MONROE — Higher volumes for health care services are anticipated every year during cold and flu season and 2022 is no different.
This year, SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group are seeing some of those increases earlier than anticipated as local cases of the flu and RSV are already coming in. In a recent 7-day period, SSM Health tested 140 patients in Monroe, 27 of which were positive for flu.
“We are seeing more patients in our emergency department and urgent care locations, as well as much sicker patients,” said Dr. Darren Pipp, Chief Medical Officer at SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group. “Because we need to treat the most serious cases right away, that can sometimes lead to longer wait times for other patients.”
When seeking care for cold symptoms, appointments with patients’ primary care providers are encouraged before presenting at an urgent care location. If patients are experiencing serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or are at a higher risk for serious complications, please seek emergency care. For mild cases that can be managed at home, virtual care options including video visits and e-visits are available.
“Similar to everyone, healthcare providers and staff are not exempt from sickness and often must adjust hours and services. We appreciate everyone’s patience when those situations arise,” said Dr. Pipp.
SSM Health highly recommends anyone over the age of 6 months to receive the annual flu shot and for those who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster series.
Other ways to reduce the spread of illness include keeping up with good hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and masking up when in spaces indoors with non-household residents if ill.
DHS, OCI urge Wisconsinites to sign up for health care coverage by Dec. 15; Marketplace enrollment ensures coverage starts Jan. 1
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) today remind Wisconsinites they have one week left to enroll in a health plan available on the federal marketplace to receive coverage that begins the first of the year (January 1, 2023). Those who already have insurance through the federal marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this open enrollment period.
“I encourage Wisconsinites to take time today to find health care coverage that works for them and for their budget,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Having health insurance ensures you and your loved ones have access to essential services, can help you stay healthy by getting preventive care, and provides peace of mind in case of a more serious health crisis.
In 2020, Governor Tony Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as a resource for consumers to better understand Wisconsin’s health care coverage options. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 211, Wisconsinites can get connected with experts licensed and trained to navigate the marketplace. The free service, available in English, Spanish, and Hmong, also helps people determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or low-cost coverage through BadgerCare Plus.