February 27, 2021
Quarantine No Longer Required for Fully Vaccinated Persons or Persons who have Recovered from COVID-19 Infection.
https://www2.erie.gov/health/sites/www2.erie.gov.health/files/uploads/pdfs/quarantinevaccine.pdf
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February 15, 2021
Everything you need to know about getting a Covid-19 vaccination as the rollout extends across the U.S.
https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/plan-your-vaccine/
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February 6, 2021
Governor Cuomo recently expanded New York State’s group 1b eligibility for the COVID-19
vaccine to include individuals with pre-qualifying conditions. (See list below).We are hopeful that
we will be able to offer our patients COVID-19 vaccination in the near future. New York State’s
Department of Health has received our application and our team of physicians, nurses, and
pharmacists continue to develop our plan to implement vaccination according to the State’s
mandated guidelines. Because the State cannot estimate when we will receive an allocation of
the vaccine, we encourage all eligible patients to use the NYS DOH website and hotline to
schedule a vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy or State-operated distribution site. We
will continue to provide updates as our plans for vaccination develop. For more information on
the COVID-19 vaccine, including eligibility, forms, and vaccine instructions, please visit:
1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine
Beginning February 15, 2021:
Adult New Yorkers of any age with the following conditions qualify for the vaccine:
● Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
● Chronic kidney disease
● Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary
diseases
● Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
● Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease,
cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
● Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ
transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of
corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
● Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40
kg/m2)
● Pregnancy
● Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
● Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
● Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
● Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer's Disease or dementia
● Liver disease
The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York
State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.
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January 13, 2o21
There are currently two FDA vaccines approved for emergency use to prevent Covid-19 severe illness. The state began its immunization rollout in December beginning with health care workers, frontline workers, and patients residing in congregate settings.
The strategy from the CDC and the New York State Dept of Health focuses on vaccinating those at highest risk of exposure (based on occupation) and those at highest risk of severe disease (based on age currently).
We have already submitted a request to the state to receive and administer the vaccines according to the NYS and Federal guidelines. At this time the state has put a priority on using pharmacies and Department of Health sites to make the process most efficient.
We are hopeful to still participate in the vaccination efforts in the coming months, but have no estimated date of when this will begin. We do not currently have a list of those patients eligible or interested, and would encourage you to seek a vaccine at the sites currently available.
Currently the state is allowing 1a and 1b groups to register.
To see what category you are in for the vaccine please visit:
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Use the links below, or call the COVID vaccine hotline:
1-833-NYS4VAX (1-833-697-4829)
New York State information and sign up:
https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Erie County information and sign up:
https://www3.erie.gov/form/covid-19-vaccine-notification-form/
Niagara County information and sign up:
https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Services/Public-Health-Preparedness/2019-Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccination
Please check back on our website regularly for updates. If you have not already done so, consider signing up for the patient portal for communication going forward.
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December 21,2020
As the FDA reviews the data and safety of the COVID vaccines that have been developed, we are hopeful we will be able to participate in the immunization efforts in our community in the near future.
Our team of pharmacists, nurses and physicians has already submitted the required application to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and NYSIIS to receive and administer COVID vaccines to our patients. When our application is approved to begin the immunization process, we will follow the guidelines set forth by NYSDOH that prioritize the most vulnerable and high risk populations first. We will also be working with our partners at Catholic Health, who have been designated to coordinate the Regional Vaccination Network for Western New York. Currently we are not scheduling vaccine appointments or taking names for a wait list. As we have more information we will share it on our website and through our patient portal.
For more information on the vaccines, please visit :
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html
https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download
December 4,2020
As we continue to monitor the evolving conditions related to Covid -19 in our community, we wanted to remind you of the precautions we are taking in order to keep you and our staff safe and healthy.
In compliance with the NYS mandate, we are requiring patients to wear a surgical or cloth mask at all times in the office (no bandanas or gators). Your mask should remain over your nose and in place throughout your visit, unless instructed differently by your provider.
