People who believe they may have. It has been brought to the attention of Human Resources that some healthcare providers may be submitting incorrect billing codes to Capital Blue Cross when a patient receives a COVID-19 diagnostic test, resulting in the patient being responsible for a copay or coinsurance for the visit. What are the immediate side effects? While no vaccine provides a guarantee against infection, COVID vaccination and the booster are effective at preventing serious illness and death and continue to be the best protection against the spread of new and more contagious variants of the virus. Lehigh Valley Health Network has opened seven new patient testing centers and will soon open an eighth amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. If LVHN employees covered by this policy are vaccinated outside of LVHN clinics, LVPG practices or Employee Health Services, they must provide evidence of immunization to On Sept. 9, President Joe Biden issued executive orders that, among other things, would have required private businesses with more than 100 employees to have their employees either get their COVID-19 shots or get tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis and would have had a deadline of Jan. 4. We are the region's largest employer and the health care provider of choice for more people in the region. Experiencing COVID-Like Symptoms Immediately notify your supervisor, department chair or PI, go home and self-isolate. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. However, if they choose to share this with you, treat this as confidential information and follow up with Christine Wolfeor Human Resources to make sure the information and all services are being extended. Normal cleaning processes will resume. You can start here and watch the video that provides guidance about your next steps. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.org. @i-UkX`l%IZb{n0C3Z"JH )~a]2Kvl]Z+ (IMos5baq8I ;6[g]u Both of the major health networks in the Lehigh Valley have COVID-19 vaccine mandates in place for employees, but if any employee contracted COVID-19 themselves, they are allowed to defer. Sodexo is seeking a full-time Manager 3, Regional Operations Support to support new business and/or vacancies throughout the entire US in Food and Environmental Services for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, PA. How do faculty and staff submit their vaccination and booster documentation? We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. LVHN was the last to. "Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team," said a joint statement. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network officials, who announced their mandate along with St. Lukes and LVHN, declined to comment on whether they were considering such a policy. During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. Its not the same as the medical or religious ones where there are laws in place that deal with that.. 412 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[389 38 428 1]/Info 388 0 R/Length 116/Prev 381408/Root 390 0 R/Size 429/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. If you dont feel well, stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. prd|^DLL{!"2Jl[>!(/$+Jf|vP]3t"fHs Cu TowZ;,HKZ*2+aCvOPH;!cWp0iCiAfJiqbU,9\2"+$@K<8 d#SqZ7'!OE%.^~'eQ5% v7Xa;gc^qomH}ZvoW!62O)7O3]pikx=^H[02JJzCss{hw]y@)Qs^ |m x Read more on the CDC website. Your provider will advise you about COVID-19 testing and quarantining during your virtual visit. LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow. Another 1.2 million have received a booster dose. Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. She facilitates care through recovery and return to work for any employees who suspect exposure or may test positive for COVID-19, working closely with Lehigh Human Resources throughout the process. Where can I find more information about boosters? The federal COVID-19 response excludes up to 106 million workers from paid leave protections The end result is that a legislative package with the stated intent of protecting the physical and. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. What COVID vaccines fulfill the university's vaccination requirement? As a result, LVHN's The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. If you fall into the CDC-defined category of people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to a serious underlying medical condition, you may submit a confidential request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by submitting these forms through email at incovada@lehigh.edu. Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Faculty should indicate to students how they plan to support students who need to be in isolation. Because of this, employers that are considering deferrals for the naturally immune are trying to figure out how to structure that as an internal policy. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. Call 610-861-8080, select 5 to bypass menu and enter extension 21237. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. 4T@kR[4\P! 86N{L.=8kZ'=Bj,+=L`+zA ^,`5$gx;v4Osxc? z> Our partnership includes anLVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager,Christine WolfeRN,who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. St. Lukes and LVHN employees who caught, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), St. Lukes and LVHN employees who caught COVID-19 to defer getting the vaccine, other employers may follow, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at 61, Bryan Kohberger defense lawyers want gag order kept in Idaho killings case, Allentown School Board likely to vote on hiring Carol Birks as superintendent next week. >Students living on- or off-campus who believe they have symptoms in line with COVID-19should call the Lehigh Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at 610-758-3870. Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at, and staff should contact Human Resources at, Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. Employee Health - LVHN-CC . 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. Pain at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, low-grade fever and nausea are common. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. If you or your child have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C.. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. So when LVHN sent an email to employees about a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine, Miller jumped at the opportunity to help end the pandemic, signing up half an hour later. This position could last for up to 12 months or more and will provide an opportunity to train and highlight your skills working with multiple directors/general . Email us LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. Free lunches. When in doubt about when you are able to end isolation, always follow the guidance provided by the HWC (for students) or Lehighs LVHN occupational health nurse (for faculty and staff). The cold weather, Thanksgiving gatherings and a big rebound in holiday travel are all believed to be playing a role, along with public weariness with pandemic restrictions. The facility is opening due to the increased demand for COVID-19 testing. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that subjects who had natural immunity but were unvaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 as those who had natural immunity and those who got their shots. 