Attn: DQA Regulated Providers
RESENDING FROM NOVEMBER 23, 2022: CMS issues QSO-23-03-ALL - The Importance of Timely Use of COVID-19 Therapeutics
On November 22, 2022, CMS issued QSO-23-03-All (PDF) highlighting the importance of providing timely access to available COVID-19 therapeutics to patients who test positive for the virus. Treatments, including oral antiviral drugs, can prevent serious illness and save the lives of high-risk individuals who are at risk of severe complications. Every patient who tests positive for COVID-19 should be evaluated to determine whether the use of an available therapeutic is appropriate.
Memorandum Summary
- Providers and suppliers, especially those delivering care in congregate care settings, should ensure their patients and residents are protected against transmission of COVID-19 within their facilities, as well as receiving appropriate treatment after testing positive for the virus.
- Further, all providers and suppliers should continue to implement appropriate infection control protocols for COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control.html and Influenza https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/index.htm
- This memo discusses the importance of the timely use of available COVID-19 therapeutics, particularly for high-risk patients who test positive for the virus.
Questions regarding QSO-23-03-All (PDF)
Questions related to nursing home should be addressed to: DNH_TriageTeam@cms.hhs.gov
Questions related to acute and continuing care providers should be addressed to: QSOG_Emergencyprep@cms.hhs.gov
DHS Reminder – Statewide COVID-19 Telehealth Service Available
The Department of Health Services (DHS) would like to remind Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF) about the new statewide telehealth service that was launched on November 2, 2022. COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth appointments are available to all people living in Wisconsin ages 18 and older.
People who test positive and are likely to get very sick from COVID-19, especially those over 65, should consider treatment as soon as possible. The telehealth service is free, and prescriptions for Paxlovid and Lagevrio can be sent to over 700 pharmacies across the state. Insurance is not needed, and no insurance information will be collected.
We encourage LTCFs to make their residents aware of the telehealth service. For more information, please visit the DHS new statewide telehealth service webpage.
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