Kaiser Permanente COVID-19 Update

Here is the summary of the conference held by Kaiser Permanente in regard to COVID-19. Here are the highlights:

• We are not experiencing a prescription drug shortage
• Only about 2% of people infected are in danger
• There is no shortage in tests, only shortage in staff to administer tests to everyone who asks
• KP is trying not to “waste” tests on those experiencing symptoms but have not had contact with someone confirmed to have the virus
• Member should self-isolate when they are experiencing fever or shortness of breath, or if they are asymptomatic but have come into close contact with someone who tested positive
• KP is implementing “TeleCare,” which provides a virtual doctor to patients who can use chat to describe symptoms and issues
• Starting March 16th and until further notice, KP is cancelling “non-essential” appointments.
• KP suggests using pharmacy delivery for medications during this time
• Here are KP locations open until further notice:
  • Open for urgent care: Aurora Centrepoint, Lakewood, LoneTree
  • Primary care (appointment only): Acero in Pueblo, Arapahoe in Centennial, Loveland, Parkside in Colorado Springs, Rock Creek in Lafayette, Skyline in Denver
  • Specialty Care: Lone Tree office in Denver, Franklin office in Denver, Rock Creek office in Lafayette
  • Triage/COVID-19 Testing locations: Loveland, Rock Creek, Westminster, Lakewood, Aurora, Lone Tree, Parkside, Acero