Covid-19 Home Test Positive? What You Should Know About Paxlovid Treatment and Our Office Protocols

Before coming in to the office, find out more about the qualifications needed to receive the treatment of Paxlovid for COVID-19, and our current protocols through Palouse Medical & Pullman ReadyCare

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 using an at-home test and are wondering what steps to take next, it’s essential to understand the treatment options available.

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that has shown promise in reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in high-risk individuals. The FDA has only approved the treatment of Paxlovid for COVID-19 in patients who meet specific criteria.

In order to qualify for Paxlovid, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. COVID-19 Positive with Symptom Onset of 5 Days or Less
  - - Paxlovid is most effective when administered early in the course of a COVID-19 infection
2. Age and Weight Requirements
  - - Qualifying patients must be 12 years or older and weigh 88lbs or more
3. No Severe Liver or Kidney Disease
  - - Individuals with known severe liver or kidney disease may not be eligible for Paxlovid
4. High-Risk Comorbidities
  - - Qualifying patients must have ONE or MORE comorbidities that put them at high-risk for COVID-19 disease progression. Some examples are:
      - Chronic lung disease
        
        Cancer
        
        Cardiovascular disease
        
        Obesity
        
        Diabetes
        
        Cerebrovascular disease
        
        History of or current smoker of tobacco and/or marijuana
        
        Solid organ transplant
        
        This is not a full list of comorbidities; for a full list please consult the CDC

If you meet all of the above criteria, you may be eligible for Paxlovid. Contact your primary care provider to inquire about a prescription, or if you have any questions in regard to your qualifications.

Continue below for more information.

I’m An Established Palouse Medical Patient

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and would like to inquire about Paxlovid, contact our office promptly at 509-332-2517. Your provider will review your health history and current medications so that they may guide you through the necessary steps for treatment. An office visit may not be needed in order to receive Paxlovid. If you are calling outside of our business hours, we have a provider on-call that can be reached through our answering service.

If you are concerned that you may need evaluated, ReadyCare is available for walk-in healthcare to assess your symptoms. We may also be able to inquire with your provider about getting you in quickly for an office visit or TeleHealth (virtual) appointment. Please call our office before coming in so that our healthcare professionals may provide guidance, and help ensure both your safety and the safety of others during your visit.

I’m Not An Established Patient of Palouse Medical

If you are not currently a patient of our office and have tested positive for COVID-19 at home, the first step is to contact your primary care provider for recommendation. Due to the specific criteria that must be met in order to qualify for Paxlovid, it is best practice that it be prescribed by your primary care provider as they have access to your full health history.

If you are concerned you may also need evaluated, or you do not have a primary care provider, please call the ReadyCare line at 509-332-8847, before coming in to be seen. While we are unable to provide medical advice over the phone, we may be able to provide some guidance on whether ReadyCare is the appropriate place for you to be evaluated.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for Paxlovid treatment, taking prompt action can help in managing symptoms and reducing the risk of disease progression in high-risk individuals. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your eligibility as soon as possible. Early intervention and proper medical guidance can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

Coming In?

Remember that masks are required if you are having any symptoms of COVID-19, have currently or recently tested positive, or were recently exposed.

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea

Don’t worry if you don’t have a mask with you, masks are available at all entrances of the hospital and inside our lobby. Please let the front desk know if you need assistance or would like an N-95 mask.

Once checked in, we will ask you to wait in the outer-lobby as a precaution to help limit any further exposure.

Visit the CDC’s website to stay updated with the most current guidelines and protocols for COVID-19.

We have included a few pertinent links below for your convenience.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Exposure Guidelines:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html

What to Do If You’re Sick or Caring For Someone:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html

Thank you for trusting Palouse Medical as Your Health Partner!