Updates from USA Health on COVID-19

The USA Health COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Center at the Mobile Civic Center now offers the BD rapid antigen test for first responders, USA Health and USA employees, and patients.

The COVID-19 antigen test works by collecting a sample from both nostrils that is then checked for detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

It typically takes about 15 minutes to get results.

Antigen tests look for pieces of proteins that make up the SARS-CoV-2 virus to determine if the person has an active infection. This test may not be used as the only screening to see if a patient has an active infection with COVID-19. If a patient is in the early stages of infection or is tested too close to the date of exposure to COVID-19, the test might be negative, but the patient could still be infected.

At the USA Health testing site, if a rapid antigen test is negative, a nose and throat swab test may still be done to confirm COVID-19 infection.

If this antigen test is positive or the follow-up nose and throat swab are positive, a patient should:

• Self-quarantine at home (away from all others) for at least 10 days or as instructed by your provider.
• Avoid public places including: work, church, grocery stores, gas stations, any drive-through, or any other place where you will be exposed to others.
• Contact your healthcare provider immediately for further instructions, if you develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms OR any of your symptoms get worse.
• Should be tested again, if you start to have symptoms of COVID-19 in the future. These symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, sore throat and loss of sense of smell or taste.

The rapid test utilized by USA Health has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Published June 5, 2020

As hurricane season begins and the threat of severe weather increases, USA Health is moving its drive-through COVID-19 testing site from Ladd-Peebles Stadium to inside the Mobile Civic Center arena. The new location is set to open June 8.

Up to 200 patients a day are being tested at the public site that USA Health developed in partnership with the City of Mobile. USA Health staff have performed more than 4,000 tests on patients, first responders including law enforcement, fire fighters, nursing home workers, county jail staff and USA Health personnel. Positive test results are reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

At the new location, near Interstate 10 at 401 Civic Center Drive, the process for being tested will remain much the same. Patients will drive inside the civic center arena through over-sized doors for testing and then drive out, said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, chief nursing officer for USA Health physician practices.

“To ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we consulted with our infectious disease physicians for guidance on setting up the indoor testing site,” Fox said. “They told us it’s just as safe for our testing staff from a ventilation standpoint as being outside because the space is so large.” The 80,000 square foot arena features a seven-story domed roof.

Previously, when severe weather occurred at the Ladd-Peebles Stadium site that opened April 6, 2020, staff were required to shelter indoors until unsafe conditions subsided. Strong winds have knocked over tents and damaged equipment at the site in recent weeks.

"Moving the testing site will make it safer for our patients and staff during severe weather, and will ensure those being tested prior to surgery won't have to postpone needed procedures this summer," said Michelle Dudley, executive director of practice management for USA Health and assistant vice president for medical affairs for the USA College of Medicine. "The City of Mobile has been a valuable partner as we continue to test for COVID-19 and learn more about the prevalence of this coronavirus in our community."

As a reminder, testing is by appointment only and those seeking testing should call 1-888-USA-2650 (1-888-872-2650). Phones are answered weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The tests are performed weekdays from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. No one will be admitted to the site for testing without an appointment and proper identification. USA Health patients can continue to contact their USA Health provider if they believe they need to be tested.

Published April 22, 2020

USA Health's new Caring Connections Program allows members of the community to send words of encouragement and kind thoughts to patients and employees at our facilities.

Using the program's online form, community members can choose to send general messages that will be shared with all patients and employees or to send individual messages that will be delivered personally.

Updated April 8, 2020

USA Health will open its COVID-19 appointment-only drive-through testing site to the public on Monday, April 6, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Potential patients will be required to be screened over the phone to determine if testing is needed. If that’s the case, patients will be given appointment times for testing. The phone number for the public to call is 1-888-USA-2650. This number will be activated at 8 a.m. April 6 and will be answered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

No one will be admitted to the site for testing without an appointment and proper identification.

“As the region’s only academic health system, we are so excited to be partnering with the City of Mobile to provide this much needed service to the people of our region,” said Michelle Dudley, executive director of practice management for USA Health and assistant vice president for medical affairs at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “The desire and ability of people in both of our organizations to determine how best to set up this remote testing site and then to accomplishment it is so gratifying. This, along with all the other measures put in place recently, will make a difference.”

The stadium also will continue to be the testing site for USA Health employees and patients who have been screened and approved for testing. USA Health patients should contact their USA Health provider if they believe they need to be tested.

At the site

• Entry is on the East side of the stadium. Signs are in place for way finding.
• Patients should remain in their cars with the windows rolled up.
• To confirm identity, patients will be asked for their driver’s license and insurance card.
• A healthcare worker will come to the window, at which time the patient should roll it down.
• The healthcare worker will swab the inside of the patient’s nose and/or throat.
• After the procedure, the car window should be rolled back up. Patients should exit the testing site on the West side of the stadium.
• Information on how to quarantine, according to CDC guidelines, will be provided.

