Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

Our practices and clinics are committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, and providers. As we move forward, healthcare might look different. But at the heart of our care are the same trusted and dedicated healthcare heroes you’ve relied on for all your health needs. We’re again here to provide a range of healthcare services, from your annual screenings and physicals to quality of life procedures that help you make the most of every moment moving forward. Our doctors, nurses and entire team are working hard to ensure a safe place of care for you and a healthier community for all of us.

Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

Is the practice/clinic clean and safe?

Yes. Our practices and clinics are clean, and it is safe to seek care at our office. One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our facilities, and we disinfect ALL equipment, reception and waiting areas, exam rooms, restrooms, chairs, door handles and other hard surfaces regularly through the day. We continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for cleaning and disinfection of our facilities.

What steps are you taking to maintain a clean and safe office environment?

When scheduling appointments, our practice has designated time blocks for acute/sick visits and separate time blocks for asymptomatic patients and well visits. We have also spread out appointment times to enable time for room cleaning.

Our practice screens all patients in accordance with CDC screening guidelines for COVID-19. See page 3 with screening details. Patients are asked to call before arrival if experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms.

Patients have the ability to check in for their appointment via phone/text and may wait in their car until their exam room is available, if medically appropriate.
All patients and caregivers are screened upon arrival and will be asked to wear a mask. You are encouraged to bring your own mask or bandana from home to cover your mouth and nose during your visit.
Tissues, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and hands-free trash containers are accessible throughout the clinic.

We have discontinued use of and removed toys, magazines, brochures, TV remote controls and other shared items from the waiting area and exam rooms including pens, clipboards, education smart boards/monitors/iPad, etc.
In between appointments and throughout the day, we wipe down and disinfect ALL equipment, reception and waiting areas, exam rooms, restrooms, chairs, door handles and other hard surfaces.

Do you have the supplies and staff to accommodate my office visit?
We continue to monitor crucial supplies closely, such as PPE and medications, and have adequate staffing to ensure that we can safely provide in-person appointments for our patients.

Will my experience be the same as in the past?

Your experience in our office may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What should I expect during my office visit?

You may see fewer patients while you are here, and that is intentional for now. We are currently spacing out appointment times in an effort to promote social distancing, conserve resources and protect the safety of all of our patients and employees.

Our care team may conduct your entire appointment or exam while wearing protective equipment, which may hinder your ability to see their faces. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.

Can my spouse/family member/friend/caregiver come with me to the clinic?

Yes, for most appointments visitors are permitted. You may read our complete visitor policy here. If you have questions, please call the clinic ahead of time and ask for updated information on visitation.

Can my child come with me to the clinic?

Children under 14 are not permitted to accompany patients to appointments. Children are only permitted in the practices if they are the patient. While we understand this may pose an inconvenience, this restriction is intended for the child’s safety and wellbeing.

Am I required to sit in the waiting area until my appointment?

Patients have the ability to check in for their appointment via phone/text and may wait in their car until this appointment, if medically appropriate. Our staff can call/text when your exam room is available.

If I have additional questions about my visit, who should I contact?

If you have any questions, please call the practice phone number directly. Our office staff will be happy to provide you with more information. Find a full list of our practices here.

COVID-19 Resources

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please contact the health department.

Quick Links:

Additional Resources:

Handwashing Tips from the CDC

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

When and How to Wash Your Hands

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use. Learn more here.

How To Use Hand Sanitizer

Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.