Friday, March 29, 2024
 
Click HERE to sign up to receive Eye On Sun Valley's Daily News Email
 
St. Luke’s Lists What to Do if You Suspect COVID, Other Health Problems
Loading
   
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
 

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

 As COVID-19 cases surge once again in Idaho, St. Luke’s Health System wants to remind people NOT to use Emergency Departments for the sole purpose of COVID-19 testing without severe illness. COVID-19 tests are ONLY available by appointment at certain clinics.

 In the last week, as coronavirus cases have gone up, more people have come to St. Luke’s Emergency Departments asking for COVID-19 tests. Patients often have no symptoms or mild symptoms yet are seeking emergency care. Due to the rise in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization, it is critical to protect the valuable and limited resources in Emergency Departments.

 St. Luke’s provides COVID-19 tests for symptomatic patients in select primary care clinics by-appointment. At this time most locations have same day tests available and results are back within one to two days. St. Luke’s is unable to accept walk-ins. The emergency department is only for people who need treatment for an urgent medical condition or severe symptoms.

 For Patients with COVID-19 Symptoms:

If someone thinks they may have symptoms of COVID-19, or may have been exposed, the first step is to use St. Luke’s self-triage tool in myChart; it will help determine what to do next. MyChart accounts can be created online. 

 If self-triage indicates the person should be tested, they will be able to schedule an appointment in myChart at one of our designated clinic locations. A COVID-19 hotline is also set-up for instructions or assistance at 208-381-9500. 

 For Asymptomatic Patients (not exhibiting symptoms):

St. Luke’s offers asymptomatic COVID-19 testing ONLY for patients who have an upcoming planned surgery or specific procedures that involve increased exposure to a patient’s breath and/or airway. The test will be part of the pre-surgery process, as ordered by a provider, and done by appointment. Asymptomatic testing at St. Luke’s is also done before a patient is discharged or transferred from a St. Luke’s hospital to a long-term care or skilled nursing facility.

WHEN TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR COVID-19

Figuring out when you need to go to the hospital can feel overwhelming, especially with COVID-19 in our community. You may be afraid to go when it is necessary or worry you are not sick enough yet. Please know hospitals are a safe place for care.

 To help keep you and your family healthy, St. Luke’s created this short stoplight guide to help you decide when it is appropriate to seek emergency care and when your primary care clinic or urgent care may be a better choice. 

 RED = SEVERE SYMPTOMS

If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911.

 Go to the nearest hospital immediately if you experience symptoms of any life-threatening illness. Do not ignore your body’s warning signs. Hospitals are safe places for care. Protective measures are in place to protect you from getting or spreading COVID-19 in the Emergency Department.

 Symptoms that may indicate you have a life-threatening emergency include:

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
  • Sudden dizziness, weakness or fainting
  • Sudden change to vision
  • Confusion or sudden change in your mental status
  • Sudden or severe pain
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Vomiting or coughing blood
  • Difficulty speaking

 It is critical to get urgent help, especially for heart attacks, strokes and significant injuries. In these cases, timely treatment saves lives. Delaying treatment due to fear over coronavirus can have serious, even deadly consequences.

 Severe COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch

People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or suspect they may have it, should watch for specific symptoms when determining when to go to the hospital:

  • Shortness of breath while at rest
  • A dry cough, fever and it is getting more difficult to breathe
  • Significant or worrisome cough that is increasing
  • Confusion or sudden change in mental status
  • Chest pain
  • Low oxygen levels
  • Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake
  • Blue face or lips

 YELLOW = MODERATE

If you are not experiencing shortness of breath, but do feel you are getting sicker, you may need to be evaluated by a medical professional. If you’re concerned, we want to see you.

 Symptoms to watch closely, especially in combination:

  • Fever with muscle aches and fatigue
  • Reduced sense of taste and smell
  • Severe diarrhea and other stomach problems
  • Increasing dry, persistent cough that is worsening

 GREEN = MILD

If you think you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have mild symptoms, do NOT come to the hospital. The Emergency Department will not test you for COVID-19 without severe illness. For patients with mild symptoms, COVID-19 tests are ONLY available by appointment and at certain clinics.

 If you are experiencing mild symptoms:

  • Stay at home. Self-quarantine is critical to stopping coronavirus spread.
  • Use St. Luke’s self-triage tool in myChart; it will help determine what to do next. MyChart accounts can be created online.
  • If self-triage indicates you should be tested, you will be able to schedule an appointment in myChart at a designated clinic location.
  • A COVID-19 hotline offers instructions or assistance at 208-381-9500.
  • Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and disinfect high-touch surfaces.

 People with no symptoms or mild symptoms will NOT get a test in the Emergency Department. You must meet the testing criteria and have an appointment at a designated St. Luke’s clinic, as St. Luke’s is unable to accept walk-ins.

 Due to limited testing capacity and supplies, St. Luke’s is currently unable to accommodate asymptomatic testing except for those preparing for surgery or specific procedures. This includes common requests from asymptomatic patients for pre-employment, return-to-work, or travel purposes.

 Please refer to stlukesonline.org/covid19 for more information on St. Luke’s coronavirus response and services. 

~  Today's Topics ~


Local Bands Offer New Perspective on Who's a Local

Can You Ski on Water? It’s Pond Skim Time

Jake Adicoff Wins Overall World Cup Championship while Other Skiers Do Well in SuperTour Finals
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Website problems? Contact:
Michael Hobbs
General Manager /Webmaster
Mike@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
Got a story? Contact:
Karen Bossick
Editor in Chief
(208) 578-2111
Karen@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
 
Advertising /Marketing /Public Relations
Leisa Hollister
Chief Marketing Officer
(208) 450-9993
leisahollister@gmail.com
 
Brandi Huizar
Account Executive
(208) 329-2050
brandi@eyeonsunvalley.com
 
 
ABOUT US
EyeOnSunValley.com is the largest online daily news media service in The Wood River Valley, publishing 7 days a week. Our website publication features current news articles, feature stories, local sports articles and video content articles. The Eye On Sun Valley Show is a weekly primetime television show focusing on highlighted news stories of the week airing Monday-Sunday, COX Channel 13. See our interactive Kiosks around town throughout the Wood River Valley!
 
info@eyeonsunvalley.com      Press Releases only
 
P: 208.720.8212
P.O. Box 1453 Ketchum, ID  83340
LOGIN

© Copyright 2023 Eye on Sun Valley