community health clinic, inc. may 2020 newsletter 2020 final.pdf · chc news in brief 2 chc...

CHC News in Brief 2

CHC COVID-19 Response 3

Greensburg Now Open 4

Health Coverage Options 5

What to do if sick 6

Handwashing Tips 1 7

Handwashing Tips 2 8

Clinic Services 9

COVID-19 Facts 10

COVID-19 Prevention 11

Inside this issue:

Community Health Clinic, Inc.

May 2020 Newsletter

Primary Care for All Ages

New Kensington Clinic

943 Fourth Ave.

New Kensington, PA 15068

P. 724.335.3334

New Kensington Dental Clinic

947 Fourth Avenue

New Kensington, PA 15068

P. 724.335.2862

Vandergrift Clinic

179 Columbia Ave.

Vandergrift, PA 15690

P. 724.567.5671

Greensburg Clinic

218 South Maple Ave. STE 102

Greensburg, PA 15601

P. 724.204.1801

www.communityhealthclinic.org

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[email protected]

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SPECIAL COVID-19 ISSUE

Medical and Dental Emergency help is available right now for those without health insurance. One of the consequences of the loss of employment for many local residents is the loss of health insurance coverage. However, medical help and dental emergency help is now available for those who may have lost their health insurance, for those who never had health insurance, and for those who are underinsured. Community Health Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center, is accepting new patients. The health center is especially suited to help residents without health insurance. The clinic has a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients and no one can be refused services if they are unable to pay. The clinic also accepts almost all insurances. The health center serves residents of the Alle-Kiski Valley and the Greater Greensburg Area. All patients are requested to contact the office by phone first, for proper screening for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms and to schedule appropriate appointments, to ensure patient and staff safety. New Kensington area patients can call 724.335.3334, Greensburg Area patients 724.204.1801, and Vandergrift patients 724.567.5671. If patients experience problems reaching the clinics by phone they can fill out the contact form on the clinics website at www.communityhealthclinic.org. Free assistance obtaining health coverage is also available see page 5.

Community Health Clinic, Inc. May 2020

Community Health Clinic News in Brief

Call Today ! New Kensington: 724.335.3334

Greensburg: 724. 204.1801

Vandergrift: 724.567.5671

Please visit our newly revised website: www.communityhealthclinic.org

Please welcome our several of our new

Greensburg office staff:

Denise Hoburn, RN –Nurse

Lisa Carver– Medical Reception

They will be serving at our Greensburg

Clinic located at 218 South Maple

Avenue, STE 102, Greensburg.

Please complete the U.S. Census this spring. It is important

in determining the funding for many programs such as:

Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, WIC, School Lunches and

Health Centers. Courtesy Nick Youngston CC BY-

SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images


Community Health Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center, is continuing to serve patients in the Alle-Kiski Valley, and Greensburg areas during the COVID-19 crisis. In order to protect patients during this crisis, the clinic is providing telehealth services for most services including: sick visits, follow-up visits, prescription refills, medication adjustments, and behavioral health services. All patients are requested to contact the office by phone first, for proper screening for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms and to schedule appropriate appointments, to ensure patient and staff safety. New Kensington area patients can call 724.335.3334 and Greensburg Area patients 724.204.1801. If patients experience problems reaching the clinics by phone they can fill out the contact form on the clinics website at www.communityhealthclinic.org. The Vandergrift clinic is now open for labs and tests such as EKGs scheduled by the doctor. Dr. Bagnarello is providing telehealth services for all patients. Patients can call the clinic at 724.567.5671 for telehealth services including behavioral health services. Dental services at the New Kensington and Greensburg sites are limited to emergencies and consultations. New Kensington dental patients can call 724.335.2862, Greensburg patients please call 724.204.1801. Community Health Clinic is here to serve patients without health coverage and those who are underinsured, as well as patients with health coverage. There is a sliding fee for uninsured/underinsured patients. New patients with or without health insurance are gladly accepted.


New Kensington :

Medical/ Behavioral Health: 724.335.3334

Dental: 724.335.2862 Fax: 724.335.2283

Certified Application Counselor: 724.889.2783

Vandergrift: 724.567.5671 Fax: 724.567.5655

Greensburg: 724.204.1801 Fax: 724.217.8784

You can register to vote

at Community Health

Clinic, Inc.

Call 724.889.2783 for

more information.

Now Open!


Medical | Dental

218 South Maple Avenue, STE 102

Greensburg

724.204.1801


Health Coverage Options for Covid-19 Crisis

People who

have lost their

health insurance

coverage have a

number of

different

options which

may be

available to

them .

COBRA– Many employees who have lost their

health coverage may have COBRA continuation

coverage available to them. They usually pay

100 % of the cost of their health coverage plus a

2% handling fee. This is usually the most

expansive option ,but for people who have met

their deductible it may still be a good option.

