IN-OFFICE SERVICES

To our valued patients,

We will continue to practice COVID-19 precautions.  We will be abiding by the CDC guidelines as well as Federal and State mandates, prioritizing health and safety for both patients and staff. 

• We offer both in office and telemedicine appointments
• Patients have the option to wait in their vehicle after checking in and will be called when the provider is ready
• Maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet, except where distancing cannot be achieved such as obtaining vitals, drawing blood and physical examination.
• Employees will wear face masks
• We require that patients and anyone accompanying them wear masks while in the office
• We ask that you do not bring additional individuals with you into your appointment unless necessary, such as to assist with mobility or communication issues.  Please call ahead if you have any questions 
• Hand sanitizer is available at multiple locations for patient use

FOR OUR PATIENTS WITH IN OFFICE APPOINTMENTS - Please stay home if you are sick.  

We are evaluating potential COVID-19 patients via telemedicine visits only as to keep our office open and safe for our patients requiring routine medical care.

Some Urgent Care clinics may have in person appointments.  Please contact them directly regarding their policies.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

TELEMEDICINE

Telemedicine visits are like your in-office routine or acute visits but performed online through a video chat platform.  Normal copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance balances apply just like your in-office visits.

The CDC and the President's Coronavirus Task Force are encouraging individuals to continue their routine health maintenance through telehealth platforms to ensure continuity of care and safe management of your ongoing health.

We utilize Zoom.us for our telehealth visits.

Zoom does not require you to have an account and the process is simple.

     1. log on to zoom.us or download the Zoom app on your phone

     2. tap on Join Meeting

     3. enter Meeting ID which is a 9-12 digit number provided by a member of our staff

     4. enter Password which is a combination of 6 numbers and letters provided by a member of our staff

Make sure that you allow video and audio access in the Zoom application to ensure 2-way communication with the medical provider.

Make sure the volume on your phone or computer is turned up and that you audio is not muted

The patient hereby understands:

1. They must be located within the state of Arizona.
2. They certify that they are at least 18 years of age and qualified under the laws of AZ to make medical decisions on their behalf.
3. They retain the option to refuse the delivery of healthcare services via telemedicine at any time without affecting their right to future care or treatment and without risking the loss or withdrawal of any program benefit to which they would otherwise be entitled.
4. The patient will have access to all medical information resulting from telemedicine services as provided by applicable law for access to your medical records.
5. Should this service not be covered by their insurance, the copay is non-refundable.
6. A telehealth visit is billed at the same level as an office visit with all applicable charges.

SONORA QUEST LABORATORY

Our office is pleased to provide a Sonora Quest Laboratory Phlebotomist on site to exclusively serve our patients.

This means that there is typically no or minimal wait time. 

The number of patients being seen is limited to comply with social distancing guidelines.

By appointment only at this time, please call our main office number to schedule.

***SQL is not currently able to collect Coronavirus test samples at this facility***

*** Availability of SQL Phlebotomist may vary due to ongoing pandemic***

INFORMATION ON CORONVIRUS  (COVID-19)

What is Coronavirus?
- COVID-19, is a new strain of Coronavirus. It is in the same family of viruses as SARS and MERS

How is it transmitted?
- Coronavirus is transmitted through droplets spread through cough, sneezing or touch

What are the symptoms and how serious is it?
- Cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, loss of smell and loss of taste. Some individuals may experience GI symptoms such as nausea, vomitting and diarrhea.  Symptoms can range from asymptomatic or mild to severe.
- Most people have had mild disease. Most of the serious cases were in older patients and/or patients with complex medical conditions

How is it treated?
- Several newly approved treatments, via Emergency Use Authorization bythe FDA, are available including:

1. Monoclonal antibody therapy

2.Antiviral therapy

- Currently The FDA and CDC panels do not endorse the use of Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone or antibiotic therapies for outpatient treatment of COVID-19 infections.

How can it be prevented?

- Vaccination
-Wear a mask in public.

- If you are sick, stay home. Cough or sneeze into your elbow if you have no mask.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap/water not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching hands to face and eyes.
- Clean surfaces regularly with products labeled effective against bacteria and viruses.

What to do if you are exposed or you think you may have or at risk for Coronavirus?
- If you have had contact with someone with COVID19 or think you may have contracted the virus get tested and call our office for medical advice.  A list of current testing sites are available on www.azdhs.org
- If you are having any respiratory distress, go to the ER, let them know you are at risk for Coronavirus

Protecting yourself and the community
- Keep yourself informed and know where to find up to date information (CDC.gov, azdhs.gov, who.int)
- Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you are sick

- Get Vaccinated!

Important Travel Restrictions
- Delay travel plans if able and follow CDC recommendations for travel 
- For up to date information on travel recommendations please refer to: www.cdc.gov

What is the risk for Maricopa County and Arizona?
- For best up to date information on risk in Arizona and Maricopa county: www.maricopa.gov/coronavirus