WellSpan Health has been working continuously to prepare for the COVID-19 coronavirus issue. Preparation includes measures that will be taken if a larger-scale response is needed, according to Dr. R. Hal Baker, senior vice president of WellSpan Health and co-leader of the health system's COVID-19 incident command response.
As part of the preparation for a potential large-scale response, temporary outdoor screening areas are currently being validated by staff at all WellSpan acute care hospitals. When appropriate, patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19 will be directed to these areas for the collection of test samples, according to Baker. WellSpan's care teams will evaluate the samples within the outdoor screening areas.
WellSpan is committed to providing trusted information to patients, medical professionals and the community. The health system has established a webpage for information and updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus. It may be viewed at http://www.wellspan.org/coronavirus. The page includes general information about COVID-19 and links to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health webpages on the issue. In addition, the WellSpan page includes frequently asked questions and a dedicated information area for medical professionals. This webpage will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
Baker reminded patients to wash their hands, try to not touch their face, and avoid contact with people who are sick. He also noted that people should remember to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve when coughing or sneezing. In addition, it is important to clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched items. Additionally, individuals who are sick are asked to stay home and avoid contact with others.
WellSpan encourages patients to consider the following guidelines for assessment and treatment. If they have recently traveled to impacted countries or areas, or if they have had contact with someone known to have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, and they are experiencing respiratory symptoms, it is recommended that they contact their health care provider before going to the doctor's office or hospital. This will allow them to coordinate care with their provider while minimizing risk to others.
Patients can also use a new automated online feature available at the aforementioned website to help determine whether they may or may not be at risk for the virus.
For convenience and to further protect others, patients are asked to consider scheduling a WellSpan Online Urgent Care appointment. With Online Urgent Care, patients can connect with a physician 24/7 using their computer, smartphone or tablet. To access WellSpan Online Urgent Care, readers may visit http://www.wellspan.org/ouc.
In addition, WellSpan Health announced recently that the health system will waive all out-of-pocket costs for anyone who needs COVID-19 testing or treatment during the coronavirus outbreak. WellSpan recognizes the need for prompt care for anyone impacted by this crisis and wants to remove any barriers people may face to receiving testing or appropriate care.
For patients who have insurance or are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, WellSpan will collect the individual's coverage information, but will not bill or collect any deductible, co-insurance, or other payment for the screening, testing, and treatment of COVID-19. WellSpan will also not charge individuals who do not currently have health insurance for testing or treatment of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
WellSpan hospitals are also taking an additional step to practice social distancing and protect the health of their patients, their staff, and the greater community. To limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it is vital that people practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups or in hospital settings where others are trying to recover from various illnesses.
To protect patients, staff, and community members from the spread of COVID-19, visitation limitations in all WellSpan hospitals are in effect until further notice. Individuals are requested not to visit a WellSpan hospital at this time if they are experiencing a cold, a cough, or other illness or symptoms; have travelled internationally and returned to the U.S. in the past 14 days; or are younger than age 18.
In addition to these restrictions, visitation limitations include that only one visitor per patient at a time is permitted to visit a patient's room. Clinical exceptions to this policy may apply in certain settings under the guidance of a clinician.
Visitors are permitted to visit a patient's room, but movement throughout the hospital and congregating in common areas is strongly discouraged. All visitors should follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette precautions while in the hospital as well as good hand hygiene. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the facilities. Should the situation in the region change, WellSpan may add additional guidelines to patient visitation.
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