The Center for Women COVID19 Plan
We are happy to announce that we are now offering TeleMed! Patients can call the clinic to speak to a nurse who will determine if a TeleMed appointment is appropriate for you. At this time, several insurances are covering TeleMed appointments. If your appointment involves a suture removal, procedure, device of any type, ultrasound, BMD or lab, we will need to see you in the office.
So before canceling or rescheduling your appointment due to the Public Health Emergency situation, please call our clinic to get more information. 870-425-7300.
The allowed types we can offer through a Telemedicine Visits for established patients are:
• Medication Refills (Not new or controlled substances)
• Surgical Post-Ops that do not require a examination
• Result Reviews that do not require further testing/exams
• Follow-Up Visits that do not require further labs
• Potential Urinary Tract, Vaginal or Yeast Infections
When you call, our staff will evaluate your needs to determine if we can schedule a Telemedicine appointment OR schedule you a Face-To-Face appointment. Telemedicine for our office will only be available during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration as stated by the government.
Patient with portal access also can initiate a Portal Based E-Visit for the same reasons listed above.
Your insurance will still be billed the appropriate codes for the communications/visits.
The Center for Women, like most of you, have been monitoring the events of the last few days and the COVID-19 virus. To attempt to prevent the spread of this virus, we are asking for your patience and understanding as we take the necessary precautions to keep you and our staff safe:
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all patients and staff will be screened before entering the Medical Arts Building. This will involve a few questions and temperature checks.
We discourage visitors accompanying you to your appointment. If you have symptoms of cough or fever, please call in advance of your appointment.
If you meet the COVID-19 symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, have traveled to an affected area, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 (Coronavirus), please contact your primary care physician via telephone. The Arkansas Department of Health has activated a call center to answer questions about the novel Coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847. After normal business hours, urgent calls needing immediate response, please call 1-501-611-2136.
Please call to reschedule if you are uncomfortable coming to the clinic at this time. (870) 425-7300.
We appreciate your understanding, please do not hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns. We want to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Several Coronavirus Hotlines have been set up for people who have questions or feel they may have symptoms:
Baxter Regional COVID-19 Hotline: (870) 508-7001, available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
UAMS Health COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-632-4502
Arkansas Children’s Hospital: 1-800-743-3616
If your child is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, call to speak with an ACH nurse. Nursing staff will be available for questions and phone screenings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Arkansas Department of Health: Call 1-800-803-7847 or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov during normal business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Call 1-800-554-5738 after normal business hours for urgent calls needing immediate response.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronaviruses are a common family of viruses (the common cold is among them). This particular strain is called COVID-19 and can be spread from person to person via respiratory droplets, similar to how the flu is spread. It can also be spread by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
COVID-19 was first detected in China and has now spread to over 100 locations internationally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. On March 13, 2020, COVID-19 was officially declared a national emergency by the United States.
SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms typically appear within 2-14 days after exposure.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that are common in people and different species of animals, including cattle, camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and spread from person to person. The current outbreak of respiratory disease is caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first detected in China.
Similar to the flu or other respiratory infections, COVID-19 is mainly spread from person to person. A spread is most likely to happen between people in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Although not believed to be the primary way the virus spreads, it may be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes.
Certain populations are believed to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness, including older adults and people with underlying chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. If you are at high risk, limit travel and close contact with others, wash your hands frequently and talk to your doctor about what to do if you get sick.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Take steps to protect yourself:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Stay home if you’re sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
SOURCE: cdc.gov/coronavirus