COVID-19 News with Millennium’s
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio

In This Edition: 

> New CDC COVID -19 Testing Guidelines

 COVID-19 News with Millennium’s
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio

In This Edition: 

*Faulty State Test Reporting

*Why the Wait to Schedule COVID-19 Testing or Receive Results

*Taking Proper Precautions

*Millennium’s Telehealth Service MPG Connect Always a Great Option

Faulty State Test Reporting

As you might have heard, the Florida Department of Health recently reported 100 percent positivity rate for COVID-19 tests submitted to the agency. That was incorrect; Millennium’s positivity rate is 15.48 percent as of this update. To ensure the accuracy and completeness of information provided, everyday Millennium automatically submits all test results electronically to the department of health as required.

Why the Wait?

You might experience delays in scheduling a test and/or receiving those results because of a nationwide shortage on testing supplies. Some results are taking as long as 7 days or more. That’s why there is no better place to turn if you are concerned about COVID-19 than your primary care provider. Your PCP knows you best, can fully evaluate you, recommend the proper test and best advise you on what’s next.

Taking Proper Precautions

There are several guidelines we maintain and ask of our patients for everyone’s safety. Those are:

• Wearing a mask/cloth face covering in public when social distancing is difficult to maintain per CDC recommendations
• If you are experiencing symptoms, please call your doctor’s office before your scheduled visit.
• If you choose to wait in your car for your appointment, please confirm your phone number with the front desk.
• Please limit the number of visitors you bring with you to your doctor’s appointment unless you are in need of special assistance.
• Handwashing is a simple thing that goes a long way.
• Our telehealth service MPG Connect is always available to you!

Millennium’s Telehealth Service MPG Connect Always a Great Option

Click here to schedule or learn more about MPG Connect.

As your healthcare provider, we are advocates for your health and the overall wellbeing of the communities we serve. We not only want to keep you healthy but also bring context to the latest health news – especially regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic – so you can make the best decisions possible for you and your family during these ever-evolving times.

Alejandro Perez-Trepichio, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Millennium Physician Group

Please click here for a look at Millennium’s Telehealth Service MPG Connect Commercial!

We Must Do Our Part to Fight the Surge in COVID-19 Cases

As the number of newly diagnosed cases hits a record pace, our role in stopping the spread of COVID-19 becomes even more pronounced.

As your healthcare provider, we are advocates for our health and the overall wellbeing of the communities we serve. This includes taking the appropriate preventive measures and remaining informed of the key indicators that help us gauge whether we are effectively containing the disease.

Although the overall percent of positive cases in Florida is 7.6 percent, the number we are more concerned with is the “percent positive for laboratory testing.” This number tells us how the infection rate is trending and should stay below 10 percent to continue with the phased reopening of our economy, experts have said. Several of the counties Millennium serves are above this threshold.

Those include:
• Collier
• Desoto
• Duval
• Hendry
• Hillsborough
• Lee
• Pinellas

Now, more than ever, it’s essential we take the precautions that so far have had the greatest impact on decreasing the spread of COVID-19.

At the top of the list are:
• Social distancing
• Use of masks/cloth face coverings
• Handwashing

The CDC recommends wearing masks or cloth face coverings in public when social distance can be difficult to maintain. I cannot stress this enough. Let’s all do our part, so we can manage the spread of COVID-19 once and for all.

Alejandro Perez-Trepichio
Chief Medical Officer
Millennium Physician Group

Concerned About COVID-19?

Millennium Offers Screening and Testing, Including the Antibody Test

As our community continues a phased re-opening, COVID-19 testing plays an important role in identifying and tracking new cases. Whether you’re not feeling well currently or suspect a possible past infection, Millennium can help.

If you’re concerned about current symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath, Call Us First at your Millennium doctor’s office or (844) CALL-MPG/ (844) 225-5674, and we will guide you through. 

Trust Your Primary-Care Provider with COVID-19 Concerns

Contact Your Millennium Doctor’s Office for Help Determining Whether You Need Testing

Rapid antibody testing (results in 10 minutes with a quick finger stick) and other forms of COVID-19 testing are available to you.

