JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Monoclonal antibody treatments are now available through Baptist Health in Jacksonville — but on a limited basis.
As Ben Henrich of Jacksonville learned, the federally funded treatments are only available if you meet certain criteria. Henrich, who said he and his wife are COVID-19 positive, spoke to Action News Jax on Thursday about the symptoms they’re experiencing.
“We’ve just been struggling along, and we looked for ways in which we could reduce our symptoms,” said Henrich.
Henrich said he did his own research to learn of the monoclonal antibody treatment available through Baptist.
“So, it turns out, after talking to one of the nurses on this hotline, the process is the primary fills out this paperwork. And some unnamed people at Baptist looks at all the things,” he said.
He said his primary care doctor was initially unaware of the treatment but submitted paperwork for him and his wife to receive it. Henrich said they were never notified directly of being denied the treatment and that they had to call a hotline to find out the results of their application.
Action News Jax reached out to Baptist Health for information on Henrich’s circumstances, and details of the monoclonal antibody treatment.
Baptist Health’s response:
“Baptist Health has just started offering monoclonal antibody treatments and follows FDA guidelines regarding their usage. We have more than 350 referring physicians to this new treatment. We began alerting them as soon as we received approval for use of this treatment.
“Due to HIPAA guidelines, we are responding generically.
“Currently patients must meet the following criteria to receive this treatment:
· They must be over the age of 55.
· They must have comorbidities.
· They must receive treatment within 10 days of symptoms or within 10 days of receiving a positive test.
· Patients who fall outside of this criteria are not eligible for the treatment.
· Referrals must come from the patient’s primary care doctor or an emergency room physician.
· A committee then evaluates the patient based on age, comorbidities, and severity of illnesses to determine their eligibility for treatment.
· Baptist Health can treat up to eight patients each day.
· Supply is limited and managed by the Department of Health.
· The drug is free since it is supplied by the government, but there is a charge for infusion.
· To receive this treatment, patients should speak with their primary care provider about their eligibility.
· Patients who do not meet criteria should be notified by their referring physician. Again, since this is a new service we are still working through the process.
· To date, all patients who have been referred to Baptist Health and meeting FDA guidelines have been accepted for this treatment.”
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