We continue to limit seating in our waiting rooms. Upon check in, feel free to sit in an available seat, or if you are more comfortable, you can wait in your car and we will call you when your room is ready. Temperatures will be checked upon entry, and you will be asked screening questions to determine next steps.
Thank you for your patience as we experience a significant increase in call volume related to the Coronavirus. As a reminder, your portal is available for non-urgent issues such as receiving lab or test results, requesting refills and viewing upcoming appointments as well as non-urgent questions to your provider.
If you have concerns about possible symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, please contact us via your portal or call us at 716-839-8000 and we will have a member of our medical team reach out to determine the appropriate course of action and follow-up based on your specific needs. We have designated our Sweet Home office for any in-person visits for patients experiencing possible Covid-19 symptoms including, but not limited to: acute respiratory symptoms, cold symptoms, fevers, or other symptoms that require a possible in person visit and testing, if appropriate. We are aware there are a variety of testing options within the community. Please note that if we do not order or perform the testing, we will not receive your results.
Please see the links below for the most up-to-date information on testing sites in our community.
https://prescryptive.com/covid-consumer-testing/
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
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November 18,2020
As the cases rises locally the local DOH has shifted its testing strategy to focus on chain of contact/ illness.
They will test at no cost, no script or referral needed for :
1) Symptomatic residents of Erie County . This is defined as anyone w/ COVID symptoms regardless of known exposure or contact.
2) Close contacts of confirmed COVID 19 + individuals (regardless of symptoms)
Reminder that close contact is being defined as :
Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
Test site information: https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=covid-19-testing-information
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November 6,2020
Since we are now in flu season, we wanted to take a moment to update you on a few changes that are happening here at PCWNY.
Managing Respiratory Symptoms-In an effort to continue to care for our sick patients with respiratory symptoms (IE: cough, cold, sinus, sore throat), we have designated our Sweet Home office for these in person visits. This will enable us to care for our (respiratory) patients according to the recommendations of the New York State Department of Health. In-person visits are available by appointment Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm-7pm, and Friday 2pm-5pm. Depending on the severity of a patients symptoms, we also offer telehealth visits. Please contact the office via your portal or call us at 716-839-8000 to speak to a nurse or to schedule a visit.
Screening-We will continue to screen our patients prior to being seen by a provider in the office. For your safety, and the safety of the staff and other patients, we ask you to review the screening questions carefully and be fully transparent with your answers. In some cases, we may ask patients to return to their car for additional screening in order to determine the next steps to best meet a patient’s needs.
For your safety-As a reminder, we will also continue to screen temperatures of all staff, and anyone coming into the office for an appointment. In accordance with current NYSDOH guidelines, anyone older than 2 years of age coming into the office for an appointment must wear a face mask (no gators or bandanas). For the safety of our staff and patients, we ask that all patients over the age of 18 be unaccompanied for their appointment, unless they require special assistance.
Each staff member is working diligently to limit the time spent in our waiting rooms. We have also arranged waiting room seating, check in, and check out areas to accommodate social distancing. We are maintaining drastically increased cleaning routines before, during, and after patient care hours. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the office.
Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions related to your health and well-being.
Your Primary Care of WNY Team
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June 11,2020
It has been a couple weeks since we have started seeing more patients in the office. We are pleased to be able to welcome back more of you in person. Overall, the process has been running smoothly. As a reminder, we ask that you arrive with a mask. Screening will continue at the door prior to entrance. Our team is working diligently to limit the time our patients spend in our waiting rooms. We have also arranged waiting room seating, check in, and check out areas to accommodate social distancing. If the waiting room fills to capacity, we will be asking you to wait in your car until we can bring you safely into the office.
Beginning next week, we will have a process change for our video visits. Patients currently scheduled for a video visit will receive a text message when it is time to log on for the appointment. Please allow for some flexibility, as some appointments may run longer.
For your convenience evening hours will resume in many of our locations.
As we emerge from this pandemic, we will continue to offer different appointment types, including video and telephonic. As coverage may change, please check with your insurance carrier for the most up to date out of pocket costs that you may incur.
