Massachusetts to Offer Free Virtual Access to COVID-19 Treatment

Massachusetts residents are gaining access to a free COVID-19 telehealth treatment program that will focus on reviewing patient symptoms and determining if they are eligible to take Paxlovid.

The Baker-Polito Administration has partnered with Color Health to create the program. Color Health is an organization that works with the government and other employers to implement reliable public health programs for various populations.

According to NY Times coronavirus statistics, new cases have doubled in the past month, as of May 6. These cases are primarily Omicron subvariants, which resulted in 18,000 Americans in hospitals, a 20 percent increase from two weeks prior.

To reduce symptoms in patients with COVID-19, the two organizations intend to prescribe Paxlovid when necessary.

According to researchers, Paxlovid can reduce the risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms by up to 90 percent.

“This treatment must be started within five days of symptoms, so it is essential to speak with a clinician right away. This new telehealth option makes it easier for residents to connect quickly with a clinician, and we encourage individuals who test positive to utilize it,” said Larry Madoff, MD, medical director in the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in the press release.

Whether or not a patient is vaccinated, the oral medication can treat those with COVID-19 aged 12 and older. State public health leaders recommend starting the treatment immediately following a positive test and within five days of symptom occurrence.

“But now anyone who gets COVID and has even a single risk factor can and should also avail themselves of one of several highly effective treatments, including two oral antiviral medications, of which there is plentiful supply. It is important for the public to know that these treatments are safe and effective at reducing your risk of progressing to severe COVID-19,” said Shira Doron, MD, infectious disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, in the news release.

But the state public health department also acknowledged that the most effective precaution against severe COVID-19 is obtaining the vaccine.

 Various projects have been launched throughout the pandemic to enhance access to COVID-19 treatment.

In August 2021, before Paxlovid, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) opened antibody treatments in outpatient and inpatient settings. To be eligible for this treatment, a patient must be either not fully vaccinated or have recent exposure to COVID-19.  

This month, EHR giant Epic Systems is working to standardize COVID-19 treatment access, making the search process within its EHRs more efficient. Providers that use Epic will be able to search for and find the pharmacies that have received COVID-19 treatments.

The move aims to support the goals of the Biden administration, which include increasing the number of Test-to-Treat facilities where Americans can access COVID-19 treatments easily. The resources provided at Test-to-Treat facilities include COVID-19 tests, visits with providers, and oral antiviral pills.