Ochsner Health has announced new testing guidance for patients coming to its emergency departments, as well as a new self-monitoring program. The health system said in an April 25 news release that adopting Nym Health’s medical coding technology will optimize the speed and efficiency of its medical coding and billing processes. Nym’s coding engine uses provider notes within patient charts to rapidly-produce accurate, compliant and explainable diagnostic and billing charge codes. Ochsner Health coder is urging all patients who come to its emergency departments to get tested for COVID-19. The health system is also asking that patients self-monitor for 14 days after they leave the hospital. “We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, and that includes ensuring that they are as safe as possible from exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. James Meza, chief clinical officer at Ochsner Health. “By implementing these new guidelines, we can help protect our patients, their families and our community.”
Ochsner Health’s new testing guidance and self-monitoring program
For more information about Ochsner Health’s new testing guidance and self-monitoring program, please visit the health system’s website. We hope that this information is helpful to you, and we wish you all the best of health during these difficult times.
Ochsner Health is a trusted provider of high-quality healthcare services, and we are proud to be able to support our community during this challenging time. We believe that these new testing guidance and self-monitoring program can help protect patients’ health as well as the overall wellbeing of our community, and we hope you agree.
Stay home if you are not feeling well.
While no one wants to miss out on holiday time with their families, people who are not feeling well should stay home. We encourage people to take an at-home rapid test if available. Whether or not you test positive for COVID, it is safer for everyone if you stay home when not feeling well.
Negative COVID-19 test change your precautions.
This is the time of year that flu and other respiratory viruses are present in our community. Just because you have a negative COVID-19 test doesn’t mean it’s safe to engage with others in large crowds or stop using your mask. If you do not feel well, with any symptoms, please stay home and help prevent the spread of all contagious viruses in the community. If you do have to leave your home, please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Urgent care or emergency department
Do not go to an urgent care or emergency department if you are not in need of urgent or emergency care. Emergency departments and urgent care clinics are for those who need urgent or life-saving care. If you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and are seeking a COVID-19 test, please for community testing locations. We also recommend at-home testing, and many of the at-home rapid test kits are the same tests Ochsner utilizes in various healthcare settings.
Get vaccinated or get boosted.
Vaccines prevent severe disease, hospitalizations and death and are now available for children ages 5 and up. If you haven’t been vaccinated, please do. If you haven’t received your booster, get your booster shot today. Booster shots offer a significantly increased level of protection. Getting vaccinated is the best gift you can give yourself, your family, friends and community this holiday season.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve carefully.
Take precautions, mask up indoors and avoid large group gatherings indoors. You don’t need a mandate to wear a mask. If traveling, make sure to check the current COVID-19 situation at your intended destination. The CDC also recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you plan to travel by air, check if your airline requires any testing or vaccination status.