Cost

COVID-19 related testing will be submitted to your insurance without out-of-pocket costs to you, in most cases.

Self-pay Cost:

By Safeguarding Your Health, We’re Your Connection to a Healthier Life!

That’s Why We’re Taking Our Services to You with Drive-Thru Lab Service, Physical Therapy House Calls and More!

You’re our inspiration and why we’re adapting our services to suit you. Not only can you feel confident in our medical offices knowing we’re taking every precaution to safeguard your health but also know we’re adapting the way we deliver our services to suit you!

Check Out the Precautions We’re Taking and How WE’re Adapting Our Services to Suit You!

Announcing Drive-Thru Lab Services!

Now is No Time to Postpone Imaging Studies

We’re Here for You Whenever and Wherever You Need Us!

Our telehealth service MPG Connect just got easier!

YES, WE’RE OPEN AND READY TO CARE FOR YOU!

Millennium Physician Group’s offices, walk-in centers, imaging centers and labs are open for business and taking every step to ensure you – our patients and community – are safe with us.

We’re here to care for you, so call us first if you’re not feeling well. If you have a fever and a cough or shortness of breath, call your Millennium primary-care provider to be thoroughly evaluated for your symptoms and potential exposure to see if testing should be ordered.

Additionally, to ensure the safety of our patients and team, we’re limiting access to patients only (unless you need special assistance). We understand you might be concerned about the situation surrounding COVID-19, that’s why we’re pleased to offer you Millennium’s Telehealth Service, along with a suite of innovations that offers you peace of mind.

Read on to find out how Millennium’s Telehealth Service, Mobile Online Check-In, patient portal and mobile apps work together to put you in control of your healthcare – all in the palm of your hand!

Millennium’s Telehealth Service – House Calls with YOUR Healthcare Provider… Virtually

You can now request a telehealth visit with your healthcare provider in the comfort of your home through the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. That’s why our telehealth approach is extraordinary; we connect you with your care team. And see your doctor no matter where you are!

Call your doctor’s office or (844) CALL-MPG to book your next appointment – or change an existing one to – a telehealth visit.

Millennium Mobile Online Check-In

Millennium’s pre-registration process is a way to check-in where and when it’s convenient for you. Limit your time in the waiting room. No pens, paper or clipboards. After scheduling an appointment, you’ll receive an email or text from Millennium Physician Group with a pre-registration link. Just complete your pre-registration before your visit. And if you arrive to the office without checking in first, no problem! Office staff can send you a link to your personal device, whether a smartphone or tablet.

Millennium Apps

Additionally, Millennium offers a collection of apps that work together to put you in control of your healthcare – all in the palm of your hand! You can find these in your App Store.

The Patient Portal

Through the Patient Portal, you can connect with your healthcare provider and your medical records. Request a telehealth appointment and more through the portal, which is offered on our MPG App. Click here for the patient portal link.

MPG App

Millennium’s app provides news, updates, and alerts, along with full integration with our patient portal.
App Store: Click Here
Google Play Store: Click Here

MPG Connect

MPG Connect is our telehealth service. It allows you connect with your provider through a virtual house call.
App Store: Click Here
Google Play Store: Click Here

MPG Pharmacy App

Transfer prescriptions, request refills and check the status of your medications without having to call the pharmacy.
App Store: Click Here
Google Play Store: Click Here

To keep you safe and informed regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, please read on for the latest information and guidance from state and federal health officials, along with more updates from your Millennium care team.

Traveled Recently or Plan To?

The federal government and state health authorities recommend if you’ve traveled from China, Iran, Europe or South Korea to self-isolate for 14 days after your return. If you start to show symptoms of lower respiratory infection (fever, cough, trouble breathing), call your Millennium healthcare provider and the health department.

If you’ve taken a cruise or traveled anywhere else internationally, you’re being asked to monitor your health and limit your social interactions for the next 14 days. If you start experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and call your Millennium healthcare provider and the department of health.

