Altru Is Now Providing Outpatient Treatment for COVID-19

Grand Forks, N.D. – Altru Health System is now providing outpatient treatment to those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Patients who are being discharged from Altru Hospital, are seen in our Express Clinics or ER, and patients with positive tests via curbside testing who are considered high-risk may have the opportunity to undergo outpatient therapy, including monoclonal antibody treatment, Bamlanivimab. This treatment is being offered as part of an Emergency Use Authorization. Patients who meet pre-determined risk factors will be referred to this program by the provider they were seen by either in the hospital, clinic, or emergency room setting. Since this is a new medicine with limited supply, not all patients who qualify will be able to have treatment.

“Early data on this treatment is showing reduced risk of hospitalization,” shared Dr. Josh Deere, Medical Director of Primary Care. “As hospital resources continue to be pressured, outpatient alternatives will help some patients recover at home and alleviate the strain on the health system. We are proud to be able to offer these therapies to our community.”

Altru’s outpatient treatment program began accepting patients on Friday, November 20, and the first patient was treated on Tuesday, November 24. At this time, the treatments are being offered in Grand Forks, and allocations of the treatments to support the program are being provided by the state of North Dakota.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive, please call Altru’s COVID hotline at 701.780.6358. The hotline team can help to determine if testing is recommended for you and explain options for care.

About Altru Health System

Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Altru Health System is a physician-led, multispecialty group practice with an acute care hospital, Level II trauma center, specialty hospital, more than two dozen Grand Forks, and regional practice locations, and a large home care network. Altru Health System was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise to the patients we serve. For more information, visit altru.org.