Telehealth could have multiple benefits during the pandemic by expanding access to care, reducing disease exposure for staff and patients, preserving scarce supplies of personal protective equipment, and reducing patient demand on facilities.
How long does someone typically stay on a ventilator due to COVID-19?
Some people may need to be on a ventilator for a few hours, while others may require one, two, or three weeks. If a person needs to be on a ventilator for a longer period of time, a tracheostomy may be required. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a hole in the front of the neck and inserts a tube into the trachea.
How do ventilators help COVID-19 patients?
A ventilator mechanically helps pump oxygen into your body. The air flows through a tube that goes in your mouth and down your windpipe. The ventilator also may breathe out for you, or you may do it on your own. The ventilator can be set to take a certain number of breaths for you per minute.
What are underlying health conditions that put someone at risk for severe COVID-19?
The CDC has published a complete list of the medical conditions that put adults at high risk of severe COVID. The list includes cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic lung or kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, liver disease, and down syndrome, among others.
Can an employer require an employee to provide a note from their healthcare provider due to COVID-19 concerns?
Employers should not require sick employees to provide a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. Healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner.
What is the role of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in preventing COVID-19 in the workplace?
As the lead federal agency charged with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions in the United States, OSHA’s guidance assists employers and workers to identify COVID-19 exposure risks and helps them take appropriate steps to prevent exposure and infection.
Where can I find information on the COVID-19 pandemic?
Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO, are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing and treating the illness.
Are medicare privileges temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Your Medicare billing privileges are being granted on a provisional basis as a result of the public health emergency declaration and are temporary.
What is the COVID-19 health check app?
V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.