For full details from the Florida Department of Health please visit their website by clicking here.

Have Your Prescriptions Delivered to Your Home:

Did you know our pharmacy delivers directly to your home, from Venice to Naples in Southwest Florida? Simply call our pharmacy to transfer your prescriptions, enroll in automatic refills, and schedule your delivery date.

Our Millennium Pharmacy team is here to take care of all your prescription needs from one-day prescriptions to 90-day prescriptions, all delivered to your home for free! Once your refill is coming close to being due our team will ship it out to you automatically. No need to run to the store last minute or call your pharmacy to place a refill. Your refill will be right on time each month.

Ask your provider about having your prescriptions sent to Millennium Pharmacy Services, our team can’t wait to hear from you!

TRANSFER YOUR PRESCRIPTION TODAY!  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

CALL (855) 674-7600
Pharmacy Location:
19531 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Call Us First If You’re Not Feeling Well:

If you start to feel symptoms (fever, cough or trouble breathing), call your Millennium Physician Group office.

Understanding COVID-19 Testing

Testing for coronavirus/COVID-19 is indicated for those whom meet the current guidelines. Please understand hospital ERs are not meant to be test centers.
Having fever, cough or shortness of breath are not in themselves criteria for getting tested.

If you’re feeling sick, you should call your doctor, who knows you best. He or she can fully evaluate your symptoms, travel history and other risk factors, and then recommend testing or not. Also criteria for testing are continually changing as we learn more about the exposure risks of this strain of coronavirus.

Self-Isolation vs. Quarantine:

Isolation separates sick people from those who are not sick.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a sickness to see if they become sick.

• The department of health recommends 14-days of isolation. Limiting your contact with others in your home as much as possible, staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom if available.
• It’s advised that no visitors come over unless the person needs to be in your home.
• During this time, you should also monitor your health. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for cough and trouble breathing.
• If you start feeling sick, call your Millennium healthcare provider and then call the health department in your county.

Social Distancing Explained:

• Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
• Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

Working on Testing:

We are working to acquire the recommended test kits to collect possible COVID-19 specimens ASAP. These tests have only previously been made available to governmental and public health organizations. We will provide more information as it becomes available and will continue to keep you informed about our protocols going forward.

Other Health Reminders:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• If you’re sick, stay at home and avoid crowds.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands.
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do NOT travel if you are sick.

Stay Up-to-Date

Check the App Store on your phone for our Millennium Physician Group app to stay up-to-date with information from our website.  Download using the links below:

As part of our ongoing commitment to keep you safe and informed regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, we are continually updating you with the latest information and guidance from state and federal health officials.

What’s New:

• There are now a handful of confirmed coronavirus/COVID-19 cases around the state.
• The Florida Department of Health modified its guidance for those who’ve traveled recently, stating anyone who has returned from China, Iran, Italy or South Korea in the past 14 days should stay at home and self-isolate. If you or someone in your immediate household has traveled to one of these areas in the past 14 days, you are asked to stay at home in self-isolation. The isolation period ends 14 days upon return from travel.
• If you are in self-isolation and begin to feel sick during this time, you are urged to call the Florida Department of Health in your county and then please call your Millennium healthcare provider.
• If you experience fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath and you had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from one of these areas or have been in contact with someone with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, please call your local health department and your Millennium healthcare provider.
• Call Us First should you have any questions at (844) CALL-MPG.
• Please download the Millennium Physician Group patient app to stay on top of the latest developments.

What is Self-Isolation?

• Self-isolation is voluntarily staying home and away from other people to limit the possibility of exposing others to infection.
• During this 14 day time period, you limit your contact with others in your home as much as possible, staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom if available.
• It’s advised that no visitors come over unless the person needs to be in your home.
• During this time, you should also monitor your health. If you start feeling sick, call the health department in your county and then call your Millennium healthcare provider.
• Please call ahead to ensure you’re going to the right place and taking the necessary precautions.

Learning More about Who’s at Risk