DCG COVID-19 Rapid Screening FAQ

What procedures will require testing of patients?

  • All aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).
  • Typical patient procedures that require rapid screening include:
    1. High-speed handpiece use in which a rubber dam can not be used to isolate
    2. Cavitron or other ultrasonic instrumentation
    3. If describing typical patient procedures that require rapid screening to a patient, examples may include:
      • Fillings
      • Crowns
      • Sealants
      • Cleanings using special instruments (like a Cavitron)

 

Who will receive a rapid screen?

  • All patients requiring AGPs unless a rubber dam can be utilized.

What procedures will not require a rapid screen?

  • Non-AGP procedures, such as examinations, radiology services, impressions, treatment planning.

What is the difference between an antigen and molecular test?

  • Anantigen test, such as the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, detects proteins from the virus. Molecular tests detect genetic material from the virus. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but not as sensitive as molecular tests.This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result does not rule out infection. 

What if a patient has a positive screening result?

  • Move patient to private consultation room and attending faculty advises patient that procedure can’t be performed and patient should seek guidance from a health care professional.

 

What dental procedures will be provided to patients that have positive rapid screen?

  • Urgent procedures will be performed in negative pressure room at AU Health.

Which external tests will be accepted?

  • Accepted tests are those administered by healthcare provider only. Negative results from a home screening test will not be accepted. Patients with positive results from a home test should have appointments rescheduled and will not be treated.

What is the time frame to accept external test results?

  • 48 hours before their DCG appointment unless appointment is scheduled Monday or Tuesday, in which case 72 hours.

Are there instructions for patients?

 

Are there instructions for providers?

 

Should I use a procedure code or make any additional chart notes in Axium?

  • Yes. Along with recording rapid screening results within the patient's Medical History (EHR -> Medical History -> Vitals), providers will need to record a procedure code and clinical note in the patient's Tx History in order to generate a charge.
  • Code to be used: D0604. Patient is not required to sign.
  • Suggested notation: 

    1. Negative result: A rapid screening was performed today using the QuickVue self-administered system.  The results of the rapid screening was negative.  Patient was informed that this does not mean that the patient is negative for COVID-19 and if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 they need to see their healthcare provider.

    2. Positive result: A rapid screening was performed today using the QuickVue self-administered system.  The results of the rapid screening was positive .  Patient was informed that this does not mean that the patient is positive for COVID-19 but were advised to see their healthcare provider for follow-up.  The covering faculty/attending consulted with the patient to advise them on next steps and that the appointment for today would need to be rescheduled. 

  • If rapid screeningis negative, proceed with procedure.
  • If rapid screeningis positive, move patient to private consultation room and give instructions about why the AGP procedure will be delayed and about following up with their healthcare provider.

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Patient COVID 19 Screening Protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructional Materials