Testing

• USA Health anticipates test results within 72 hours, but this will be determined by the volume of tests and the ability of the testing lab to process samples.
• An information sheet will be provided on how to sign up via the USA Health patient portal to view test results. Those who test positive will be contacted and provided further healthcare instruction.

Published March 26, 2020

With the safety and convenience of patients in mind during the COVID-19 outbreak, USA Health is now providing virtual visits for new and established patients with basic medical needs. The virtual visits can be for initial consultations, post-operation follow-ups, and other health needs that don’t require an in-person visit.

Virtual visits are patient appointments conducted by using audio-visual technologies such as a smart phone with video capabilities that allow a patient and a healthcare provider to interact without physical contact. Participants must have an email address and computer or phone with a camera to take part.

To make an appointment or schedule a virtual visit, call 251-434-3711.

Shelby Smith, director of care access at USA Health, said healthcare providers and staff members have been quick to respond to the need of moving to virtual visits.

“By moving quickly, it has allowed us to demonstrate the commitment to our patients, community and USA Health employees that the safety and well-being of all is of highest priority,” Smith said. “When the dust settles, I am confident that the insights our health system has learned through this rapid response to operationalize virtual visits will help us further develop a great long-term telemedicine strategy.”

Published March 16, 2020

MOBILE, Ala. (March 16, 2020) Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, USA Health is taking all reasonable precautions to keep our community safe and informed based on guidance from experts in public health and infectious disease. Please see below for interim policy changes and event cancellations.

Visitor screenings at USA Health hospitals

Because of the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak, beginning at 6 a.m. on March 17, all visitors and patients to USA Health facilities will be screened for symptoms and possible exposure. This is NOT testing for the virus. Please note the likely additional of time this will take for patients heading for appointments. Only one visitor per patient.

Appointments only for All of Us Research Program

The All of Us Research Program will no longer accept walk-in appointments at any enrollment site including the Mastin Professional Building, Strada Patient Care Center and Stanton Road Clinic. All meetings will be by appointment only. Those with scheduled appointments will be pre-screened the day before to ensure they are symptom-free. For information, call is 251-471-7708.

Event Cancellations

Seventh Annual Neuroscience Symposium
The symposium planned for April 3-5 at the Pensacola Beach Hilton has been cancelled.

Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group
Monthly support groups at USA Health University Hospital have been cancelled.

Community Classes
All community classes at Children’s & Women’s Hospital have been canceled for March 2020.

Postponed Events

Freestanding Emergency Department Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for USA Health's new Freestanding Emergency Department on 171 Hillcrest Road, scheduled for March 31 at 10 a.m., has been postponed. Details to follow when the event is rescheduled.

Eleventh annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium
The 11th annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium has been postponed until August 18-19, 2020. If you have already registered, your ticket will be honored at the symposium in August. Find more information at usahealthsystem.com/trauma-symposium.

Autism Matters Conference
The Autism Matters Conference planned for March 20 at the Orange Beach Event Center has been postponed. Follow the Autism Society of Alabama on Facebook for updates.

Policy Changes

As a reminder, USA Health – including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – altered its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. This restriction applies to non-essential volunteers, non-essential vendors and drug representatives.

No visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

Published March 13, 2020

Starting today, March 13, 2020, USA Health – which includes University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – will alter its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. Further, no visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

Published March 12, 2020

With the likelihood of COVID-19 cases occurring in our community, there is the potential for an increased number of patients in area emergency rooms. We encourage patients with non-emergency situations to seek treatment elsewhere. If you do have an emergency, please call ahead. You can reach the University Hospital Emergency Department at (251) 471-7300 and the Children's & Women's Emergency Department at (251) 415-1144.

Patients of USA Health's outpatient clinics also should call to reschedule appointments if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing; if you have been in contact with a person known to have Coronavirus; or if you traveled to an area with ongoing spread.

Most importantly, wherever you receive care, always call ahead and notify your healthcare professionals before your arrival if you develop the symptoms listed above and/or have possible been exposed to Coronavirus.

Published March 5, 2020

Coronavirus is a new disease and we are still learning how it may spread, the severity of illness it can cause, and to what extent it may spread in the United States. However, what we do know is Coronavirus is a severe acute respiratory virus that is spread between people in a similar way to the flu, via respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically five days but may range from two to fourteen days. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Recommended preventive measures include…

• Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Maintaining distance from people who are sick
• Monitoring and self-isolation (home isolation) for 14 days for individuals who suspect they are infected
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

What to do if you are sick…

• Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread
• Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact
• Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for Coronavirus

Everyone can play an active role in protecting yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like Coronavirus.