The Delaware Division of Public Health is reminding patients of Concord Medical Spine and Pain Center to contact their health care provider to be evaluated for bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Earlier this spring, the department sent a letter to patients of Concord Medical Spine and Pain Center encouraging them to talk to their medical providers about hepatitis and HIV testing, particularly if they had invasive procedures involving injections or procedures that included puncturing the skin, such as spinal or epidural injections.
Letters were sent to any patient seen by Concord in the last four years. That amounted to about 2,600 people.
DPH recently issued a second letter reminding patients to speak with their medical providers;. More than 300 letters have been returned as undeliverable, likely due to former patients moving from the address on file.
DPH ordered the closure of Concord Medical Spine and Pain Center, located at 6 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, on March 7, 2016, after the facility was unable to confirm that proper sterilization processes were followed.
The investigation revealed possible issues related to unsafe injection practices. The facility has since reopened after ceasing all practices that are legally considered invasive procedures.
DPH has provided three potential testing options for the patients of Concord Medical Spine and Pain Center:
Testing through your regular health care provider. Consult with your physician about testing.
Free testing through the “Get Tested” program. Visit gettested.cdc.gov and enter your zip code to find the closest free testing location.
Arrange free testing through the Division of Public Health on August 25, 2016 at the Porter State Service Center, 509 W. 8th St., Wilmington, DE. To make an appointment or learn more about using your private insurance through your physician, call 302-744-4838.
