The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a Health Update. Key points include the following:
- COVID-19 outpatient therapeutic products are no longer in short supply and should be prescribed whenever clinically appropriate.
- CDPH now recommends that providers consider the social determinants of health when evaluating a patient’s risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.
- The Test-to-Treat site criteria has been expanded to include the use of telehealth services in addition to partnerships with off-site pharmacies or clinics.
CDPH also provides information on billing and clinical guidance resources. Healthcare providers are asked to please review the full CDPH Health Update available online.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) recommends that healthcare providers consider outpatient therapy for their patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral test and symptoms who have any of the risk factors for severe COVID-19.
The list of risk factors for severe COVID-19 includes but is not limited to: older age (e.g., 65 and older); cancer; chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease (including cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis); dementia or other neurological conditions; diabetes (type 1 or type 2); disabilities; heart conditions; HIV infection; stroke/cerebrovascular disease; moderate or severe immunocompromise; mental health conditions; overweight and obesity; physical inactivity; pregnancy and recent pregnancy; sickle cell disease or thalassemia; smoking (current or former); and substance use disorders. In addition, social determinants of health such as unstable housing, lack of access to healthcare, experiencing racism, built environment factors, and others are risk factors for severe COVID-19 and should be considered when determining eligibility. See CDC webpage People with Certain Medical Conditions for additional details.
Patients who are unable to access oral COVID-19 therapeutics through their own provider can be referred to the DPH Call Center at 1-833-540-0473 (7 days a week 8:00am-8:30pm) in order to access therapeutic services, including testing, a telehealth visit, and a prescription if eligible.
