Clinically Integrated Network Briefing

1.12.22: 1/19 COVID-19 Update Webinar l COVID-19 Answer Center l Testing l Treatment l Key Reminders

A Message for the Wellforce Clinically Integrated Network, including primary and specialty care physicians, practice administrators, Network leaders (Presidents, Administrators, and Medical Directors) and Network staff

COVID-19 Webpage Coming Soon: A new WCIN COVID-19 webpage for practices is under construction, available later this week on wellforce.org. For now, please see below for the latest COVID-19 information for practice below.

*Next COVID-19 Update Webinar* Wednesday, January 19, 2022 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Click here to join

COVID-19 Answer Center for WCIN Providers and Practice Staff

WCIN providers and practice personnel are invited to use this form to ask question(s) about COVID-19. (This is NOT a resource for patients to use– only providers and practice staff may submit questions) The WCIN Pharmacy team will do its best to answer questions as soon as received.  Note: Inquiries received after 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays (or on weekends/holidays) will be answered the next business day. You may also call (781) 664-5705 on Mondays through Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to speak with a WCIN Pharmacy team member (Note: Voicemail will pick up after 9 rings.)

Testing

COVID-19 testing locations can be found through test site finder maps via Mass.gov and Castlight. COVID Rapid Tests: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is making BinaxNOW rapid test kits available for use in all provider settings. You may order tests now by filling out this form and emailing the completed form to COVID19.Resource.Request@mass.gov. Delivery timelines may vary based on DPH delivery capacity. Clinicians should generally expect to receive requested test kits within 1 week of a request being submitted.  Private Healthcare Providers are now eligible to order tests through the Operational Services Division Click here for purchasing information. Throat vs nose swabbing: FDA has cautioned against using throat swabs with most at home rapid tests, primarily since most tests were initially validated using nasal swabs. Check the instructions for a specific test to determine if throat swabbing has been approved. Rapid tests will be covered by commercial insurances, however at this time, they will not be covered by Medicare. Billing: Codes vary based on the technical specs of the tests. Obtain the correct coding and coverage information from the manufacturer for in-office/point-of-care tests.

Treatment

Information on monoclonal antibodies, oral antivirals, IV remdesivir Criteria Eligible are patients who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 infections including hospitalization: age ≥65, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung diseases, dementia, diabetes, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, HIV infection, immunocompromised state, mental health conditions, overweight/obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell, smoking, transplant, stroke, substance use disorder, and tuberculosis Note: The criteria above will be applied based on availability at the time and reserved for the patients with the highest risk. Oral Antivirals: Not yet widely available - waiting on Wellforce confirmation of distribution locations and methods Supplies of sotrovimab, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir will be available from a small number of locations for individuals who are at highest risk for progression to severe COVID-19 as above. All of these treatments are currently authorized for use ONLY in individuals who have confirmed infection with COVID-19.  Monoclonal antibody treatment sites: Tufts MC Respiratory clinic: 617-636-3164 Gothams: In Massachusetts, DPH has contracted with Gothams to facilitate three mobile sites for monoclonal antibody therapy in Holyoke, Everett and Fall River. Transportation to a treatment site should NOT be a barrier to care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Gothams will work with your patient to arrange for transportation to and from the treatment site closest to their home at no cost. Fill out the referral form for the patient and fax or email Gothams in process of updating form to include oral antivirals See Mass.gov for other locations.

Key Reminders

Telehealth: Reminder of safety bonus and continued reimbursement rate parity, until October 2023. See NEQCA and Lowell telehealth resource guides for more information. Remind patients not to go to the ED for COVID testing or mild respiratory symptoms. Stand-alone testing sites and urgent care centers are a better option for patients and for facilities. Remind patients about where to go for best care. Template of one-pager for patients on “What to do when you think you need the ER;” customizable for your practice including practice name, contact information, hours (and logo if desired).

The Wellforce Clinically Integrated Network

The Wellforce Clinically Integrated Network is a distinctively different population health enterprise and value-based care contracting entity. It comprises 2,300 primary care and specialist physicians and advanced practice clinicians, in private and employed practices, working in community and hospital settings. The Network’s purpose is to build healthier communities and to create healthy, rewarding experiences for our participating physicians and care teams. The Network was launched in July 2021 by building upon the legacies of two long-standing, high-performing organizations – Lowell General Physician Hospital Organization and New England Quality Care Alliance (NEQCA).