Tuberculosis Information for Providers

Active Tuberculosis Disease vs. LTBI

TB can exist in an inactive state in the body (Latent TB Infection or LTBI) or can develop into active disease that is potentially contagious.  The TB Client Services (TBCS) program within CCH's Public Health Department manages patients diagnosed with active TB disease, while LTBI is managed through the patient's ambulatory care system.  The TBCS program can provide consult for providers via call, fax, or email inquiry.  For referral to LTBI treatment, CCH providers can utilize the electronic referral to LTBI Clinic, available in ccLink.  

TB Reporting

Physicians, clinical lab directors, and other providers are required by law to report confirmed and/or suspected cases of active TB disease 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 contact the Contra Costa Public Health (CCCPH) TB Program to request a discharge approval form, for guidance around the discharge, and/or with any questions. The CCCPH TB Program can be reached Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm at 925-313-6740.

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 or email CoCoTB@cchealth.org.

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.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer