Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a virus known as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread to other countries. It can cause fever, cough, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia. 

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. They can cause more serious illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The 2019-nCoV is called a novel coronavirus. That's because it's a new type that has not been seen in people before. 

Viruses like these may spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing and through direct contact.

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to: 

• Avoid areas where there is an outbreak. 
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizers with an alcohol level of 60% or greater if soap and water is not available. 
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands. 

To help avoid spreading the virus to others: 

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Use a disinfectant to clean things that you touch often. 
• Stay home if you are sick. 
• To prevent exposure to others, individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to call their healthcare provider prior to arriving at a healthcare facility.

If you are concerned you have symptoms, call your Parkview Physicians Group office or call 877-PPG-TODAY for a free phone screening to be directed to appropriate care.

Parkview issued a news release on March 9th. You can view the release here. 

More information on COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found at cdc.gov/covid19.  Information can also be found on the ACDH website or by calling the department’s COVID-19 hotline at 260-449-4499. 

The following links will provide you with up-to-date COVID-19 resources: 

• CDC 
• Indiana State Department of Health 
• Allen County Department of Health 

Q: Can Parkview test for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A: For patients who meet testing guidelines, Parkview can collect samples that are sent to the appropriate state or commercial lab facilities. The test for COVID-19 can only be performed through state or select commercial labs.

Q: Can anyone be tested for COVID-19?
A: Due to the limited availability of testing by state and commercial labs, Parkview is currently following guidelines set by state health departments to determine the most appropriate patients to collect samples for testing.

Q: I heard the government is making more tests available – when can more people be tested?
A: On March 13, the federal government announced plans to make COVID-19 testing more readily available to the public. No dates have been announced, and it is uncertain when these measures will be in place.

Q: If I go to the emergency room, or have a doctor’s note, can I be tested?
A: At this time, Parkview will only submit testing for patients who meet the criteria set by the ISDH or ODH. If you do not qualify for testing, your provider can still help you manage your symptoms and follow guidelines to minimize exposure to others. 

Q: Should everyone who has COVID-19 symptoms be seen by a doctor?
A: The majority of people with COVID-19 have minor symptoms and do not require inpatient medical care or testing. Individuals with minor symptoms are advised to stay home rather than seek testing or medical care. People with symptoms or concerns specific to COVID-19 can either:

1. Visit parkview.com/covid19screening for detailed self-triage information
2. Call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632) for a free phone screening

Please note that these screening tools may determine that you need to see a provider for care and management of your symptoms. However, seeing a provider does not guarantee you will meet the guidelines for testing of COVID-19.

Q: What does the COVID-19 test cost?
A: Parkview’s price to administer and process a COVID-19 test is $350.  This price equals Parkview’s cost to perform and obtain the test results from a select commercial lab without any additional markup.

The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires group health plans and health insurance issuers in both group and individual markets for health insurance to provide coverage, without cost sharing by patients.

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