COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Bonner General Health began vaccinating our front-line workers with the COVID-19 vaccine, December 2020.  In an effort to keep our healthcare system functional and healthy, we have continued with vaccinating staff members and community providers.  Panhandle Health District has been working with the State of Idaho to develop a plan for community-wide vaccination opportunities.  A phased approach has been outlined here. https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/.  We will begin vaccinating the public, based on the priority groups outlined above, as vaccines become available in the coming weeks.  Check back for more details.

Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
• When can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccine Safety & Monitoring
• Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

• Avoid the emergency room and any healthcare facility unless it’s essential.
• Stay home if you’re sick – even if symptoms are mild.
• Practice good personal hygiene habits and social/physical distancing.
• Most up to date information on this rapidly changing situation can be found on the CDC website at CDC.gov.
• You can also receive Idaho-specific updates at coronavirus.idaho.gov.

Important to note about the illness:

• Most people with COVID-19 will have mild illness
• Not everyone needs to be tested and testing is not yet widely available
• We are actively working on plans to care for patients with severe coronavirus
• High-risk patients for severe coronavirus disease are older and have comorbidities (other health issues)

Guidelines to keep you and our community safe:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
• Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.

Informational phone line: (208) 265-3323

I need a COVID-19 test so I can go back to work.  What do I need to do?

If you need a COVID-19 test (examples:  returning to work, flying to Alaska, pre-surgery – outside of Bonner General), call your primary care provider.  If you and your provider have determined you have no symptoms of COVID-19, your provider will send an order for testing to our Lab Department.  Visit our lab during business hours, Monday-Friday 7:30 am-5:00 pm for a COVID-19 test.

If you are symptomatic or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, visit our drive-thru COVID-19 testing site during testing hours.  Current testing hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 10:00 am & 11:00am – 1:00pm.

*Hours are subject to change.  A provider’s order is required to receive a COVID-19 test. Testing location map HERE.

What if I do not have a Primary Care Provider?

You must have a Primary Care Provider to receive a COVID-19 test.  Panhandle Health District will only write orders for those who are uninsured and do not have a primary care provider (as of July 14, 2020).   If you are sick, you can be seen through our Emergency Department as an ED patient.

How much does a COVID-19 test cost?

A COVID-19 test cost $150.00 + the below fee based on where you are tested:

• If you are asymptomatic (ex: if you need a test to return to work in Alaska) and go to the lab there is an additional $47.00 fee.
• If you have a provider’s order and are tested in our curbside Emergency Department drive-thru there is an additional $60.00 fee.
• If you come without a provider’s order there is an additional fee for the physician screening of $55.00, plus the drive-thru test fee.

*Most insurances pay for all of this without any out of pocket for the patient;  however please check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage.  If you do not have insurance, there is a government program that can be utilized to cover the services.

If you are uninsured and pre-pay, a discount is given.

I am experiencing symptoms, and it is after hours.  What do I do?

Call our Emergency Department at (208) 265-1020 and report your symptoms.  If it is recommended that you come in for a test, arrive at the Emergency Department, stay in your car, and call the above number.  One of our staff members will come to you.

*Please note there will be an Emergency Department Clinic fee associated with your visit.

How do I get my COVID-19 test results?

• All COVID-19 test results will be available through the BGH Patient Portal.  Information will be needed (such as an email address) in order to use the patient portal.  Click HERE to sign up or log in.   Instructions for using the patient portal HERE.
• If you were seen in our Emergency Department and received a COVID-19 test, and you test positive, one of our staff members will call you.
• If you have an order from your provider and were tested during drive-through hours, your primary care provider will call with your results.

What should I do while I’m waiting for my results?

If you are awaiting test results for COVID-19, please, self-isolate, and avoid contact with anyone outside of your home, this is crucial to limiting the spread of COVID-19.

What if I am positive?

If you test positive for COVID-19, Panhandle Health District will contact you to determine contact tracing.   Please self-isolate and limit contact to anyone outside of your home.

How can I get an IgG Antibody test?

If you would like to be tested for the COVID-19 Antibody, SARS-CoV-2, call your primary care provider.  Once an order is received, a blood draw will be taken at our laboratory services department.  *Please note:  upon entry to Bonner General Health, you will be asked a series of screening questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and required to wear a mask.  We will provide one if you do not have one.

How much is an IgG Antibody test?

If you are uninsured and want a test, it is $80 + $20 for the lab draw.  A discount is given to those who pre-pay.

Does my insurance cover the test?

Some insurances are covering Antibody testing.  Medicare will pay for the antibody test with no charge to the patient; other insurance companies will pay some portion.  Please contact your insurance company to find out if they will cover the test.