PCWNY will continue to update our website and social media regularly, so please stay connected for updates.
Please stay safe and healthy.
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May 28,2020
Beginning next week, PCWNY will begin re-introducing more patients back into our offices.
We want you to know that your safety, and the safety of our staff, continues to be of the utmost importance to us. We are adhering to the current guidelines from the CDC, and are making every effort to make our offices safe for our patients who need to be seen in person for their appointments. Through in-person office visits, video telemedicine visits, patient portal communication, and telephone visits, our staff will help you find the most appropriate level of care to best meet your needs.
Our office is utilizing a variety of safety and screening measures for our in-office appointments. We have staff members reaching out by phone to pre-screen our planned face to face office appointments. We will continue to screen temperatures of all staff, and anyone coming into the office for an appointment. In accordance with current NYSDOH guidelines, anyone older than 2 years of age coming into the office for an appointment must wear a face mask. For the safety of our staff and patients, we ask that all patients over the age of 18 be unaccompanied for their appointment, unless they require special assistance.
Each staff member is working diligently to limit the time spent in our waiting rooms. We have also arranged waiting room seating, check in, and check out areas to accommodate social distancing. We are maintaining drastically increased cleaning routines before, during, and after patient care hours. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the office.
As a reminder, co-pays may apply to your encounter. We encourage you to check with your insurance company if you have questions regarding your insurance coverage, since benefits may vary.
PCWNY will continue to update our website and social media regularly, so please stay connected for updates.
Please follow us on Instagram (primarycarewny), Facebook (Primary Care of Western New York) or Twitter (@care_york) for additional information about the coronavirus pandemic, community events, and other medical topics that are posted regularly. These are public sites and we welcome you sharing the information with others.
Please stay safe, and let us know how we can help you during this pandemic.
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May 6,2020
As we mentioned a couple weeks ago, we are still open and available. Our staff will help you find the most appropriate level of care to best meet your needs. Visits are available through video telemedicine, our patient portal, or telephone. During this pandemic, most insurance companies have temporarily waived co-pays for these different types of visits to make it easier for you to seek treatment.
We encourage you to check with your insurance if you have questions regarding coverage, as there are many plans and benefits may vary.
We will continue to keep you updated on changes as they occur.
Stay safe and healthy.
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April 21,2020
We wanted to give you an update regarding the care that we continue to provide for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the six weeks since our community’s first closures began, many conditions have changed in our offices.
We are still open and available to you either in person, through video telemedicine, our patient portal, or telephone. Our staff will help you find the most appropriate level of care to best meet your needs.
We are adhering to the current guidelines from the CDC, which state that routine physicals and follow-up appointments should be conducted remotely over video telemedicine or telephone rather than face-to-face. However, if you have an acute concern that requires a face-to-face evaluation, we will work with our medical team to meet your needs in the safest way possible. We want you to know that your safety and the safety of our staff and providers is of the utmost importance to us. We are making every effort to make our offices safe for our patients who need to keep their appointments.
Please understand that if you contact us with concerns about possible symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, we will have a member of our medical team speak to you directly to best facilitate your care. Then we will determine the appropriate course of action and follow-up based on your specific needs.
We will continue to update our website and social media regularly, so please stay connected for updates.
Please follow us on Instagram (primarycarewny), Facebook (Primary Care of Western New York) or Twitter (@care_york) as additional information about the coronavirus pandemic, community events and other medical topics are posted regularly. These are public sites and we welcome your sharing the information.
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April 16, 2020
The Erie County Department of Health issued a series of Standing Orders regarding Isolation, Quarantine and the Clearance Criteria that should be used allow people to be released from restrictions. There are special considerations for Health Care Workers. Please click here for further details.
Additionally there are forms available for download on that site that you can use attest your status, if needed.
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March 22, 2020
Your healthcare team at Primary Care of WNY is closely monitoring the current COVID-19 outbreak in the community. We want to keep you informed of the changes we are implementing at our offices to continue meeting the needs of our patients and to make every effort to keep our patients safe during this uncertain time.
