As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Texas, the Texas Medical Association has heard from multiple physicians with questions about testing for the virus.
That’s why the TMA COVID-19 Task Force created a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) to help physicians understand how to test patients safely and effectively.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for priority testing, with top priority given to hospitalized patients and health care facility workers. Due to current supply limitations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing kits, not all people with symptoms should be prioritized for testing, CDC said.
Among the questions answered in the TMA's FAQ:
- Which patients should physicians test for COVID-19? And are there patients who should be prioritized for testing?
- Who should not get tested?
- What infection prevention measures are necessary in outpatient settings?
- Is testing for COVID-19 available through commercial laboratories?
- Which private and public labs are testing?
- How is COVID-19 testing reimbursed?
- Do I report a positive test result for COVID-19?
The FAQ can be found on TMA’s COVID-19 Resource Center, which is updated regularly with the latest news, resources, and government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak.
Last Updated On
April 07, 2020
Originally Published On
March 20, 2020