With community spread in our area, here are some guidelines on what to do if you are exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive:

o Try not to panic: If you are exposed, begin to self-isolate from the general public and especially those high-risk individuals. Stay home other than to seek medical treatment. If you do leave your home, please wear a mask to prevent potential spread.

o Call your primary care provider and report the potential exposure. If you do not have a primary care provider, contact Panhandle Health District at 877-415-5225.  *Note: As of July 14, 2020, Panhandle Health District will no longer be writing orders for COVID-19 testing unless you are uninsured and do not have a primary care provider.

o Minimize your contact with others for 14 days from the date of exposure, regardless of whether you test positive or negative.

o It is important not to test too soon. The incubation period for COVID-19 after exposure is approximately 3-5 days, and possibly up to 14 days. If you test too soon after exposure, you may test negative, giving you a false sense of relief.  Panhandle Health District recommends testing 5-8 days after exposure for the least likely chance of receiving a false-negative test result. (please quarantine as soon as you are made aware of exposure and until you receive a confirmed negative test result).

o If you test negative, follow CDC and Panhandle Health guidelines regarding precautions you should continue to take for the next 14 days.

o If you test positive, Panhandle Health District will contact you to determine contact tracing. Please self-isolate and limit contact to anyone outside of your home.

o *If you are unwell and need to visit the Emergency Department, please do so. Call ahead at (208) 265-1020 to let them know you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are sick with symptoms.

o If you are in distress and having difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1. Let the dispatcher know you are having COVID-19 symptoms and have had contact with someone who tested positive.

If you have general questions about COVID-19 call our information line at 208-265-3323.

You can access your symptoms at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html to help determine if you needed to be tested for COVID-19.

Update on Testing site: 

• Remain in your car until it is their turn to test.
• Walk up to the trailer window for their test.
• Results should be available within 48 hours through the patient portal.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

If you believe you have Coronavirus/COVID-19 based on meeting all of these criteria and need emergency care, please call the Emergency Department prior to arrival at (208) 265-1020. A staff member will meet you outside.

Update on Testing site: 

• Remain in your car until it is their turn to test.
• Walk up to the trailer window for their test.
• Results should be available within 48 hours through the patient portal.

• Testing is set-up on a first-come, first-serve basis. If there is a long line, we will encourage patients to come back at a later time (during testing hours) to prevent back-up in traffic.  *Please note this is subject to change depending on the need. 
• Instructions on how to access your test results HERE.
• *SEE MAP HERE*
• *Note: As of July 14, 2020, Panhandle Health District will no longer be writing orders for COVID-19 testing unless you are uninsured and do not have a primary care provider.  If the individual does not have a doctor’s order, they can still be screened and tested by our Emergency Department Physician (this will be billed as an Emergency Department visit).
• Bonner General Health is working closely with Panhandle Health District on preparedness.
• To see the most up-to-date information from our local health district please see their website: panhandlehealthdistrict.org.

January 14, 2021 (5:00 pm)

Total Confirmed COVID-19 in Bonner County:  2298

Active: 687

Hospitalizations: 4

Visitor Restrictions and Screening:

All staff, patients, and APPROVED visitors will be given a cloth mask to wear while in the hospital.  All persons will enter through the Patient Registration entrance on 3rd Avenue.  Symptom screening will be required.  Masks must be worn at all times while inside any BGH facility.

UPDATE: Visitor Restrictions

Effective, Friday, November 20, 2020, no visitors will be allowed inside the hospital until further notice.

Exceptions include:

• Obstetric patients may have one support person
• Pediatric patients may have parents/guardians (limit two).
• Pass Screening Process

Each visitor must pass COVID-19 screening criteria by the BGH staff before their visit.

• Masks will be required at all times.
• Except for transit to and from, visitors must stay in the patient’s room and follow staff instructions regarding hand-washing and the use of personal protective equipment.
• The cafeteria will not be open to visitors.

Exceptions: 

• Pediatric patients will be allowed, two parents/guardians.
• No visitors will be allowed in isolation areas.
• More Info on Obstetric Patients Here: BGH COVID-19 OB Updates 4.8.2020

Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate through these ever-changing times.

Points of Entry:
Bonner General Health has implemented limited entry points to the hospital and will be screening patients, and the limited permissible visitors allowed who enter the building. The following provides additional detail about these safety procedures:

Everyone entering the hospital should come through the hospital Patient Registration entrance on 3rd Ave.

All other entry points will be closed; however, you may leave the building at any exit.

Health Services Building Point of Entry
Effective 4/1, the Health Services Building will have one point of entry. All patients must enter the Health Services Building through the main entrance by the overhang off of 3rd Avenue. All staff, patients, and APPROVED visitors will be required to wear a cloth mask while in the Health Services Building.  The main entrance will be open Monday–Friday from 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.