Tuberculosis Information for Providers
TB and COVID-19
Tuberculosis (TB) disease is endemic in Contra Costa County, and delays in TB diagnosis have been seen in patients with suspected, confirmed, or resolved COVID-19. TB disease should be considered in patients with compatible clinical and radiological features, even if they also have suspected or confirmed COVID-19. It is essential that TB clinical care and control are continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, including: evaluation and treatment of suspected or confirmed active TB disease; evaluation after significant exposure to infectious TB disease; and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) for high risk individuals.
TB Reporting
The TB Control Program receives reports on all cases of TB. Physicians, clinical lab directors, and other providers are required by law to report confirmed and suspected cases of TB to Public Health within one working day of the diagnosis of TB or suspected TB. Reports must include the following information (if known): patient demographics, the date of onset, the date of diagnosis, date of death (if applicable), diagnostic status, bacteriologic, radiologic and tuberculin skin test findings, information regarding the risk of transmission of the disease to other persons, a list of anti-TB medications prescribed and the name, address and phone number of the medical provider. Initial reports may be made by phone 925-313-6740 or fax 925-313-6465. Providers are also required to make follow-up reports to Public Health upon request, and whenever a patient ceases treatment for TB disease (H&S 121362).
Outpatients
To report a case or suspected case of TB in an outpatient, providers should complete a Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR), and FAX to CCPH at 925-313-6465. For questions about TB reporting, providers should call us at 925-313-6740.
Inpatients and Hospital Discharges
California law requires that patients with suspected or confirmed active TB may be discharged or transferred from a health facility only after a written discharge plan has been received and approved by Public Health, unless the transfer is due to an immediate need for a higher level of care or is to a correctional institution. Please see below for instructions on requesting a discharge, and the TB Case Report: Request for Discharge Form which should be faxed to Contra Costa Public Health at 925-313-6465. For questions about hospital discharges, please call us at 925-313-6740.
- Discharge of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of TB
- TB Case Report: Request for Discharge Form (fillable form)
- Home Isolation Rules
- Home Isolation Rules - Spanish
Medical Consultation
CCPH provides medical consultation to providers regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with LTBI and confirmed or suspected TB disease. For medical consultation, providers may call us at 925-313-6740.
Medical consultation is also provided by the Curry International TB Center Warmline Consultation Service (response within 24 hours). Call 877-390-6682 or 415-502-4700.
Guidelines & Resources
Here are a number of State and Federal websites that provide additional guidance and information to assist in the management of your TB patients.
- TB Control Branch, California Department of Public Health
- California TB Controllers Association
- Curry International TB Center
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of TB Elimination
- California Risk Assessment Tools & Guidelines
Here are some useful guides and manuals from the Curry International TB Center
- Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Survival Guide for Clinicians 3rd edition
- Tuberculosis Infection Control Practical Manual-Preventing TB
- Rifamycin Drug/Drug Interactions-a Guide for Primary Care Providers Treating Latent TB
See more information designed specifically for health care providers.
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