Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory

Visit the links below to learn more about vaccine schedules and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Timing Schedule (PDF)
• Get the Facts on COVID-19 Vaccines
• FDA Authorizes Updated Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
• When and Why to Wear a Mask

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"). IEHP will continually update you on the latest recommendations, news, and resources on COVID-19 as it becomes available.

For a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms and step-by-step Member direction, visit our COVID-19 Member page.

In an effort to provide the most up-to-date treatments against COVID-19, IEHP continues to maintain a list of providers, including but not limited to infusion clinics, ancillary, hospital and non-hospital based infusion centers offering COVID-19 infusion therapy treatment. Under all Member coverage, outpatient COVID therapeutics will be offered immediately after a Member is determined to be clinically eligible under and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

For more information, Providers can utilize the COVID-19 Therapeutics Clinical Consult Line to connect with other clinicians for a free and confidential consultation on COVID-19 testing and treatment: 1-866-268-4322 (1-866-COVID-CA).

• COVID-19 Infusion Treatments by Organization (PDF)

Test-To-Treat

DHCS has carved out the COVID-19 vaccine from Medi-Cal managed care health plans and will reimburse providers under the Fee-for-Service (FFS) delivery system for both medical and pharmacy claims. Medi-Cal will reimburse the associated COVID-19 vaccine administration fee at the allowable Medicare rate for all claims (medical, outpatient, and pharmacy), based on the number of required doses for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

For further information:

• June 13, 2022 - DHCS COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Provider FAQs

• Clinical Care Guidance
• Vaccines
• Vaccination Plans
• January 10, 2022 - Continued Coverage of COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing (PDF)

CalVax is a state-wide centralized system for health care Providers enrolled or interested in participating in the California COVID-19 Vaccination Program, developed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

The new CalVax platform will provide a system to manage vaccine enrollment, ordering, inventory, administration, reporting and data analytics. Training materials such as job aids, videos, and recorded demos will be available to support all system users as they navigate through the new CalVax platform (mycavax.cdph.ca.gov). 

• CA Notify Flyer in English (PDF) and Spanish(PDF)
• CA Notify Shareable Tools for web and social media
• CA Notify Website

• Riverside County Medical Association - COVID-19 Financial Toolkit for Medical Practice
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) CARES Provider Relief Fund
  • Learn more about the Provider Relief Fund (PRF)
  • Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Portal

• U.S. Small Business Administration. Borrowers may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. See if you're eligible here.

Even with decreasing cases and hospitalizations, those with high-risk conditions who have tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to get monoclonal antibody treatment at Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Medical Center.

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited the use of certain monoclonal antibody therapies that were ineffective against the omicron variant. In response, RUHS – Medical Center is administering sotrovimab, an IV infusion shown to be effective against omicron and other variants.

• January 14, 2022 - RUHS-Medical Center Offers Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment

If you do not have the ability to collect specimens for COVID-19, please refer to your County Public Health resources for guidance on directing Members for testing.  

IEHP is strongly encouraging the utilization of telehealth for visits that can be conducted over the phone or via other audiovisual telecommunications.  IEHP has published a telehealth FAQ which is available here: Telehealth Services Due to Limiting Exposure to COVID-19 (PDF)- October 17, 2022

Remember:

• IEHP Provider Telehealth Information (PDF)
• IEHP expects that Providers will offer telehealth services and support to their Members during their published business hours. 
• Existing authorizations are valid and do not need to be changed even if services are being provided via telehealth.
• You can request a POS 02 or POS 10 on your authorization however if you do not, you can still utilize the authorization for telehealth services even if a different POS was approved. When billing the claim for the service, you will utilize a POS 02 or POS 10.
• ONLY Services that are deemed clinically appropriate to provide via telehealth should be provided via telehealth. If there are treatments, exams, procedures or other services that cannot be provided via telehealth, those are not eligible to be provided via telehealth. 

• ACEs Aware - Support for those on the front lines as California addresses stress and anxiety related to COVID-19

• CMS Health Care Provider Toolkit - Help link to COVID-19 related questions

The San Bernardino County Medical Society promotes the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the protection of the public health and to promote the betterment of the medical profession. The latest news, research and developments on the COVID-19 outbreak for physicians can be found here: SBCMS COVID-19.

• January 07, 2021 - COVID-19 Vaccines For All Practicing Physicians and Staff – San Bernardino County (PDF)

2-1-1 San Bernardino County has curated a COVID-19 Resource & Information Guide and will update this page regularly as the situation changes. For more information, please click here.

• May 2, 2022 -  Webinar - IWIN COVID and the Community
• April 13, 2022 -  COVID-19 “Test to Treat” Initiative
• April 8, 2022 -  2nd Round of Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Available
• February 23, 2022 -  COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Drugs – Coverage and Dispensing Pharmacies 
• January 28, 2022 -  Free OTC COVID-19 Antigen Kits Available
• January 26, 2022 -  Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available by Request
• January 5, 2022 -  Extending SNF COVID-19 Per Diem Rate
• December 22, 2021 -  COVID-19 Vaccine Billing for Medicare Advantage Enrollees Effective DOS January 1, 2022
• December 16, 2021-  COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program – Program Guide
• December 16, 2021 -  REMINDER: COVID Vaccine Enrollment Survey - Your Response is Requested
• December 10, 2021 -  REMINDER: COVID Vaccine Enrollment Survey - Your Response is Requested
• December 10, 2021 -  COVID-19 Vaccine Billing for Medicare Advantage Enrollees
• December 3, 2021-  COVID-19 Vaccine Enrollment Survey
• December 1, 2021-  CDC Encourages COVID Booster Due to Omicron Variant
• November 17, 2021-  UPDATE! COVID-19 Vaccine FQHC, RHC and IHF Incentive Program
• November 9, 2021-  Three Upcoming Webinars on Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust
• October 22, 2021-  2021 COVID-19 Vaccination Member Incentive
• October 22, 2021-  NEW!!! COVID-19 Vaccine FQHC and RHC Incentive Program
• October 19, 2021-  COVID-19 Treatment – RUHS Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center
• October 12, 2021-  Reminder - NEW COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program - Kickoff Meeting
• October 6, 2021-  NEW COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program- Kickoff Meetings
• October 4, 2021-  New COVID-19 Vaccine PCP Incentive Program
• September 8, 2021-  CDPH Webinar: How to Have Crucial Conversations About COVID-19 Vaccines – Thursday, September 9th
• August 18, 2021 -  Riverside County Public Townhall on COVID-19 Vaccines

For additional resources regarding COVID-19, please visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Riverside County Public Health
• San Bernardino Public Health