306 S New St, Suite 437, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Expand menu for COVID-19 Guidance for Staff and Faculty, Expand menu for Flexible Spending Accounts, Expand menu for Retirement And Financial Security, Expand menu for Basic And Supplemental Life Insurance, Expand menu for Education Benefits For Faculty and Staff, Expand menu for Tuition Benefits For Spouses/Partners, Expand menu for Tuition Benefits For Dependent Children, Expand menu for Ancillary Benefits And Services, Expand menu for Extended Health Care Benefits, Expand menu for Awards For Exceptional Performance And Contributions, Expand menu for Staff Fully Remote Policy, Expand menu for Market Referenced Job Evaluation Process, Expand menu for Disability Accommodation For Faculty and Staff, Expand menu for Using The Page Up Talent Management Portal, Expand menu for Position Description User Guides, Expand menu for Protection of Minors Policy Compliance, Expand menu for Protection of Minors Committee, To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with. < 0 For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. endstream endobj startxref Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team, said a joint statement attributed to Lehigh Valley Health Network CEO Brian A. Nester, St. Lukes University Health Network CEO Rick Anderson Good Shepherd Rehabilitation CEO Michael Spigel. No. The situation is not as dire as last years surge, before the public had any access to COVID-19 vaccines, but the roughly 60% of the U.S. population that is fully vaccinated is not enough to prevent hot spots. St. Lukes, following a Sept. 25 deadline, reported that of its approximately 17,000 employees, 668 were granted medical or religious exemptions or temporary deferments and 155 quit. You may also consult with Human Resources at. Visit the campaign website now >, 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA, document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); All Rights Reserved, Faculty & Staff Frequently Asked Questions, Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result must notify Christine Wolfe and notify Lehigh by following the instructions in the, COVID-19 Return to Campus Employee Health Guide. The university will not share confidential health information. What steps should I take? endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. Medical Information Request and Verification Form. Click here to download the document. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. What do I do? Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Job Placement Success & Postgraduate Education, Medical Information Request & Verification Form, COVID-19 Health Services from LVHN for Staff and Faculty, 2021 COVID-19 Testing Claim Review Request, Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? Good Shepherd is based in Allentown. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for occupational health services and for medical consultation for planning purposes. Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result must notify Christine Wolfe and notify Lehigh by following the instructions in the COVID-19 Return to Campus Employee Health Guide. That's the message from Lehigh Valley Health Network, according to a news release. For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. For more information on these requirements and for additional health guidance, please visit our Vaccination Resources Center. Be part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. Another recent study from Israel, which also hasnt been published or peer-reviewed yet, showed natural immunity provided longer-lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalization due to the delta variant than the Pfizer vaccine. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. We are continuing with the strategy we initiated last summer to most safely provide a fully functioning campus through widespread vaccination. We are the region s largest employer and the . Faculty and staff must continue to monitor personal health for symptoms and risk of exposure. Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. .block-reference .header { padding-top: 40px; }. Our journalism needs your support. What happens if I dont comply with the faculty/staff COVID vaccination requirement? LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? Why is Lehigh requiring COVID vaccination and boosters for students, faculty and staff? Because of that,our Occupational Medicine clinics areable to offer onsite services where the testing, physicals, vaccinations, and more are performed at your work site, thereby reducing loss of productivity. LVHN also said patients who have recently had COVID can defer boosters for at least three months following their diagnosis, as the illness can provide a significant immune system boost. At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. If you are 65 years of age or older (another higher risk category defined by the CDC) or do not have an underlying medical condition but are generally concerned about returning to campus, please talk with your department chair or supervisor about modifications (such as flexplace arrangements, flexible schedules or workspace modifications) that may allow you to perform your position accountabilities effectively and productively. Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. What do I do if I have COVID-19-related concerns about returning to campus? Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . All HVAC systems have received, and will continue to receive, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). There are . Every employer can handle it in a different way because theres no set standard for that type of exemption, Easterly said. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, available to health professionals for about a year, a milestone of 200 million people fully vaccinated, cases and hospitalizations are spiking again, largely driven by the unvaccinated population. Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. St. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. This story was updated Tuesday to indicate Lehigh Valley Health Network has decided to update its policy; previously the health network had been discussing doing so. While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? Instructors who choose to shift to remote-only instruction should: 1. send an email to their chair indicating their plan for instruction for the coming week and 2. inform students of this planned shift. But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) remains vigilant as the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, and we are committed to being your partner in health in these unprecedented times. I am vaccinated but am experiencing COVID-like symptoms. Directions to our locations; Working on Campus. Yes, Lehigh will continue to require COVID vaccination and boosters for all students, faculty and staff (unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption). In addition, Lehigh's Employee Assistance Program (Integrated Behavioral Health) can be helpful for you and your dependents even if you don't participate in the Lehigh medical plan. O'Donnell doesn't agree with the area's major hospitals - LVHN, St. Lukes and Good Shepherd- which are mandating all their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. The . For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University, who argued he should be exempt from the schools vaccine mandate because he already had COVID-19, was able to get a medical exemption after he sued in August. He said there are considerations for employers such as how they will establish whether somebody had COVID-19 as well as determining how long they will allow employees to defer their shots. In both instances, arguments were made that plaintiffs should be exempt from mandates because they had already been infected with COVID-19. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.organd notify her of your condition. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. We appreciate your patience. If I received a medical or religious exemption from Lehighs COVID Vaccination requirement, do I need to submit any additional documentation? Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. HUMo0Wh`na0o5V m(T8v,")hi4, [Yp^na\AFJP,Z.(.LUaXX~W1wn-@=+6VA# Once the isolation period has been completed and an individual is cleared to return to work or school, evidence of a negative test is not required. img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } Once youve found out youve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider to meet virtually. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. Fewer than 1% of LVHNs nearly 20,000 employees chose to leave rather than get vaccinated. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well.