December 18, 2020
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin Today at KPNW
- Save the Date | Next Live Audio Broadcast is December 22
- COVID-19 Paid Leave and Childcare Grants Extended
- What’s New in Healthconnect?
- Clarifying Pre-Travel Covid-19 Requirements
COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin Today at KPNW
This morning, at 6:30 a.m., front-line hospital staff at Westside and Sunnyside will be the first KPNW employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. At Westside, Governor Kate Brown will be our virtual guest, joining by Zoom to talk to an ICU charge nurse about what this day means to him.
The entire Regional Command Center extends our deep thanks to the many people across the organization who’ve worked day and night to make this historic milestone a reality. While it’s just the beginning of what will be a months-long process, it is a day to celebrate the achievements of science, your perseverance and dedication, and what we hope will be a brighter 2021.
Live Audio Broadcast | Latest COVID-19 Updates from the KPNW Command Center
Join our next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, December 22, starting at 12:10 p.m. If you have a question you’d like leaders to address, submit it here.
COVID-19 Paid Leave and Childcare Grants Extended
12/18 | See the latest edition, No. 33, for several important updates:
- Patient information for travel-related COVID testing
- Provide cost estimates for prescribed medications
- Discharge instructions for COVID-19 positive patients now available in Spanish
- HealthCare Anywhere (HCA) mobile has replaced IVVtoGo!
Your Holiday Safety Videos Have Been Amazing!
Thank you to everyone for submitting a holiday song with an important safety message. The talent and creativity displayed by you and your co-workers is truly incredible. Next week we will share a video compilation of some of the songs we received.
Until then enjoy Ifeoma Muoto, Clinic Manager, OBGYN Sub-Specialties, Mt. Talbert Medical Office, and Brent Roth Director, Medical Office, Mt. Talbert Medical Office, as they combine to bring you Holly Jolly Christmas. Also visit insideKP where we will post this and other videos through the holidays.
Situation Update
Note: we are working to revise the situation table to ensure it captures the most relevant, timely information. Look for a refreshed format soon.
Clarifying Pre-Travel Covid-19 Testing Requirements
Some airlines requirements specify PCR testing, and this can be confusing for members, as they’re unsure whether tests completed at Kaiser Permanente will meet travel requirements.
The information below is intended to provide additional clarity regarding COVID-19 testing for travel.
Can a member get a PCR test?
- We cannot guarantee a PCR test as we have several different tests we run which may/may not be PCR and are all equivalent nucleic acid tests (NAAT).
- Nucleic acid amplification assay tests (NAAT) include TMA and PCR tests. Kaiser performs both TMA and PCR tests. Be assured that any COVID test performed at KP-NW is a diagnostic NAAT test and meets the highest criteria for travel.
- Travel or employer requirements should allow for equivalent testing.
Can we assist a member with finding a PCR testing facility?
- Most labs across the country are running similar tests and members will likely have the same experience if they are looking for PCR tests elsewhere. Please DO NOT call the lab asking for PCR tests or to ask what labs do PCR testing.
What kind of test does KP use?
- Kaiser Permanente uses both TMA and RT-PCR assays. The SARS-CoV-2 TMA assay is a nucleic acid amplification assay (NAAT) and is equivalent to other PCR tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Do different locations or departments at KPNW have different testing capabilities?
- No – all our testing locations, including urgent care have the same testing capabilities. Do not send members to different locations with the expectation of different tests.
What KPHC tools are available to assist with supporting members with their concerns about travel requirements and PCR equivalency?
- As soon as tests are resulted, they are available for members via KP.Org. The result has information about PCR equivalency.
Upon request, members can be provided with an additional letter to give to the airline with additional information explaining the NAAT equivalency to the PCR. Use “Airline Required PCR Test for Travel” in the patient instructions section of the .COVID master phrase. You can use this in letters, kp.org messages and Patient Instructions.