The Federal Marketplace– there is a 60 day

window to apply for a Special Enrollment

Period (SEP) from the date of loss of coverage.

If the person qualifies for Advance Premium

Tax Credits their insurance premiums are often

greatly reduced.

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – may be

available based on income and in some cases

also on resources.

CHIP –the Children’s Health Insurance

Program is available to all children in

Pennsylvania not currently enrolled in health

coverage.

VA Health Coverage– eligible veterans may be

eligible for coverage through the VA Health

System.

Coverage through spouse’s employer

sponsored insurance. There is usually a 30

day Special Enrollment Period for a spouse or

children who have lost other coverage.

Unemployment Compensation and health

coverage.

The new Federal Pandemic Unemployment

Compensation (FPUC) counts as income for the

Federal Marketplace, however, it does not count

as income for Medical Assistance. The regular

Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation

counts as income for both PA Medical

Assistance and the Federal Marketplace.

Free applications counseling is available to

all community members.

The options listed above can seem daunting.

Community Health Clinic has a trained

applications counselor that can help sort through

all the rules and regulations and help

consumers make informed decisions.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis all application

counseling sessions are by phone. For help

please call our answering service at :

1.866.753.1488 and ask to be connected to Scott

or email:

[email protected]

There is never any fee for application

counseling services. The counselor receives no

commissions and is required to provide fair,

accurate, and unbiased assistance. All

community members are welcome to use this

service, not just our patients.


CDC Guidelines: What to Do If You Are Sick

What to Do If You are Sick

If you have a fever, cough or

other symptoms, you might

have COVID-19. Most

people have mild illness and

are able to recover at home.

If you think you may have

been exposed to COVID-19,

contact your healthcare

provider immediately.

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-

19 if you are sick.

1. Stay home except to get medical care

Stay home. Most people with COVID-19

recover at home without medical care. Do

not leave your home, except to get medical

care. Do not visit public areas.

Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay

hydrated. Take over the counter medicines,

such as acetaminophen, to help you feel

better.

Stay in touch with your doctor. Call

before you get medical care. Be sure to get

care if you have trouble breathing or you

think it is an emergency

Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or

taxis

2. Separate yourself from other people. As

much as possible, stay in a specific room and

away from other people and pets. If possible,

you should use a separate bathroom. If you need

to be around other people, wear a cloth face

covering.

3. Monitor your symptoms. Trouble breathing

is a more serious symptom and means you

should get medical attention.

4. When to seek medical attention. If you have

these emergency warning signs get medical

attention immediately.

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency:

notify the operator that you have or think

you might have COVID-19. If possible put on

a cloth face covering before medical help

arrives.

5. Call ahead before visiting your doctor. Let

your doctor know you think you may have

COVID-19

6. If you are sick wear a cloth face covering

over your nose and mouth.

You don’t need to wear a face covering if

you are alone. Never put a face covering

on anyone who is under age 2 years,

anyone who has trouble breathing, or

anyone not able to remove the covering

without help.

7. Cover your coughs and sneezes

8. Clean your hands often

9. Avoid sharing personal household items

10. Clean all high touch surfaces everyday


Handwashing Guidelines From CDC Part 1

When and How to Wash Your Hands to

Stay Healthy

During the COVID-19 pandemic , keeping

hands clean is especially important to help

prevent the virus from spreading.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to

protect yourself and your family from

getting sick.

Washing hands can keep you healthy and

prevent the spread of respiratory and

diarrheal infections from one person to the

next. Germs can spread from other people or

surfaces when you:

Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with

unwashed hands

Prepare or eat food and drinks with

unwashed hands

Touch a contaminated surface or objects

Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into

hands and then touch people’s hands or

common objects

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones

to stay healthy by washing your hands often,

especially during these key times when you

are likely to get and spread germs.

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating food

Before and after caring for someone at

home who is sick with vomiting or

diarrhea

Before and after treating a cut or wound

After using the toilet

After changing diapers or cleaning up a

child who has used the toilet

After blowing your nose, coughing, or

sneezing

After touching an animal, animal feed, or

animal waste

After handling pet food or pet treats

During the COVID-19 pandemic you should

also wash your hands :

After you have been in a public place

and touched an item or surface that may

be frequently touched by other people

such as door handles, tables, gas pumps,

shopping carts, or electronic cashier

registers/ screens etc.

Before touching you eyes, nose, or

mouth because that is how germs enter

our bodies.

Please see page 8for specific instructions on

how to clean hands properly to prevent the

spread of disease.


Handwashing Guidelines From CDC Part 2

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the

Right Way.

Washing your hands is easy and it is one of

the most effective ways to prevent the spread

of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from

spreading from one person to another and

throughout an entire community-from your

home and workplace to childcare facilities

and hospitals. Follow these five steps every

time.

