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Caring for the community we’re privileged to serve®

Emergency Department Screening Program

Enhanced Services at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital

Expect the Test

Every Emergency Department patient 18 years and older may receive the following tests if a blood draw is ordered during their visit:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis C (HCV)

Early Detection

Many people who have HIV, syphilis, and HCV do not have symptoms and may not know they are infected. Receiving this routine screening will prevent unknowingly spreading these diseases to others and allow patients to start treatment right away. If a patient wishes to decline any test, they can simply inform the doctor or nurse.

I’ve tested positive. What are my next steps?

  1. For your well-being it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions.
  2. If you have a Primary Care Provider, contact them. If not, please be assured that our Patient Navigator will do their best to help you find a Primary Care Provider.
  3. Expect a call. Stay by your phone. If you are using a message phone, please be sure to alert the person receiving messages for you that you are expecting a call from SoHum Health.

Linkage-to-Care

  1. All patients who test positive for HIV, HCV, or syphilis at the Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District (SHCHD) Emergency Department will be referred by the attending physician to patient navigation services provided by SHCHD Case Management.
  2. Patients who test positive for HIV, HCV, or syphilis may be contacted by SHCHD Case Management to provide resources either during or shortly after their visit. If case management is unavailable during the visit, the patient will be contacted when the case manager returns for the work week.
  3. All patients who test positive for HIV, Hepatitis C, or syphilis at SHCHD’s Emergency Department, regardless of their status, will receive counseling and information about next steps from the EDSP Patient Navigator.

What can I do to help my Patient Navigator better help ME?

  1. Provide as much information as possible to the Emergency Department staff, so this information can be added to your visit summary. This will help our Patient Navigator better understand your situation, so they may connect you to the care you need.
  2. Provide several contact sources including your phone number, a phone number for a dependable point-of contact or message number, your email address, or other online messaging service, so our Patient Navigator can be in touch.
  3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to your well-being. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, and take care of your mental health.

How is my privacy protected?

Click here for SoHum Health’s privacy practices.

Will I be charged for these tests?

Routine testing for syphilis, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) is billed to your insurance like any other test performed in the Emergency Department. For those needing assistance with billing questions, call (877) 673-0903 or visit sohumhealth.org/patients/financial-assistance

Humboldt County Social Services
Phone: (877) 410-8809
Website: https://humboldtgov.org/332/Social-Services

Where can I find more information about the Bridge Emergency Department Screening Program?


Local Resources

  • Click here for a list of local resources for SoHum Health.

Other Helpful Resources

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