I keep getting emails and messages about calling your health provider if you get sick. I do not have a health care provider or health insurance anymore.

— Name Withheld

First of all, I’d like to acknowledge your anxiety. We’re all navigating an unprecedented new reality and our health care systems may be pushed to the max. 

Adding to the pressure, unlike other countries that have been deeply impacted by coronavirus, we don’t have universal health care  — something I hope will get a lot more attention on the other end of the crisis. 

But here’s where we are:

— Name Withheld

First of all, I’d like to acknowledge your anxiety. We’re all navigating an unprecedented new reality and our health care systems may be pushed to the max. 

Adding to the pressure, unlike other countries that have been deeply impacted by coronavirus, we don’t have universal health care  — something I hope will get a lot more attention on the other end of the crisis. 

Do not call 911 for general questions or for COVID-19 triage.

Dialing 911 is to engage emergency care and request an ambulance.

Who can you call?

Most medical facilities (hospitals, urgent care clinics) in the region, including the Telluride Regional Medical Center, have personnel available to phone triage and have set up systems for the public to call in and get advice.

A private physician’s office may not be able to help you if you are not a patient there.

The questions you may be asked over the phone by health care personnel are how sick are you? Are you having difficulty breathing? Are you at an increased risk for contracting the virus or considered high risk for having respiratory problems if you do contract the virus?

The person on the other end of the line will be trying to assess whether or not you should be seen by a doctor and given the CDC test, which detects an active virus.

If you’re asymptomatic (you do not have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing) you will likely not be recommended for the CDC test. If you only have mild symptoms you will not likely be tested. Even if you end up seeing a provider for an in-person consultation, you may still not be given the CDC test.

CDC coronavirus tests are still in short supply and are mostly being reserved for the highest risk or most ill patients.

Treatment

Because this is a “novel” or new virus to humans, there is no medication treatment available, yet.

If you’re showing symptoms and speak with someone at our clinic or from the Public Health Department, you’ll likely be advised to isolate while you recover to help minimize the spread of infection to others.

You can take over-the-counter medications for symptoms. Good hydration, nutrition and sufficient sleep are always recommended for optimal recovery and health from any illness.

If you are sick to the point of having difficulty breathing, you need to be seen.

If you do not have a primary care provider, you’ll need to receive medical attention by visiting an Emergency Department or at Urgent Care, if available in your area. 

Most Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care departments have a system in place to screen people for respiratory symptoms outside the building. But if you can, call ahead first. These precautions

Cost

The CDC COVID-19 tests, per government decree, are free. Test supplies, however, are desperately limited. And while the test is free, that does not include the attendant care you might receive. 

If you do not have health care insurance the Telluride Regional Medical Center offer the following options to assist you in paying charges for services:

  • You are eligible for a discount if all charges are paid within a month by cash, check or credit card.

  • A payment plan can be set up.

  • If you have limited income, you may be eligible for a sliding fee scale. Please ask our staff for more information.

If you are not covered by health insurance, you are strongly encouraged to contact our Billing department, (970) 728-3848 x190, to discuss payment options prior to receiving services from our health care facilities, as posted prices may not reflect the actual amount of your financial responsibility.

Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado (Colorado’s official Health Insurance Marketplace) has opened an emergency Special Enrollment period from Friday, March 20 thru Friday, April 3, 2020.

Coloradans who are currently uninsured or about to lose coverage due to COVID-19 are able to get health insurance that starts April 1, 2020. More info here. 

I hope this information is helpful. Of course, the best thing you can do, the best thing any of us can do right now, is stay home with the aim to slow the spread of coronavirus. 

Sincerely, 
Bill Hall, MD