Concord Hospital Opens Dedicated Coronavirus Eval, Testing Site

CONCORD, NH — Concord Hospital now has a dedicated evaluation and testing site for the new coronavirus. The hospital opened the site as well as a primary care phone triage process in an effort to screen and triage patients with respiratory concerns and direct them to the most appropriate clinical setting based on their profile, according to Jennifer Dearborn, the director of public affairs at the hospital. The central triage office is staffed by primary care registered nurses with a physician present to assist as needed, she said.

Patients who are experiencing fever and respiratory issues, the two most common symptoms of COVID-19, should call their health care provider before coming to the hospital to be evaluated first. Later, patients will be scheduled for further evaluation and testing at the hospital.

The announcement of the site came at the same time Merrimack County's first coronavirus patient was announced by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Dearborn said, however, that, "To date, Concord Hospital has not had any patient test positive for COVID-19."

Patients at Concord Hospital with respiratory symptoms are also being screened for both influenza and the coronavirus — but coverage and copays may change in the wake of costs to coronavirus testing.

"At this time, insurance companies are covering the specific COVID-19 test with no patient out-of-pocket expense," Dearborn said. "However, patients being tested for COVID-19 are also being tested for other respiratory illnesses that do require an out-of-pocket expense. The out-of-pocket costs can range from $50-$200 depending on the test ordered and a patient’s insurance coverage. Insurance companies are changing their policies often to provide expanded coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment so pricing estimates may change."

Patients coming to the hospital are now screened prior to entry and the hospital's main entrance is closed indefinitely. The hospital has also implemented telecommuting policies for employees who can work from home. All non-essential patient appointments through the end of this week. All outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy appointments have been canceled. In addition, the pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation departments are closed, she said.

The hospital's substance abuse services program has been relocated to the Center for Health Promotion on South Main Street.

Personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies are also being monitored to ensure the hospital is as prepared as possible, Dearborn said.

"We currently have adequate supplies to meet demand in the most efficient way possible and are not rationing any equipment or products," she said.

At the same time, some people have been donating items to the hospital.

On Wednesday, Dearborn said an out-of-state visitor who had previously received care at the hospital shipped two cases of N-95 masks to the hospital. On Thursday, a teacher from Bow, she said, delivered a package of facemasks to the hospital.

"The grateful teacher thanked the hospital for all we do to help keep the community healthy," Dearborn said. "She said she hopes the masks can help prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19."

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