Lucas Co. Health Dept. announces COVID therapy access options

        The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, which continues collaboration with healthcare partners to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, announced how residents may access COVID-19 therapeutic treatment options.
        Monoclonal antibodies and other antiviral therapeutics are extremely scarce resources but have proven to be a beneficial treatment for many COVID-19 patients. Currently, COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments can decrease the likelihood of hospitalization related to COVID-19 if taken early. Limited supplies are available at Mercy Health, ProMedica, and University of Toledo (UTMC) infusion facilities. McLaren St Luke’s has partnered with Mercy Health,
ensuring patients have access to an infusion facility.
        Interested individuals should contact their primary care physician to determine if they meet the current criteria to receive monoclonal antibody infusion or other antiviral therapies. If an individual meets the current criteria for any of the therapeutic treatment options and therapeutic supplies are available, a medical evaluation must be provided by a healthcare professional prior to the beginning of treatment.
        A primary care physician will make the appropriate referral in order to receive treatment. Mercy Health, ProMedica, UTMC, and McLaren St. Luke’s have agreed that patient referrals may be sent to other facilities outside of each respective system, in the event the therapeutic resources are available at other hospitals.
        If an individual does not have a primary care physician and would like to determine if he or she meets criteria, several options are available ensuring equitable access:
        • Call 419-383-4545 (UTMC provider), select “option 4” for a monoclonal antibody (MAB) referral.
        • Go to any ProMedica Urgent Care Center or a ProMedica Emergency Department.
        • Go to or call: Mercy Health – St. Vincent Walk-In Primary Care Ambulatory Care Center, Main Floor, 2213 Cherry St., Toledo. Call 419-251-4696.
        The federal government is providing monoclonal antibody therapy at no cost to patients, however, a facility fee may be incurred. Medicare and many commercial insurance companies are covering all costs for patients.
        For additional information on monoclonal antibodies and other antiviral therapeutics, visit lucascountyhealth.com/covidtest/.