For Health Care Providers

Notifiable Disease Reporting
HIV/AIDS Reporting
Tuberculosis Services
Pandemic Influenza Information
MRSA Information
Communicable Disease Statistics
Epigram Newsletter
Public Health Liaisons
Additional Fact Sheets

Notifiable Disease Reporting
Health care providers are responsible for reporting over 60 communicable diseases or syndromes. Washington law requires reporting of selected diseases and conditions to local health authorities (RCW 43.20.050). Laboratories must report over 25 communicable diseases (WAC 246-101). Suspected or confirmed cases of each notifiable condition should be reported within specific timeframes – immediately, within 3 work days, within one month.

Communicable Disease Report Line (509) 324-1449 (24-hour confidential)
Communicable Disease Fax Line (509) 324-3623

Communicable Disease Report Form (56 KB)
Animal Bite Form for Health Care Providers (76 KB)
Gastroenteritis in Residential Care Facilities Report Form (70 KB)
VAERS Report Form (92 KB)

HIV/AIDS Reporting
All new HIV/AIDS cases in Spokane County should be reported directly to the Spokane Regional Health District’s HIV/AIDS program within seven working days of diagnosis (WAC 246-100-207). The HIV/AIDS program investigates and offers services, including partner notification. There are two ways to report a new HIV/AIDS case in Spokane County:

• By phone – (509)-324-1544
• By U.S. mail – complete and mail the Confidential HIV/AIDS Adult Case Report form to the Spokane Regional Health District’s HIV/AIDS Program, 1101 W. College Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201.
  No fax or e-mail reporting of new HIV/AIDS cases is allowed.

Tuberculosis Services

• Clinic TB Services
  Tuberculosis services are offered by appointment only at our Public Health Clinic located at 1101 West College Avenue. We offer a one-visit, accurate blood test (QuantFERON Gold TB) to determine if a person has been infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. Fees for testing may be reduced, based on family size or income. Medicaid and Medicare may also be accepted. Other services available include provider consultation, medication administration, and contact investigation. For an appointment or information, call (509) 324-1600.
  Tuberculosis Services
  
  
• Laboratory TB Services
  QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) specimens may be referred by Health Care Providers directly to the Laboratory for testing. Blood is drawn into three antigen-coated tubes called “In-Tubes.”  Following the draw, there are three specimen handling options available. (See “QFT-IT Provider Information Sheet” for information on specimen collection and handling). Providers may contact Client Services at (509) 324-1660 to set up a billing contract. No private insurance billing available. For tubes, requisitions, and mailing supplies -call (509) 324-1444. For information, call the Laboratory at (509) 324-1440.
  QFT-IT Provider Information Sheet
  QFT-IT Request Form

Pandemic Influenza
FDA - Personal Protective Equipment
CDC - Communicating with Clinicians (pdf)
CDC - Medical Ofiices and Clinics Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (pdf)
CDC - Long-Tem Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (pdf)
H5N1 Testing Information (pdf)
Preventing Colds, Flu, and other Infectious Diseases

MRSA Information
MRSA Fact Sheet (104 KB)
Disinfectants approved by EPA to be effective against MRSA (PDF)

State and National Communicable Disease Statistics
Reports of local notifiable disease are forwarded to the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These public health agencies track state and national communicable disease rates and trends. The rates are published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).


Epigram Newsletter
The Epigram (newsletter archive) is sent to over 1,200 health care providers in Spokane County each month. The Epigram provides the latest communicable disease developments and issues, monthly communicable disease statistics and technical training opportunities. Call (509) 324-1442 to be added to the mailing list.


Public Health Liaisons provide a vital link between the Health District and health care providers. The liaisons regularly visit hundreds of physician offices, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers and laboratories to serve as a conduit for communicable disease information. The primary purpose of these visits is to ensure providers are trained on proper reporting of communicable disease. The liaisons also distribute information about other Health District programs and services. Call (509) 324-1442.


Additional Fact Sheets for Healthcare Providers
C Diff Fact Sheet (104 KB)
VRE Fact Sheet (92 KB)