Affordable testing is now available in all four regions of Cape Cod

(Barnstable County) December 23, 2020 — Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS) now offers COVID-19 testing options for asymptomatic individuals via outdoor “drive up” testing at its three health center sites in Provincetown, Wellfleet and Harwich Port beginning Wednesday December 23.

HARWICH PORT, MA – November 19, 2020 – Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS) today announced that Certified Nurse-Midwife Jodi Belson joins the nonprofit community health center on December 1. Ms. Belson will offer prenatal and post-partum care to women with low health risks as well as family planning and gynecological care. She assumes the practice of retiring Certified Nurse Midwife Meredith Goff, and will see existing and new patients at OCHS’ three locations in Harwich Port, Wellfleet and Provincetown.

COVID-19 VACCINES

Following are the Three Timeline Phases of eligibility for receiving a COVID-19 vaccination in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine

Outer Cape Health will distribute the vaccine per state guidelines based on the inventory we are designated.

Per the state’s announced phases, the majority of OCHS patients will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in either Phase Two (Feb.-April, 2021) or Phase Three (April-June, 2021).

Patients will be able to make vaccination appointments at the onset of each eligible phase.

Outer Cape Health Services is not keeping a ‘wait list’ for vaccinations at this time, however, we invite you to follow developments from the Mass. Dept. of Public Health here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

We will also share more information as it becomes available.

COVID-19 Testing: Asymptomatic and Symptomatic with Outer Cape Health Services:

Outer Cape Health Services is now providing both Asymptomatic and Symptomatic testing services for COVID-19.

Testing sites and hours for prescheduled appointments are:

OCHS Harwich Port Health Center, 710 Rt. 28:
Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm-3pm

OCHS Wellfleet Health Center, 3130 State Highway Route 6:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:30pm-3:30pm

OCHS Provincetown Health Center, 49 Harry Kemp Way:
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1:30pm-3:30pm

To receive a test, individuals must book an appointment in advance by calling Outer Cape Health Services at 508-905-2888. Tests for asymptomatic individuals are free through January 10, 2021.

The free antigen testing comes from a state Department of Public Health initiative to local health centers to provide free Abbott BinaxNOW™ tests for COVID-19. The self-administered test provides a high reliability of the results. Testees who test negative will be notified via text message. Testees who test positive will be contacted directly by OCHS via a phone call. Tests may be billed to individuals with insurance but not charged a co-pay; however, no one will be turned away.

Outer Cape Health Services will also continue to provide symptomatic tests at all three sites and bill insurance. If an individual is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or has been referred to testing related to contact tracing, the individual should call OCHS first for a telehealth screening visit.

For individuals seeking testing for travel related-reasons, a $110 fee applies for the required PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) molecular test to meet state requirements.

For questions and information on current Massachusetts Travel Orders regarding COVID-19, click here.

The procedure and protocol for SYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 testing at Outer Cape Health Services are as follows:

1. OCHS requires a physician’s order for testing, whether from an OCHS physician or a non-OCHS referring physician. Individuals requesting testing, will first be screened for symptoms to make a testing determination. Symptoms for COVID-19 can include fever, chills, shaking chills, coughing and signs of a lower respiratory illness, as well as fatigue, sore throat, headache, body aches or new loss of a sense of taste or smell. Risk factors for contraction of the coronavirus include close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
2. If an individual believes that they meet the criteria for testing, please call Outer Cape Health Services first at 508-905-2888. Please DO NOT come into any of our health centers. If an individual is asymptomatic but is requesting testing related to contact tracing purposes, we will assist per state guidelines.
3. Test samples will be taken for testing after all clinical information is considered and a risk assessment is done by an Outer Cape Health Services clinician.
4. If we confirm that testing is required, an OCHS provider wearing full protective gear will meet patients for swabbing outside our Wellfleet or Provincetown health centers to obtain samples.
5. Once a test result is received, an OCHS staff member will contact the tested symptomatic patient by telephone with their respective results and provide further medical counseling.

What should I do if I feel symptoms?

• We ask that our patients call 508-905-2888 BEFORE COMING INTO ANY OF OUR HEALTH CENTERS.
• Individuals with the following symptoms may have COVID-19:

  Fever or chills
  Cough
  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  Fatigue
  Muscle or body aches
  Headache
  New loss of taste or smell
  Sore throat
  Congestion or runny nose
  Nausea, vomiting
  or Diarrhea

• If you have any of the above symptoms, you will need to make an appointment with a clinician for a telemedicine visit. Please do not come to the health center.
• When you call, we will ask you a few questions including whether you have had close contact with anyone suspected or confirmed of contracting the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.
• We will help you get the care and assistance you need based on our screening.
• For an immediate medical emergency, individuals should call 9-1-1 

Where can I find more information about COVID-19?

For up-to-date information and resources on the Coronavirus, we recommend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health websites.

The CDC graphic shown below includes important facts about the Coronavirus to keep in mind and share with your family and friends today. 

How do I keep myself and others from getting sick?

As always, each of us can take steps to reduce the spread of germs including:

1. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
2. Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
3. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
5. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
6. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.