At Vertava Health, we’re staying open in light of COVID-19. Learn more about our ongoing coronavirus protocol and what we’re doing to limit the spread of coronavirus as we continue to treat the disease of addiction.
1. Are all locations still in operation?
Yes, all our locations remain open to treat those with alcohol or substance use disorders.
2. How are you ensuring new and current patients in treatment are kept safe?
Vertava Health is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our staff and patients. Due to the current Pandemic of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Vertava Health is following guidelines and precautionary measures recommended and mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Federal and State Government.
We have developed policies, procedures, and protocols to keep patients and staff as safe as possible including revised admission criteria that include not admitting patients with COVID-19 symptoms, admitting patients into quarantine if there is a question of exposure based on where they live, have traveled, or what they have been exposed to.
On-campus safety precautions include social distancing, temperature checks daily as patients and staff come to Campus, face covers encouraged, and clear guidance on what PPE (protective patient equipment) is to be worn by staff given specific circumstances.
Vertava Health is following CDC and OSHA guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting the rehab facility. We have access to COVID19 testing that is being provided to patients and staff that show symptoms of a 100.3 F fever or higher.
Vertava Health is following guidelines and has a policy for when to isolate or quarantine patients dependent on exposure risk and symptoms. For more detail, the policies can be found here AC COVID19 Hub- Clinical and Quality Policies.
3. What is the procedure for someone who is or becomes symptomatic? Do they get discharged?
Yes, if the patient tests positive, or if a staff member tests positive, they must be discharged or take a leave of absence. If a patient presents symptoms, they will be quarantined on-site until we have test results.
If it is determined that the patient will remain at the facility Vertava Health will follow the Vertava Health Covid-19 Protocol for isolating a patient. The patient will be put in isolation and tested for COVID-19. Test results are expected to be available in three days from the date of testing. The patient will remain in isolation until the test results are confirmed.
If the test result is positive for COVID-19:
the patient will remain in isolation for 72 hours beyond the time that they no longer exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, and at least 14 days after the onset of symptoms.
Patients and staff who have been in close contact with the patient in the last 14 days will then be put in quarantine. They will remain in quarantine for 14 days because of “close contact” with the infected patient. If they are symptomatic, they will be tested for COVID19 and remain in isolation depending on the outcome of the test.
If the test result is negative for COVID-19:
The patient will remain in isolation until at least 3 days (72 hours) of recovery have passed. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and improvement in respiratory symptoms, and at least 14 days have passed since the onset of symptoms.
It is at the discretion of the Medical Director to make changes to this when necessary.
4. Where are you obtaining information about COVID-19 and making sure that it is 100% accurate and evolving with the pandemic?
Vertava Health is following guidelines and precautionary measures recommended and mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), national associations, legal support, and Federal and State Government Agencies.
5. What are you doing with clinical teams to make sure they have all knowledge about COVID-19 to best take care of patients?
We have provided a website with all needed policies, procedures, and practices in a world with COVID issues: AC COVID19 Hub- Clinical and Quality Policies. We will train and retrain all staff to make sure the policies, procedures, and practices are in place.
6. Is COVID-19 harder to detect in addicts?
No. However, some COVID-19 symptoms are similar to withdrawal symptoms such as low-grade fever or cold-like symptoms. This is why it’s important to do a thorough assessment to determine risk for exposure, such as gathering information about travel and close contact with others. Testing is also provided on campus if the patient has symptoms or a fever of or greater than 100.3.
7. What can I do if I’ve already gone to treatment and find myself relapsing due to isolation?
Call the Vertava Health intake line at (888) 816-8415. Depending on what intensity of care you need, we can connect you back to an inpatient level of care, coordinate outpatient treatment, or set you up with telehealth services.
8. Will you restrict campus tours, delay traffic in and out of treatment locations, or limit face to face interaction?
Yes, we will meet CDC and state-mandated requirements. Patient admission criteria has been revised to decrease admissions of high-risk patients, staff work (where possible) is being done remotely, and we’ve limited campus tours.
9. How do campuses ensure in-person or group meetings are adhering to 6-feet apart guidelines?
Patients and staff are required to remain 6-feet apart. Groups will take place in larger rooms to accommodate this requirement.
10. What does an in-person group meeting look like in a quarantined environment?
The patient will use technology, such as a tablet or iPad, from their room to attend a group session, as long as the technology is available on campus.
11. If patients leave against medical advice due to COVID-19 concerns, do they get refunded?
Our standard refund policy will apply.
12. Are there any alternatives to on-campus treatment?
As an alternative to on-campus treatment, Vertava Health is offering Telehealth services with an IOP or Outpatient level of care.
13. Is patient protective equipment (gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, wipes) available at the campuses should I decide to seek treatment?
Yes, we meet the need per CDC guidelines. There is clear guidance and protocol in place to ensure the appropriate PPE is available for patients who require it. Patients are also encouraged to bring their own face covers, though AC will have them available.
14. Will we have specific measures and parameters set in place to eliminate the potential spread of COVID19 once things get to normal?
We will work to meet CDC, state, and federal guidelines. We will modify our current COVID19 policies and protocols to adapt to the latest recommendations.