Please be aware that effective Monday, March 23, 2020, each of our office locations will be implementing temperature screening on all individuals prior to entering the office. If a patient visits an office with a fever, we will verify the person’s cell phone contact information and will ask that they return to their car to await further assessment. We will promptly have a member of our medical team assess the patient further prior to entering our office.
In addition to the significant increase in our disinfection and cleaning protocols, you will also notice that our clinical staff will be wearing masks, gloves, and protective eye shields while interacting with our patients. This change in safety protocol is to keep our patients safe and decrease the risk of exposure out of our office.
We realize that there are some patients who have appointments and medical needs that must be addressed face-to-face. We want you to know that your safety is of the utmost importance to us and we are making every effort to make our offices as safe as possible for our patients who need to keep appointments. However, if you would prefer to change a previously scheduled appointment to a Video or Electronic visit, our team will help to coordinate this for you.
Please note that if you are calling with concerns about possible symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, we will have a member of our medical team reach out to you to help direct your care. We can use Video visits to discuss your symptoms and will develop a plan to best meet your individual needs both at the time of the call and with a follow-up plan to monitor your status.
You will notice fewer individuals at our offices as we encourage social distancing at this time. As a reminder, we ask that our patients who are over 18 years of age plan to come unaccompanied unless it is medically necessary to have another individual present.
Please stay safe and well. We will continue to update you with any developments.
Sincerely,
Your team at Primary Care of WNY
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March 19, 2020
To our patients,
The health and safety of all our patients and employees remains our top priority. We are following the guidance and best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Erie County, NY Department of Health.
Here are some of the steps we have taken at Primary Care of WNY:
We will continue to update you with any changes. As a reminder, you can find up to date information on our website, https://www.primarycarewny.com, as well as our social media pages(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
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March 14, 2020
Your medical team at Primary Care of Western New York is aware of concerns that the Coronavirus pandemic is causing within the community and globally. We anticipate the situation will be changing quickly and we are working hard to prepare our office staff to manage the needs of our patients and the community. Our goal is to maintain our ability to manage routine needs and care of our patients, while still addressing this evolving health risk.
While Coronavirus is not currently being labeled as widely community spread in Erie County, we do anticipate that in the coming weeks this will change. Right now our nurses will be taking all calls requesting appointments for the evaluation and treatment of fevers, cough, and shortness of breath. Based on the recommendations from our state and county health departments, we have been advised that patients suspected of Coronavirus, or Coronavirus contact, should not be coming into the office for assessment at this time.
Based on these recommendations we will assess patient needs by phone or portal with those who are concerned that they have had Coronavirus contact or that they themselves may be infected. If needed we will recommend and facilitate testing and/or evaluation according to the current health department guidelines for these individuals.
Please check our website and social media sites often for updates and reliable sources of information on the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Novel Coronavirus / Covid 19
Virus is a strain of coronavirus that was first isolated in China, Fall 2019
Incubation
Up to 14 days (incubation is the period of time from exposure to the time the patient exhibits signs of illness).
This is what drives the 14 day quarantine guidelines.
Course of illness/Mortality
Majority of cases will be mild flu like illness w/ fever, cough, sneezing (80%). 15% of cases are severe, and 5% are critical.
In more severe cases the virus can cause worsening respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, and pneumonia.
Spread :
Respiratory droplets among close contacts/ health care workers (cough, sneezing – similar to influenza).
Close contact is considered contact within 6 feet.
Role of warm weather (common question) (CDC)
“It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.”
Testing Covid 19
ECDOH has FDA approved test is available as of Saturday 3/7/2020. They have verified the sensitivity and application of this test. We do not currently have the ability to test for this specific virus.
Novel Coronavirus / CoVid 19 resources
www.Cdc.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
There are links for travel (including travel warnings), case updates and maps for domestic/ international cases.
World health organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Erie county Dept of Health
http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=coronavirus
Other useful resources
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/02/covid-vaccine/607000/
-Written by Dr. James Hamblin for The Atlantic
Dr. Hamblin is a public health expert at Yale
