Below is a request from Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, relative to diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2:
“As Ohio continues to experience an increase in COVID-19 cases along with the rest of the country due to the Delta variant, I ask that you continue to conduct diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 for patients who present with signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 so that we may have an accurate picture of the disease prevalence in our state.
“Diagnostic testing is important because test results are reported by clinical laboratories to state and local public health authorities which is critical to public health COVID-19 surveillance efforts. Moreover, positive test results trigger critical contact tracing and isolation/quarantine processes to prevent further spread of the disease and may assist other entities, such as schools, in decision-making regarding preventive measures that may be considered. While licensed healthcare professionals may diagnose a condition or disease by its signs and symptoms operating within their scope of practice, a diagnostic test can help establish a medical diagnosis for COVID-19.
“Lastly, please consider enrolling as a COVID-19 vaccination provider if you haven’t already done so. Primary care physicians and other primary care professionals can play a pivotal role in increasing vaccine access and building vaccine confidence in their patients during office visits. ODH staff are available to answer questions and assist with the enrollment process. Please call the ODH Provider Call Center between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1.844.9ODHVAX (1.844.963.4829) or email COVIDVACCINE@odh.ohio.gov.
“Thank you for your continuing efforts to help protect Ohioans and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”