children in the home and how families are coping with them. Toddlers/pre-school aged children can pose frustrations and have trying behaviors for families. We can emphasize to families the importance of “time outs” for parents as well as for children, the importance of remaining as calm as possible, distraction and redirection.
Additionally, during our well child checks, let’s commit ourselves to good, thorough naked exams on our patients (open hands, look at ears [not just TMs], check frenulums) and stay particularly attuned to TEN4 bruising or bruising in patterns. Remember TEN 4 – bruising to torso, ears, neck 4 years and under and ANY bruising 4 months or younger is highly specific for concerns for physical abuse. If you see these findings consult a child abuse expert and get the appropriate evaluation by age for the infant (which depending on age of the child will include a minimum of blood work, head CT, and a skeletal survey). If possible, take pictures of your findings. Remember that we are all mandated reporters, so if you have a concern report it to your local DFS office.
*** Also remember the important caveat in Wyoming that DFS does NOT take protective custody. That task lies with Law Enforcement and Medical personnel.***
If your office is unable to do well child checks at this time, consider compiling a list of previously identified high risk families (including socially at risk, our medically complex kids or kids that are in foster care or kinship care placements) and have your staff reach out and touch base on how they are doing and offer resource assistance as needed. Let families know about telehealth options. ~ Bird Gilmartin, MD, FAAP, AAP Executive Committee Council on Child Abuse and Neglect
Full Text of the WY-AAP Chapter Statement, by Bird Gilmartin, MD, FAAP (4/14/20)
Child Abuse & Neglect – Resources for Providers
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children (April 2020)
AAP: Child Abuse Review Materials – now free of charge
The Chronicle of Social Change: Coronavirus and What Child Welfare Systems Need to Think About (3/11/20)
AAP: Trauma Toolbox for Primary Care
Child Abuse & Neglect – Resources for Parents and Families
Policies and Communication: State Gov't. & Licensure Boards
Governor Gordon Executive Orders
Executive Order to expedite delivery of COVID-19 related supplies
Wyoming Public Health Orders
Statewide Public Health Order on Gatherings (3/20/20)
Statewide Public Health Order on Public Spaces (3/19/20)
COVID-19 Guidance for Wyoming Child Care Providers
Wyoming Department of Health
Guidance for WY Hospitals and Physicians – Resuming Elective Procedures
WDH State Health Alert – Updated Guidance (HAN) (6/22/20)
WDH State Health Alert Notice Addendum (HAN) (4/22/20)
WDH State Health Alert Notice Addendum (HAN) (4/2/20)
WDH State Health Alert Notice (HAN) (3/28/20)
State Testing Numbers and Data by County
State COVID-19 Monitoring Policy (2/10/20)
Wyoming COVID-19 Status Report (4/24/20)
State Licensure Boards
Wyoming State Board of Nursing
WMS Support Letters
WMS Letter of Support for Gov. Gordon & Dr. Harrist (3/20/20)
WMS Letter Encouraging Shelter In Place Orders (3/27/20)
AMA Letter: Urging State Governors to Order Shelter In Place (4/3/20)
Policies and Communication: Federal Gov't., CDC, WHO, CMS
Presidential Orders & Resources
White House 15 Days To Slow the Spread Guidance (3/16/20)
New joint website from the CDC, White House and HHS www.coronavirus.gov
COVID-19 Advocacy Efforts
AMA COVID-19 Federal Advocacy Progress Report
- Request that the Defense Production Act (DPA) be used to increase the domestic production of medical supplies and equipment
- Encouraged Congress to include in the final “stimulus” legislation specific provisions to help physicians sustain their practices
- Petitioned CMS Administrator Seema Verma for CPT code clarification
- Urged Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide further clarity around testing criteria and priorities (3/13/20)
Financial Relief and Economic Stimulus Packages
AMA ACP AAFP ACS MGMA Adovcacy Letter (3/20/20)
Requested $100 billion for front line health care workers to preserve practices (3/16/20)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance
CDC: Information for schools and childcare facilities
CDC: Guidance for higher education
CDC: Guidance information for businesses and employers
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Physician Board Certification
Other General Information and Resources:
- CDC: About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Communication Resources
- FAQs
- Practice Preparedness Guidelines
Local Articles and Media
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Casper Star Tribune
Wyoming Physicians Take the Lead
- 307Health – M. Tracy, MD. COVID-19 Testing: Positive Test Numbers Do Not Reflect Active Infections (3/21/20)
- D. Bartholomew, MD. The coronavirus: Pandemic? Overreaction? Government inside job? (3/17/20)
AAFP – U.S. Family Physician Shares COVID-19 Insights From Practice in China (3/18/20)
Advisory Board: Anatomy of an Outbreak: COVID-19 and the U.S. Health Care Delivery System
Medical Liability
Stay
Connected
We know that there’s power in staying connected and learning from each other. There are a myriad of national resources, but sometimes it’s even more helpful to just connect within the state.
WMS can help. Join us monthly over the noon hour to share stories &learned experiences, ask for help and rely on our community.
WMS is looking at varying opportunities for education and connection. One of those is a future partnership with The Doctors Company to bring you important content about reopening, mitigating risk and learning about liability concerns. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
(Must not be a member to join. Everyone is welcome)
Wyoming Needs Your Help
During these trying times, WMS is asking physicians to consider answering a future call to provide their time, energy, and skill to help Wyoming help our patients. COVID-19 is putting a tremendous strain on all physicians, especially those on the front lines, and the state is positioned to see unprecedented surge in patient care needs.
WMS is working with the State Board of Medicine to identify physicians who would be willing to help care for patients if the time came that our state might need you. Please consider submitting your name below to be added to a database of providers that we may need to call in if the situation worsens.
Wyoming is strong, our providers are strong, and sometimes strong means asking for help. Thank you for considering volunteering in this difficult time.