Wet you hands with clean, running water

(warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply

soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them

together with the soap. Lather the backs

of your hands, between your fingers, and

under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds-

the length of time it takes to sing the

“Happy Birthday” song twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean,

running water.

Dry your hands with a clean towel or air

dry them

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use

Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is the

best way to get rid of germs. If soap and

water are not available, you can use an

alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at

least 60% alcohol (check the product label

for alcohol content)

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of

germs on hands in many situations. However:

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of

germs

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective

when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand sanitizers may not remove harmful

chemicals from hands like pesticides and

heavy metals

How to use hand sanitizer

Apply the gel product to the palm of one

hand (read the label to learn the correct

amount)

Rub your hands together

Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your

hands and fingers until your hands are

dry. This should take around 20 seconds.


Community Health Clinic Services

May 2020

Charmaine Batac, MD

Medical Director

Adolfo Bagnarello, MD

Vandergrift

Allison Kliber, MD

Family Practice

Lynn Vermeulen, CRNP

CHC Services

General Medical Services for Adult and Pediatric Patients

General Dentistry

Dental Laboratory Services

CDL License Physicals

Laboratory Testing

Psychiatric Services

Medical Case Management

Behavioral Health Services including:

Counseling with a Licensed Professional Counselor and Case Management

High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Asthma, Diabetes, COPD Management

Immunizations

Free STD Testing and Treatment

Gynecological Services and PAP Testing

Family Planning (Birth Control)

Referral Services

Diet and Nutrition Services

Peer Specialist Services

Medication Assisted Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Assistance applying for Medical Assistance, CHIP, VA and Marketplace Health Coverage.

John Farneth, DMD

Dental Director

Shannon McIntyre, MD

Family Practice

Hakan Cinemre, MD

Internal Medicine


Coronavirus (COVID-19) Facts

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Older adults and people who have severe

underlying medical conditions like heart or

lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher

risk for developing more severe complications

from COVID-19 illness

Watch for symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range

of symptoms reported ranging from mild

symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after

exposure to the virus. People with these

symptoms or combinations of symptoms may

have COVID-19

Cough

Shortness of breath

Or at least two of these symptoms

Fever

Chills

Repeated Shaking with Chills

Muscle Pain

Headache

Sore Throat

New Loss of Taste or Smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and

generally have mild illness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning

signs for COVID-19 get medical attention

immediately

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your

medical provider for any other symptoms that

are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency:

Notify the operator that you have, or think you

have, COVID-19. If possible put on a cloth face

covering before medical help arrives.

People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe

Illness.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk

for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

People 65 and older

People who live in a nursing home or long-

term care facility

People with chronic lung disease or

moderate to severe asthma

People with serious heart conditions

People who are immunocompromised

People with severe obesity BMI 40 +

People with diabetes

People with chronic kidney disease on

dialysis

People with liver disease

Courtesy CDC.gov


CDC Guidelines COVID-19 Prevention

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Know How it Spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent

COVID-19

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid

being exposed to this virus

The virus is thought to spread mainly

from person-to-person

Between people who are in close

contact with one another (about 6

feet)

Through respiratory droplets when

an infected person coughs,

sneezes, or talks

These droplets can land in the

mouths or noses of people who

are nearby or possibly be inhaled

into the lungs

Some recent studies have

suggested that it may be spread by

people who are not showing

symptoms

Every One Should:

Wash Your Hands Often (see pages 7 and

8)

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

with unwashed hands

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people

who are sick

Put distance between yourself and

other people

Keeping distance from others is

especially important for people

who are high risk

Cover your mouth and nose with a face

cover when around others

You could spread the disease to

others even if you don’t feel sick

Everyone should wear a face

cover when out in public

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on

children under 2, anyone who has trouble

breathing, or those unable to remove the

mask without assistance

The face cover protects other

people in case you are infected

When wearing a face cover still

maintain social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and

not wearing a face cover-always

cover your mouth and nose with a

tissue when you cough or sneeze

Throw used tissues in the trash

Immediately wash your hands

Clean and Disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched

surfaces

If surfaces are dirty clean them, then use a

household disinfectant. Most common

EPA-registered disinfectants will work.


Primary Care for All Ages

Medical Dental Behavioral Health


New Kensington Office

943 Fourth Avenue

New Kensington, PA

15068

Medical: 724.335.3334

Dental: 724.335.2862

Greensburg Office

218 South Maple Ave,

STE.102

Greensburg, PA 15601

724.204.1801

Vandergrift Office

179 Columbia Ave.

Vandergrift, PA 15690

724.567.5671

www.communityhealthclinic.org

community health clinic, inc. may 2020 newsletter 2020 final.pdf · chc news in brief 2 chc...

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