COVID-19 Update for Patients >>

COVID-19 Update for Patients >>

What is the coronavirus?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms?

Patients infected with COVID-19 have mild to severe symptoms that can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to the virus. People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.

What can I do to protect myself?

You can protect yourself by:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice social distancing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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What is VPS doing to protect me?

We are here to serve the needs of all our patients and our referring providers however, the safety and wellness of our patients and staff will remain our biggest priority. To protect our patients VPS has developed several processes that will reduce the exposure to COVID-19:

• VPS will conduct a pre-appointment questionnaire prior to your appointment date. The goal is to identify any “at-risk” patients before they arrive at the clinics.
• The questionnaire will collect information to determine if any of the following symptoms exist:
• Fever
• Cough
• Myalgia or fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Productive cough
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• If you are found to have any of the above mentioned symptoms you will not be allowed to enter our facilities. We will recommend that you self-isolate and follow-up with your Primary Care Physician. Once your PCP has deemed you non-contagious then you may schedule another appointment with us.
• VPS has increased sanitation protocols to ensure all surfaces, seating, electronic devices (tablets), and ultrasounds rooms are properly disinfected after every patient encounter.
• VPS has partnered with Cintas to conduct a daily thorough sanitation of all of our office spaces.
• VPS is providing constant updates regarding COVID-19 and other relevant developments though our social media platforms. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, for up-to-date information.
• VPS is restricting movement within the operating clinics to ultrasound and certain procedural appointments. At this time guest(s) will not be allowed to accompany patients into their appointments. Guest must remain outside the clinic or remain in their vehicles.
• VPS is reducing in-office services and will be offering telemedicine for professional services with Providers.

What if I start showing symptoms?

If you feel sick or are showing symptoms, call your doctor or make a telemedicine appointment. Your doctor can advise you on your best next steps. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, you should avoid the emergency department at your local hospital except in the event of an emergency.

If you’ve recently visited an impacted area or been in contact with someone who has, and are showing signs of the infection, we encourage you to speak with a doctor. Call your primary care physician, closest urgent care or make a telemedicine appointment.

Pregnancy & COVID-19

Currently, the CDC indicates that pregnant women are not at an increased risk of getting the coronavirus. However, the CDC recommends that pregnant women should be monitored for symptoms during this time. We do know that pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which may make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections like coronavirus. With this in mind, pregnant women should take preventive actions like washing hands often and avoiding people who are sick in order to avoid infection.

Are You Pregnant And Worried About COVID-19?>>

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is an approach that allows our physicians to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using telecommunication technology. Telemedicine provides clinical services to patients without an in-person visit. This type of care is frequently used for follow-up visits, management of chronic conditions, medication management, and consultative services.

CDC Resources For Patients

• COVID-19 Resources>>

• Coronavirus & Children>>

• Frequently Asked Coronavirus Questions>>

• Coronavirus - Pregnancy & Breastfeeding>>

• Testing for COVID-19>>