COVID-19 RELATED INFORMATION

Pershing Health System continues to work daily to provide a safe environment for our patients, visitors, and employees. We continue to follow the CDC guidelines and precautions to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Masking for patients and staff will follow current CDC guidance which recommends a “Community Level” approach.  A sign is posted at each entrance to communicate our community level and therefore whether a mask to cover nose and mouth is a requirement.  Please refer to those upon entry to our facility whether as a patient or visitor.

When community Covid-19 level is:

Masks will be provided at all public and employee entrances.

Signage regarding current community levels will be posted at all public and employee entrances.

Please wear a mask you:

  • Have had a positive COVID test in the last 7 days. This includes home tests.
  • Have any symptoms of COVID-19 or other infectious illness.
  • Have had a high risk exposure to COVID-19.

 

VIRTUAL VISITS

To schedule a virtual visit, call Community Medical Associates at 660-258-1050.

  • Visits can be done either from a phone or a computer that has video and microphone capability.
  • After an appointment has been made, a nurse will call to obtain your patient history and walk you through how to sign up for the patient portal, find your appointment, and check in.

 

COVID PCR AND COVID ANTIGEN TESTING

If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.  If you are experiencing mild symptoms, please follow the policy below:

  • Pershing Lab now offers same day COVID PCR and COVID Antigen results.
  • A provider order is needed for all COVID tests. Orders for testing can be faxed to 660-258-1205.
  • If you are getting a COVID test for travel or pre op and are not symptomatic for COVID, no appointment is needed although you must have an order from your provider. Please use the front entrance of the hospital (rather than the ER entrance) and go to admissions during normal outpatient hours.
  • All symptomatic COVID patients must call for an order and instructions.  Upon arrival, please remain in the vehicle. Staff will swab patients outside.
  • Testing is Monday-Friday. Limited testing availability on Saturday, Sundays and holidays. Call 660-258-2222 for further information and for a testing time that will work for you.
  • Results are faxed to the ordering provider and you can also obtain them through the Medical Records department during normal business hours 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday.

 

Click here for CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker Link. This tool will help you make decisions on when to seek testing and medical care (unvaccinated people only).

 

DID YOU RECENTLY TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?

Talk to your health care provider right away to discuss current treatment options.

What is Monoclonal antibody infusion?
Monoclonal antibodies are like your body’s own antibodies. They quickly boost your immune system by blocking and destroying the COVID virus from getting into your cells and making it more difficult for the virus to reproduce and cause harm. The Monoclonal antibody infusion are given to people at a higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. The infusions are given through a one-time IV infusion and must be given as soon as possible within 10 days of getting a symptom.

Who can get this treatment?

  • Non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate symptoms with less than 10 days since symptom onset.
  • Age 12 or older and weigh at least 80 lbs. or more and have any of the following: Chronic kidney disease, heart of lung disease, BMI of 25 or greater, pregnancy, diabetes, or immunosuppressive disease.
  • Have been told by a doctor that they are at high risk of a serious case of COVID-19
  • Other medical conditions or factors may also place individual patients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.

If you have COVID-19, contact your primary care provider to see if you qualify for the Monoclonal antibody infusion.

 

VACCINATION RESOURCES

Check with the Linn County Health Department or pharmacies for vaccine availability.  Local options include Green Hills Pharmacy (660-258-2122). Walmart and Hy-Vee pharmacies have online registration for vaccines at these links depending on the desired location:

https://www.walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302

https://www.hy-vee.com/my-pharmacy/covid-vaccine

Updated 10/18/2022