COVID-19 Update to the Community July 29, 2020

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Hospital COVID-19 Update to the Community

July 29, 2020

Bonners Ferry, ID – Now that COVID-19 is present in our community, the Boundary Community Hospital COVID-19 Task Force made up of department leaders and medical staff has been meeting frequently to implement internal protocols so that we can meet the increasing challenges to keep our patients, nursing home residents, employees and community safe.

The BCH Clinical Medical Laboratory has some of the best COVID-19 laboratory testing in the area.  With improved testing capability comes responsibility to ensure prompt results to the providers ordering the tests.  Everyone is anxious to get the tests done if they have been exposed or think they have been exposed but keep in mind:

  • All tests require a Physician/Provider order faxed to the lab. Your provider may want to wait through a period of time after exposure to ensure an accurate test.  CDC recommends 5-7 days after exposure before testing.  It will depend on a number of factors which will be discussed with your physician/provider before the test is ordered.
  • Once the Lab order has been sent from the physician/provider, the patient should call the BCH COVID-19 Pre-Registration Line 208-661-5668 to pre-register for the test.  The pre-registration line is open from 8 am to 11 am Monday through Friday. The patient will be placed on a call back list for the next available pre-registration clerk to register the patient.  Please have insurance information ready. COVID-19 testing is not available without pre-registration. Patients MUST be pre-registered before coming to the Hospital for testing.
  • Once the patient is pre-registered, information about testing check in and process will be provided. COVID-19 testing of pre-registered patients is offered 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday.
  • Due to high testing volumes, be prepared to wait your turn. Testing is performed curbside with the patient remaining in the vehicle.

Emergency Check In – For the safety of everyone, including patients and staff, the Emergency Department has instituted curbside triage before accessing Emergency Services.  Patients driving in should park in the designated Emergency Check-in Parking spot under the Ambulance Bay and call the Registrar phone number listed on the sign.  Once checked in and screened, a nurse will come out to assess/triage and give further instructions.  If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. As always, the Emergency Department is ready 24/7 to serve you and care for our community.

Outpatient (Non-COVID) Lab Testing – Non-COVID-19 lab testing is available Monday through Friday 7 am to 5 pm. Drive Up Lab Testing is available Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm. Park in one of the designated parking spots by Outpatient Services and call the number to register.  The lab tech will come out and take the needed samples at your car.

Visitor Restrictions in Place – All patients, visitors and staff are screened (including temperature checks) upon entering.  Everyone must wear a mask while in the facility.  BCH promotes social distancing “Western Style” and asks that everyone maintain a 6’ distance (the average size of a bear) from each other.

The BCH COVID-19 Task Force stays connected with Boundary County Emergency Management, County officials, Panhandle Health District, local hospitals and health care facilities as well as State agencies.  “We are always analyzing the current information, sharing our concerns and needs with other facilities, all while maintaining the healthcare needs of our community during this pandemic,” says Hospital CEO Preston Becker. “As a community hospital, we strive to provide the highest quality healthcare with compassion and respect. I am encouraged by the innovative thinking, the constant assessment, and desire to do what is best for the patient that is part of our daily discussions.”

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