At Presbyterian, the health and safety of our patients and workforce is our top priority.
All Presbyterian facilities are following all CDC guidelines for the health and safety of our patients, staff and community from COVID-19.
SCREENING & TESTING
How do I get screened?
You can complete a self-screening to determine if you need a test by asking yourself the following questions:
Do I have any symptoms of COVID-19?
(Symptoms may include a fever with a temperature over 100.0 F, chills or shivering, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, a changed or reduced sense of smell or taste, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.)
Have I had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19?
If you answered yes to either you should be tested as soon as possible and quarantine until you receive your test results.
Testing locations can be found here.
You can also have your symptoms screened by contacting the state Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
Should I go to the emergency room or PRESNow if I think I have COVID-19?
To help us keep our patients and employees safe, before going to your doctor’s office, an urgent care clinic, PRESNow or the emergency room, you should self-screen by asking yourself the following questions:
Do I have any symptoms of COVID-19?
(Symptoms may include a fever with a temperature over 100.0 F, chills or shivering, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, a changed or reduced sense of smell or taste, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.)
Have I had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19?
If you answered yes to either you should be tested as soon as possible and quarantine until you receive your test results.
Presbyterian has recently experienced an increase in asymptomatic (no symptoms) individuals seeking COVID-19 testing in our urgent cares, emergency departments and PRESNow locations. Please note that Presbyterian does not offer testing for asymptomatic (no symptoms) individuals at these locations.
If you are asymptomatic (no symptoms) and want to get a COVID-19 test, please refer to the list of testing sites at the above link and follow their instructions. Thank you for your partnership in helping keep our community healthy.
You can also have your symptoms screened by contacting the state Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms or if you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Is screening and testing free?
Generally, there is no charge to you for COVID-19 testing. If you have health insurance, COVID-19 testing will be billed to your insurance. Depending on your plan, your insurance may still require you to pay a co-pay, coinsurance or high deductible related costs related to the COVID-19 test.
If you do not have health insurance and are recommended to get tested, Presbyterian will cover the cost of testing.
If you receive any other services (such as blood tests, X-rays, or breathing treatments) related to diagnosing or treating COVID-19, you may have to pay out-of-pocket costs. Please check with your health insurance company to find out more.
What if my screening says I shouldn’t be tested?
If you screen negative for COVID-19, you will likely not get a recommendation for COVID-19 testing. Instead, you can work with your provider to address your health concerns.
What if I screen negative, but still want to get tested, or have been instructed to do so by my employer?
You can visit findatestnm.org for testing options in your community.
I have been tested but have not received my results yet. Is it safe for me to be around others?
While you wait for your test results, please stay home, self-isolate and take care of your symptoms. You should plan to self-isolate until your test results are confirmed to avoid potentially exposing others to COVID-19.
If you test a Presbyterian location, your test results will be available through MyChart.
How is COVID-19 being treated?
There are several vaccines available for COVID-19. Learn more here.
There are also several effective treatment options if you test positive for COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 treatment options at findatreatmentnm.com.
How will Presbyterian Health Plan cover the cost of COVID-19 treatments?
Presbyterian Health Plan is committed to continuing to cover treatments for COVID-19 but cost-sharing may apply and is dependent on your plan. Please call the number on the back of your ID card for more information.
How will Presbyterian Health Plan cover the cost of COVID-19 tests?
Presbyterian Health Plan is committed to continuing to cover COVID-19 testing but cost-sharing may apply and is dependent on your plan. Please call the number on the back of your ID card for more information.
If I am a Presbyterian Health Plan member on an employer, individual or family plan, can I buy an at-home test outside of a network pharmacy?
With the end of the public health emergency, over-the-counter tests are no longer covered, except on Centennial Care plans.
If I am a PHP member on an employer, individual or family plan, how many at-home tests will be covered by PHP?
With the end of the public health emergency, over-the-counter tests are no longer covered, except on Centennial Care plans.
What if I’m given a self-administered COVID-19 test kit at my provider’s office or a testing site and am a PHP member on an employer, individual or family plan?
If you are given a self-administered test kit at your provider’s office or at a testing site, it does not count as an at-home test and will be billed accordingly through your health plan.
CONTRACTING COVID-19
Who is at higher risk for COVID-19?
Older adults, as well as people with underlying chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at higher risk for developing serious complications with COVID-19. But, COVID-19 can still make people of other ages sick, including children and young adults.
Can someone spread the virus without feeling or looking like they are sick?
People may be most contagious when they feel sick and are showing symptoms. However, some spread is possible before someone feels sick or has symptoms.
If I am pregnant, how can I protect my baby from COVID-19?
During pregnancy, women experience changes to their immune system and other physical changes that might increase their risk for severe illness with COVID-19. Because of this, pregnant women are considered an at-risk population and should take extra care in following prevention efforts like social distancing and handwashing.
EDUCATION & PREVENTION
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, a changed or reduced sense of smell or taste, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.
How can I protect myself?
Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated and staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. You can help prevent illness by handwashing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces and wearing a well-fitted mask if recommended due to transmission rates in your community.
