COVID-19 Patient Education

Patient Handouts/Downloads on COVID-19

The Washington State Department of Health offers the following one-pagers for people who have or think they may have COVID-19 that physicians and providers can distribute to their patients or post on their organization's website.

Chronic Disease and COVID-19: What You Need to Know: Tips and information to protect yourself and your family
Enfermedad Crónica y el COVID-19: Lo Que Usted Necesita Saber
What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

Visit the Washington State Department of Health's Health Care Provider Resources and Recommendations page (under Materials for Patients) for further guidance and to check for updates on the above recommendations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also offers the following resources:

Coronavirus and Your Health Coverage: Get the Basics - Tips on how to protect yourself and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides an overview on updates from Medicare, the marketplace, and other information for patients looking for information on health coverage and staying healthy during the outbreak.
Stay Safe: Getting the Care You Need, at Home - Focuses on how people can stay healthy within their home. This resource gives an overview of telehealth, managing ongoing health conditions, prescriptions, and other tips.

Multilingual COVID-19 patient resources

For patients who don't speak English, state and public agencies offer COVID-19 educational resources in multiple languages.

Crisis line now available

Washington has launched a support program called Washington Listens, available to all Washingtonians at no cost. Washington Listens provides nonclinical support to people experiencing elevated stress due to COVID-19. The program is anonymous and no identifying information is maintained. Reach Washington Listens by calling 1.833.681.0211. Washington Listens is available Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. TTY and language access services are available.

Download and print the Washington Listens fact sheet for your waiting room.

Apple/CDC screening tool for patients

Apple has developed a new website and app that will provide a screening tool for COVID-19 symptoms as well as up-to-date information from trusted sources about the coronavirus outbreak. The software was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the White House-led coronavirus task force and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

COVID-19 Screening Tool (website)
Apple COVID-19 (app for iPhone and iPad only)

Face Masks/Coverings

Effective June 26, a statewide order requires individuals to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces such as stores, offices and restaurants. The order also requires face coverings outdoors when you can't stay six feet apart from others.

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) information and guidance on cloth face coverings
Washington State Coronavirus Response website's guidance on the new face covering mandate
DOH cloth face coverings and masks FAQ

How Can I Get Tested for COVID-19?

The Washington State Department of Health recommends testing anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

With testing supplies and capacity in Washington increasing, the state is now urging Washingtonians to get tested if they think they might be sick, even if mildly symptomatic (learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 to watch for). This represents a shift from previous messaging, which urged individuals with mild symptoms to stay home.

Review the DOH's frequently asked questions about testing to learn more about who should be tested, what to do if you test positive, the types of tests (PCR and antibody), and more.

Physicians and other health care providers: If a patient comes to you with concerns over COVID-19 symptoms, state officials are urging you to get them tested. The goal of the state is to have all people with COVID-19 symptoms tested within 24 hours.

Costs for COVID-19 testing

If you have insurance and are symptomatic, there should be no cost to you as a patient for the COVID-19 lab test. Patients who do not have insurance should ask their physician or provider about using the HRSA portal to bill for the test: COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement.

The Washington State Health Care Authority is working with insurance carriers across all the populations they purchase for, including Medicaid (Apple Health), public employees and school employees, to waive the costs association with COVID-19 testing. Learn more on HCA's website.

If you don't have health insurance, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to find out if you qualify for free health coverage through Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program, or if you qualify to purchase individual health insurance under specific circumstances. Find answers to frequently asked questions about getting coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Washington State Department of Health offers more information about costs for COVID-19 testing in Washington state.

Where to get tested

Tests are being offered in a variety of settings: Through physician and health care provider offices, some pharmacies, and community health clinics. Some places in the state have set up drive-thru and mobile clinics. There are also tests that can be ordered online and performed at home.

To make it easier to find a test near you, the Department of Health has created a new webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.

COVID-19 Public Service Announcements

The following brief video PSAs are available to be shared on social media or hosted on your organization's website.