Individuals Urged to Inform Primary Physician of COVID Results

Free COVID-19 testing has provided more access to testing for residents and local healthcare providers, such as Cascade Medical, are urging residents to not stop there and inform primary care physicians (PCP) of a positive test.

Folks that receive testing via their local health care provider aren't the ones who need to reach out; rather those that should let their PCP know have taken advantage of the National Guard and Medical Teams International that have dropped into provide free testing.

"In that specific incident (free testing via National Guard and Medical Teams International), if you test positive, they'll let you know. But they don't let your primary care physician know, the person who is usually taking care of you," said Clint Strand, Cascade Medical director of public relations.

Some primary care physicians will be left in the dark about a patient's COVID-19 positive results, which can cause issues.

"If your provider doesn't know, they can't assist in your treatment," said Strand. "If you are at higher risk for complications, this is information your provider...very much needs to know so they can help you be as well as possible."

If a person has been tested in conjunction with their doctor's office or where a person receives primary care, the results will be entered into your medical record.