Victory Medical
See how we are adapting to your needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Re-Capping Covid-19: Victory Medical Center’s Dr. Billy Franklin on Potential Treatments
Dr. Peter McCullough-Early Treatment Protocol
Dr. McCullough is a well-respected North Texas cardiologist with impeccable academic credentials. He is a full professor of medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine in Dallas. Dr. McCullough is an internist, cardiologist, epidemiologist, and holds a Master of Public Health degree. He is known as one of the top five most-published medical researchers in the United States and is the editor of two medical journals.
Below are six items Dr. McCullough recommends keeping in your over-the-counter toolbox to help your immune system fight the effects of the COVID-19 virus:
- Povidone Iodine
- Zinc 50mg/day
- Vitamin D 5,000 IU/day, Increased to 20,000 IU/day during active treatment
- Vitamin C 3,000mg/day for active treatment
- Quercetin, 500 mg a day for prevention, 500mg/day for active treatment
- Famotidine or Pepcid at a high dose, 80 mg/day active treatment
In addition to these recommendations, the providers at Victory Medical provide prescription antivirals that assist in the treatment of the Omicron variants.
What are the types of COVID testing you offer?
We currently offer three types of COVID testing.
- Antibody Test
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- Performed onsite
- Results: Approx. 15 minutes
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Antibody tests look for antibodies in your blood which can indicate PAST infection of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibodies are proteins that help your body fight off infections and usually provide protection against getting that disease again hence developing an immunity. Antibodies are specific to a particular disease. For example, a measles antibody will protect a person who is exposed again to measles but will not offer protection of any kind if the person is exposed to mumps.
Depending on when someone was infected and when the antibody testing occurs, the test may not show antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibody testing should not be used to diagnose active COVID-19 infection.
- Molecular (PCR) Test
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- Collected onsite and sent out to participating laboratory
- Results: Currently 5-7 business days (due to high demand)
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PCR testing is performed with a nasopharyngeal swab. This tests for ACTIVE infection and detects viral genetic material (RNA). It is considered very accurate however, results are not immediately available. As of October 2020, results are taking 5-7 days. If you have symptoms, and antibody tests are negative, you should consider a PCR test.
- Antigen Test
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- Performed onsite
- Results: Approx. 15 minutes
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Antigen testing is performed with a nasopharyngeal swab. This tests for ACTIVE infection. If you have symptoms, and antigen tests are negative, you should consider a PCR test as a follow up measure.
Is antibody testing right for me if I have symptoms?
We are unable to diagnose COVID-19 based solely on antibody test results. Patients that are currently experiencing symptoms or that have seen a Victory provider will be encouraged to have PCR molecular nasal swab testing.
What are the COVID symptoms I should look for?
COVID-19 symptoms* include the following:
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- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
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*This does not include all possible symptoms. We will update as information becomes available from the CDC.
What is the cost of COVID testing?
The cost of the ANTIBODY test is $45. In addition, an office visit is required, which will be filed for those patients with active insurance coverage.
The cost of the ANTIGEN test is $70. In addition, an office visit is required, which will be filed for those patients with active insurance coverage.
**Victory Medical does NOT collect for the nasal swab testing. This will be billed to you or your insurance company by the performing laboratory.**
Can I schedule an appointment for COVID testing?
If you currently have any COVID symptoms OR have been exposed to a known positive person within a 6 foot proximity for more than 15 minutes then you cannot schedule for testing. You are required to have testing performed on a walk-in basis only. If you are completely asymptomatic you can schedule with a provider to be tested. Please note, if you schedule for testing and present to the clinic screening station with any of the symptoms of COVID, you will be redirected to the walk-in clinic.
Can I be seen as a walk-in and what are your walk-in hours?
If you are having COVID-19 related symptoms, we encourage you to walk in. We see walk-ins during our regular business hours at all 3 locations:
- Victory Drive: (M-F 8am-7pm), (Sat 9am-5pm), (Sun Noon-5pm)
- Bee Caves Rd: (M-F 8am-7pm), (Sat 9am-5pm)
- Cedar Park: (M-F 9am-5pm)
How long do you have to wait after believing you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 before being tested?
You should be tested immediately if you start experiencing any symptoms. It can take anywhere between 5-21 days for someone to become infected once exposed. We recommend waiting 5-7 days before having the nasal swab test performed and at least 14 days before being tested for COVID-19 antibodies.
What is the brand/manufacturer of your COVID-19 tests?
The manufacturer of the antibody test will change from time to time based upon availability from medical suppliers. As of August 28, 2020, we are administering the Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test from Azure Biotech Inc. which has received EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) from the FDA.
