Dear Colleagues,
|
COVID-19 Cases: |
|
|
BMC Total Inpatients |
25 |
|
BMC Inpatients Requiring ICU Care |
4 |
|
Cumulative Staff Who Have Tested Positive |
2,854 (as of 2/7) |
|
Massachusetts Cases |
1,513,559 |
Click to see the most up-to-date city, state, and national numbers: Boston | Massachusetts | United States
UPDATED: Employee COVID-19 Testing – Weekend Changes
The testing location for employees is 750 Albany St. in the Power Plant parking lot, across from the Shapiro Building.
- Testing for employees with symptoms of COVID-19 is available seven days a week by appointment only. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not report to work. Email COVID19WWC@bmc.org to schedule a testing appointment.
- Asymptomatic testing for direct or indirect exposures and post-travel can be self-scheduled through MyChart. Testing appointments are available on a first come, first served basis. If you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, we recommend scheduling your appointment 5-7 days after your date of exposure.
- Asymptomatic testing for other reasons: Employees are strongly encouraged to self-schedule an appointment through MyChart.
While employees can self-schedule asymptomatic testing appointments Monday through Friday, weekend testing is now by appointment only. Please contact COVID19WWC@BMC.ORG to schedule an appointment.
If you are an existing BMC patient and do not have a MyChart account, click here to register. More information on scheduling testing can be found on the Hub.
REMINDER: Inpatient Census Remains High
BMC’s inpatient census remains high and we are continuing to rely on surge spaces to manage our inpatient volume. Discharges continue to be hindered by limited long-term care options, as facilities continue to deal with staffing issues due to COVID. We are collaborating with the city, state, and various facilities to transfer patients to appropriate sites of care as quickly as possible and anticipate that discharge options will improve in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience as we work hard to return to normal hospital operations following this most recent surge.
REMINDER: Reimbursement Process for At-Home COVID-19 Test Purchases
If you are covered by a BMC employee medical plan (BMC Select, BMC Tiered HMO, HPHC PPO), you can be reimbursed for the cost of eight at-home COVID antigen tests per person covered by a BMC employee medical plan. Coverage for these tests is through our pharmacy manager, Express Scripts Inc. (ESI). Currently you must purchase the test out of pocket and submit a receipt to ESI for reimbursement.
- Fill in the Express Scripts reimbursement claim form. A tipsheet (COVID test kit claim form tip sheet/sample form) to help you fill in the necessary details is available on the Hub.
- Send Express Scripts a copy of the claim form and your receipt. Directions for submitting the form are on the form itself.
If you are planning on submitting for reimbursement, do not use your flexible spending account card to purchase a test kit, as that would make your purchase ineligible for reimbursement.
NEW: Pedi ED COVID-19 Testing Hut Closed
The Pediatric Emergency Department COVID-19 testing hut has been closed. For pediatric testing:
- Asymptomatic children can go to the ILI testing site at 801 Mass Ave.
- Symptomatic children should be directed to the primary care physician or the Pedi ED.