COVID-19 Questions & Answers

Looking for a way to help our patients, doctors, nurses and staff now? Please donate to our COVID-19 Assistance Fund at https://3207.thankyou4caring.org/GiveNow or mail checks to:

ATTN: WHS Foundation
155 Wilson Avenue
Washington, PA 15301

Your donation will be put to immediate use to help the WHS team respond to the COVID-19 situation. Your monetary donation allows us to address our most pressing needs in a cost effective and efficient manner.

WHS has trusted in the generous support of our donors in the past, and will continue to do so as we move forward to address, manage and improve the safety of our communities in this unprecedented pandemic.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

If you have questions regarding monetary donations please contact Natalie or Carolyn at 724-223-3875 or foundation@whs.org.

WHS Washington and WHS Greene are gratefully accepting donations of the following Personal Protective Equipment:

• N 95 masks
• Bunny suits (protective suits or clothing)
• Safety goggles
• Face shields/visors
• Latex gloves

To schedule a drop-off or delivery please contact Manager of Materials Management, Doug Rohrer, at 724-223-3591 or drohrer@whs.org.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

WHS Washington and WHS Greene are gratefully accepting donations of fabric masks from our community.

According to the CDC, in settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.

When your masks are complete, please contact Shelly at the WHS Foundation at 724-223-3875 or foundation@whs.org to arrange for delivery. (You will be met out front of the School of Nursing.)

*Any surplus masks will be distributed to other organizations in need.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

WHS Washington and WHS Greene are gratefully accepting care package donations for our medical staff.

At this time we cannot accept any homemade items, items that require preparation, items that require refrigeration or items that require the use of silverware. We are accepting pre-packaged individually-sized snack food items.

Samples of snacks in individual sized containers:

• JIF to go
• Cookies
• Candy / chocolate
• Chips, Chex Mix, pretzels, etc.
• Peanut butter or cheese crackers
• Peanuts and/or other nuts
• Trail mix or granola bars
• Protein bars
• Fruit snacks or raisins
• Pudding cups
• Fruit/applesauce cups
• Cans of Spaghettios, Beefaroni, soup (pop top only)
• Tuna/chicken boxes with crackers (no cans)
• Beef Jerky / Slim Jim’s

To schedule delivery of your donation, please contact Ken at the WHS Foundation at 724-223-3875 or foundation@whs.org to arrange for delivery. (Go to receiving at either WHS Washington or WHS Greene).

Thank you for your generosity and support.

WHS Washington and WHS Greene are gratefully accepting meal donations for our medical staff.

Before having food delivered to any WHS location we ask that you please contact Sara at the WHS Foundation at 724-223-3875 or foundation@whs.org. Sara will work with you to coordinate planning a meal for our team.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

COVID-19 Testing At WHS

Testing for COVID-19 must be ordered by a licensed medical provider. Currently, testing cannot be performed at the request of the public without an order.

All tests must be scheduled by calling 724‐579‐1684. WHS will no longer take patients on a “walk-in” basis.

WHS screening locations:

• 240 Wellness Way Washington, PA 15301 (Proceed to trailer parked to the LEFT of the building)
  • Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM;  12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Click here for WHS Washington County COVID Testing Location Directions

• 350 Bonar Avenue Waynesburg, PA 15370
  • Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Only COVID-19 testing is done at these sites – other lab tests can be done at these locations: click here

Testing will only be done if you can provide a script from a medical professional. Please also bring a government issued photo ID (such as a Driver’s License) and your insurance information to your scheduled appointment.

Your lab test results are available ONLY through your ordering physician. Please note that testing time varies and in some cases takes approx. a week or more to receive your results. Keep in-mind that if your lab test comes back positive, your doctor will call you immediately.

The WHS lab cannot release lab test results to patients. If you have questions concerning the test or your results, please contact your ordering physician directly.

Your cost of testing will vary depending on what types of insurance you have. Washington Health System has a charge of $86.25 for this test, but depending on your insurance, you may not have an out of pocket cost. Some insurances are waiving the out-of-pocket amount. It is always best to check with your individual insurance company to obtain the most accurate information.

The name of the test that you would tell your insurance company that you are asking about is “SARS-CoV2 RNA (COVID19), Qualitative NAAT”.

For those individuals who wish to be self-pay or do not have insurance, the charge would be $25.88.

Washington Health Systems Outpatient Diagnostic Centers in selected locations are open for all types of exams (routine, urgent and clinically important).  Outpatients will NOT be tested for COVID-19 prior to the exam but will be screened at facility entrance.

• ROUTINE, URGENT and CLINICALLY IMPORTANT exams will be scheduled.
• This service will help you and your patients receive important testing as we continue to restrict visitation and the flow of people in our hospitals.

The following sites will be open for patients:

WHS Medical Plaza – Peters Township

• Address: 4198 Washington Road, McMurray, PA
• Current hours: 7am to 8pm M–F, 7am to 3pm Saturdays
• Services: X-Ray and EKG, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and Mammography exams by appointment.

WHS Outpatient Center – Meadows Landing

• Address: 80 Landings Drive, 2nd Floor, Washington, PA
• Current hours: 7am to 5pm M-F
• Services: Mammography, DEXA and Ultrasound by appointment.

WHS Outpatient Center – Neighbor Health

• 95 Leonard Avenue, Building 2, Washington, PA
• Current hours: 6:30am-5pm M-F
• Services: X-Ray and EKG. Ultrasound by appointment.

WHS Outpatient Center – Greene County

• 343 E. Roy Furman Highway, Waynesburg, PA
• Current hours: 8am-4pm M-F
• Services: X-Ray and EKG. Ultrasound by appointment.

WHS Washington Hospital

• Address: 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington
• Current Hours: 7am to 6pm, M-F and 7am to 3pm, Saturday

WHS Greene

• Address: 350 Bonar Avenue, Waynesburg
• Current hours: 7am to 4pm, M-F and 12pm to 4pm, Saturday

WHS Diagnostic Center – Cecil

• 3415 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA
• Current hours: 8am-4pm M-F
• Services: X-Ray and EKG. Ultrasound by appointment.

** PLEASE NOTE ** To provide additional safeguards for our patients and staff, Outpatients are permitted one healthy adult companion only if they require assistance.

If you or a patient has questions regarding a test, please call Central Scheduling (724)-250-6000.

Washington Health Systems Outpatient Diagnostic Centers in selected locations are open for all types of exams (routine, urgent and clinically important).  Outpatients will NOT be tested for COVID-19 prior to the exam but will be screened at facility entrance.

The following Lab Draw Sites are open for patients:

WHS Medical Plaza – Peters Township

• Address: 4198 Washington Road, McMurray, PA
• Current hours: 7am to 8pm M–F, 7am to 3pm Saturday

WHS Outpatient Center – Neighbor Health

• 95 Leonard Avenue, Building 2, Washington, PA
• Current hours: 6:30am-5pm M-F

WHS Outpatient Center – Greene County

• 343 E. Roy Furman Highway, Waynesburg, PA
• Current hours: 8am-4pm M-F

WHS Washington Hospital

• Address: 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington
• Current Hours: 6:30am to 5pm, M-F and 6:30am to 12pm, Saturday

WHS Greene

• Address: 350 Bonar Avenue, Waynesburg
• Current hours: 7am to 6pm, M-F and 7am to 12pm, Saturday

WHS Diagnostic Center – Cecil

• 3415 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA
• Current hours: 7am-4pm M-F

WHS Outpatient Center – Canonsburg

• 100 South Central Avenue, Canonsburg, PA
• Current hours: 7am-1pm M-F

A statewide Mental Health Support and Referral Line has been developed as part of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 response. This support line is operated by the Center for Community Resources.

Those experiencing anxiety, depression, or any other difficult emotion during this time are encouraged to call the support line which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers will be able to speak with trained staff who will listen, assess individual needs, triage situations, as well as refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.

The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free at 1.855.284.2494.

If you feel like you are developing COVID-19 symptoms and the symptoms are light to moderate, Washington Health System does not recommend that you immediately come to the Emergency Room.

To reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others, we encourage you to utilize the WHS Virtual Care platform where a doctor can quickly evaluate you via smart phone, tablet or computer.  Washington Health System is dedicated to protecting the health of all of our community members by reducing the risk of exposure whenever possible. To utilize our WHS Virtual Care platform visit whs.org/virtualcare.

If you prefer to see your primary care provider, please call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms. They will decide whether you need to be seen in the office or tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home.

Should your symptoms worsen, please call 911 or seek medical attention at the closest emergency room.

Emergency symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

When possible, notify the hospital ahead of time or before you enter the building in order to help reduce exposure to other patients and staff. Know when to get emergency help, and call 911 if needed.

If you do not have a primary care physician (PCP) please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) at 877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).  Please do not go to the emergency room, unless it is an emergency.

WHS also offers convenient access to high-quality care through our telemedicine service. www.whsvirtualcare.com is a mobile app that offers 24/7 virtual visits through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM’S CURRENT VISITOR GUIDELINES

As part of our ongoing safety effort to protect patients, staff and community members, WHS will reinstate a no visitor policy effective 6pm on November 26, 2020.

WHS Washington Hospital and WHS Greene Patient Care Units will be closed to all visitors with a few exceptions.  ONE* healthy adult visitor will be permitted in the following situations:

• Patients under the age of 18
• CARE Center for Family Birth and Women’s Health Unit (Labor and Delivery plus Post-partum Recovery only) – One healthy adult permitted. Individual should be prepared to remain in the patient room, 24/7, for the duration of the visit.
• Emergency Department – One person may accompany patient to the ED entrance and then remain in their vehicle until they are called to assist the patient home. Minor patients or those with a significant cognitive or physical disability or impairment in the ED will be allowed one healthy adult visitor.
• Surgical Services or Invasive Procedural Units – No family members or support individuals will be allowed in the building with patients except for extreme situations. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and must be approve prior to your surgery or procedure.
• End of Life Care – Clergy will be allowed to visit the patient at this time. Visitation will be made on a case-by-case basis and will need to be pre-approved before arriving.

All patients and visitors that have exceptions mentioned above must wear a mask at all times in the building.

For restrictions at our WHS Outpatient Physician Offices, please ask your provider’s office staff while making your appointment. Information may vary by location.

As a reminder – our facilities are SAFE!  Don’t put your care on hold. If you need a diagnostic test or procedure, please schedule it today.  For full details on how we are keeping you safe, click here.

* Washington Health System staff members reserve the right to further deny or limit visitation in the interest of patient safety.

At Washington Health System, our top priorities are the health, safety, and wellbeing of our patients, our staff, our students, and our community. In accordance with current recommendations from the CDC and DOH, we are taking every precaution to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. As such, we have postponed all prenatal classes until further notice. Those already registered for classes will be contacted directly.

During this time, we are offering FREE online learning modules on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and newborn care including lots of videos.

You can access this online education at: www2.customizedinc.com/childbirtheducation .  Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive an email invitation from noreply@yomingo.com where you can create a unique password and login. Please check your junk folder if you do not receive this email in your inbox.

Additionally, you can access the same Newborn Channel programs offered at the WHS CARE Center for Family Birth and Women’s Health by going to www.thenewbornchannelnow.com/ with passcode 02915.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community and especially our expectant families, new mothers and infants.

Disclaimer: The information in YoMingo® is NOT intended to take the place of a healthcare provider or any information that your healthcare provider has discussed with you about your own personal health. It is imperative and advised that you find care and work with your healthcare provider to keep yourself healthy and safe. Always call your healthcare provider with any questions you may have. By creating an account in YoMingo, you have verified that you have read and agree to this disclaimer.

Beware of fraudulent Coronavirus tests, vaccines and treatments. COVID-19 has never been seen in humans before, which means there are currently no vaccines to prevent or drugs to treat COVID-19 approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Beware of companies trying to profit from this pandemic by selling unproven and illegally marketed products that make false claims, such as being effective against the coronavirus. These fraudulent products that claim to cure, treat, or prevent COVID-19 haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness and might be dangerous to you and your family. To learn more, please read this article on the FDA’s site.

We suggest that you obtain the most up to date information by visiting www.CDC.gov or www.health.pa.gov. If you have additional questions contact your primary care office.