Week in Review 4/5/21

Week in Review 4/5/21
04.09.2021

MHC COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Updated

MHC’s Treatment Considerations in Adults and Children with Laboratory Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has updated the Tocilizumab criteria for use.

COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines

MHC Moves to Pandemic Level Orange

Due to higher COVID positivity rates, an increase in COVID-19 hospitalization rates throughout MHC hospitals, and the presence of new COVID-19 variants in MI, MHC moved to Pandemic Level Orange effective 4.8.21.

Communicating With Loved Ones During the COVID-19 Surge
  • Although MHC’s tighter visitation restrictions have been frustrating for patients/families, it was necessary due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of patients/visitors/Healthcare Team.
  • We also realize the continued stress the pandemic has put on providers.
  • We have received a lot of community feedback regarding their lack of connection to hospitalized patients.
  • It is especially important that providers communicate with patients’ families to lessen anxiety and provide an opportunity to share questions, concerns, and insights. Please continue to prioritize communication with family members either by phone, telehealth technologies, and/or working with the nursing team when appropriate. 
  • Patients can also grant proxy access to their patient portal to help family members stay informed.

Providers Asked to Report Post COVID-19 Vaccination Breakthroughs and Unusual Complications

MHC is asking that providers report the following in VOICE:

  • Breakthrough cases of fully COVID immunized individuals who test positive
  • Suspect an unusual complication after COVID-19 vaccination

See full article for details on how to submit a VOICE report

COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, MDHSS released 4.5.21 that anyone who has been exposed must remain in quarantine for 14 days without exception.

Please continue to support our HD’s quarantine guidelines.

MHC to Pilot Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

MHC will soon be piloting a program to provide a one-time infusion of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab combination to qualifying high-risk non-hospitalized outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19. The 1st pilot will be KMHC ED.

Northwest Michigan Health Services (NMHS) is No Longer Providing COVID-19 Testing Services

NMHS is shifting resources from COVID-19 testing to COVID-19 vaccination. Current patients will still have access to testing from their NMHS provider; however, others will need to use another community testing resource.

COVID-19 Collection Locations

In-House COVID-19 Testing
  • Although testing has increased as a result of the current surge in local COVID cases, our in-house testing reagent supplies remain strong.
  • MHC launched a 3rd in-house COVID-19 testing platform, Hologic Panther, at MMC this week. Hologic Panther has an approximate TAT of 24 hours.
  • We have begun to transition non pre-procedure COVID-19 testing (symptomatic and asymptomatic) from outside labs to Hologic Panther.
  • Pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will continue to be sent to outside labs.
  • We will continue to monitor our testing supplies and capacity.

COVID-19 Testing

Updates from MDHHS Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities

As of 4.5.21, all people aged 16 and up are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

MDHHS guidance; FAQs

Kirsten Korth-White Named MHC East Region President

Kirsten Korth-White has been named MHC East Region President effective 5.1.21. She will replace Tom Lemon who is retiring at the end of April.

21st Century Cures Act Went Into Effect Apr. 5

The 21st Century Cures Act went into effect on 4.5.21.

Cures Act Resources