Is our current position (P&P) correct?

Example policy and procedure:

“All staff and providers are to adhere to our current PPE and Infection control requirements. Everyone should be diligent about handwashing and sanitizing all surfaces. Great caution should be taken in triaging patients for acute appointments. The on-call physician should be consulted before scheduling any patients with c/o cough, fever, respiratory infections, having traveled to any region, state, or country having known reported cases of COVID-19. Physicians should consult the Local Health Department for questions or concerns regarding patients with possible COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposure. We want to avoid bringing these patients into our office at this time.”

The above policy and procedure is on track. Some pointers to consider:

• While dealing with the coronavirus, don’t forget to address any other medical issues that may need handling at the same time.
• You could begin the screening process before appointments, calling 1-2 days before scheduled visits or when patients call to schedule appointments. This would help identify and minimize potentially infected patients showing up in your practice.
• For patients who screen positive, you have two options. You can bring the patient in and test at your facility, if your practice has the ability to test, or you could refer the patient to the local health department. In the latter case, you would need to coordinate follow-up care between the patient and the health department. Instruct patient to wear a mask and notify the health department before arriving.

Refer to Curi’s COVID-19 Patient Workflow Chart on our website.