How long does it take to get COVID-19 test results?
The nasal swab test for active COVID-19 infection currently takes 5-7 days to result. The blood test for COVID-19 antibodies takes approximately 15 minutes to result.
My PCR Nasal swab test is PENDING or is POSITIVE , what do I do now?
If you are HAVING SYMPTOMS, you may discontinue isolation when:
- At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test AND
- Have had no subsequent illness and you remain asymptomatic.
For 3 days following discontinuation of isolation, you should continue to limit contact (stay 6 feet away from others) and limit potential of dispersal of respiratory secretions by wearing a covering for their nose and mouth whenever you are in settings where other persons are present. In community settings, this covering may be a barrier mask, such as a bandana, scarf, or cloth mask. The covering does not refer to a medical mask or respirator.
If you are NOT HAVING SYMPTOMS, you may discontinue isolation when:
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; AND
- Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
You should notify those that you have come in contact with if it has been less than 6ft for greater than 15 minutes, as those individuals are now at risk of having COVID.
Victory Medical is required to report all positive results to Austin Public Health. You should expect to be contacted by one of their representatives regarding your results. If you have further questions regarding your isolation protocol you may reach out to them at 511-974-2000
Due the volume of patients that we are testing and having positive results come back on, it is very challenging for our providers to go over individual results with you. If you would like dedicated time with a provider to discuss additional concerns, you may schedule a telemedicine visit with them via our website at www.victorymed.com, call our clinic at 512-462-3627, or send a direct portal message to your provider via the Healow app. We are having a longer than normal wait times for our phone operators as they are fielding continuous COVID question calls from the community.
Below is the Austin Public Health Guidance for employers with Employees Returning to work policy. We suggest you print this document to present to your employer regarding a work note for your positive COVID test.
https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/FINAL%20Return%20to%20Work%20Guidance.pdf
During the pandemic, employees who meet the above criteria for returning to work should NOT be required by employers to provide a healthcare provider’s note to return to work.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued guidance, stating that while employers “may require employees who have been away from the workplace during a pandemic to provide a doctor’s note certifying fitness to return to work,” it is not recommended to do so.
The EEOC & the CDC advise that, practically speaking, doctors and other healthcare providers may be too busy to provide such documentation, so employers should consider allowing these employees to return to work as they see fit.
Because of this, the CDC does not recommend that employers require their employees to provide communication from a physician or healthcare provider, “clearing,” them to return to work.
If my employer says I need to have the nasal swab to return to work, do you offer this test?
Yes, Victory Medical does nasal swab collections onsite at each of their locations, and specimens are sent out for testing. The average turnaround time for results is 5-7 days. Victory Providers can provide employees with a return to work note upon request with additional instructions regarding isolation guidelines.
HOW TO INTERPRET MY COVID TEST RESULTS
Victory Medical HOME: Video/Phone sick, well, and mental health visits are available with your provider 7 days a week.
TO SCHEDULE:
Call: 512-462-3627
Email: patientservices@victorymed.com
Website: www.victorymed.com and click “book an appointment”
CLINIC PRECAUTIONS and SAFETY GUIDELINES BEING FOLLOWED:
- We have set up a check-in/screening station for patients outside of the office in order to separate sick patients from all other issues. Patients presenting with at-risk symptoms or have a positive screening are asked to remain in their car to wait to be seen and then escorted to a specific area within the building for evaluation and treatment.
- We are thoroughly and regularly cleaning all surfaces in common areas and reception desks throughout the day with hospital grade disinfectant.
- Rooms are sanitized between each patient.
- Frequently touched items such as magazines, brochures, water fountains, etc have been removed from waiting and patient exam rooms.
- Tape marks have been placed on the floor and waiting room chairs have been spread out to provide for recommended social distancing.
- Victory team members are provided with personal protective equipment (when available) as recommended by the CDC and OSHA.
- Our nightly cleaning crew utilizes hospital-grade disinfectant to wipe down all surfaces.
- Interior doors are being propped open to minimize the need for hand to surface contact.
- Water fountain service has been discontinued, and water available upon request.
Check out our local heroes on our – Facebook page
Do you want to help your Austin healthcare workers? Find out how: www.makeamaskaustin.org
Tomlinson’s Feed at 4211 S Lamar Blvd Ste A23 is one of the drop off locations where people can bring their homemade sewn masks to be distributed to local health care workers.
The health and safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Victory Medical Clinic and pharmacies remain OPEN for appointments, walk-ins, telemedicine visits, COVID testing and all your prescription needs. We will continue to care for you and your family throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
