IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19 SCREENING

Do you have a fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (Fever, chills, cough, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, diarrhea.)?

AND

Have you had close contact with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset?

If you answer YES to either question you should quarantine at home and call the office at 5128926600 to discuss being screened.

Recommendations

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. If you have an appointment and are experiencing cough, fever, and shortness of breath, please stay in your car and call 512-892-6600 upon arrival. Avoid close contact with those who are sick or have been exposed.

Protocols we have implemented to mitigate the risk of ANY respiratory illness/infection:

To eliminate the overlap of routine and sick patients, we have designated the first half of our day to routine and well visits.   The second half of the day has been designated for sick visits.

1. Patients exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms and/or COVID-19 symptoms are scheduled for telemedicine visits in which the Physician will determine next steps.
2. Patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to NOT enter the building and are checked-in from their vehicles by staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and isolated from the rest of our patients.
3. We have increased telemedicine visits for some of our routine visits.
4. For your comfort, please note that routine visits may wait in their car once they have checked-in with our front desk.
5. For your safety, the temperatures and symptoms of ALL patients, family members, visitors, vendors, employees, and physicians are checked and monitored immediately upon arrival to the clinic.
6. ALL employees are monitored daily for symptoms of the virus and are educated on proper handwashing guidelines.
7. The waiting areas, furniture, and other public areas are disinfected multiples times of day.   Exam rooms, exam furniture, cabinets, and other content are thoroughly disinfected after each patient visit as per OSHA and CDC guidelines.

COVID-19 FAQs

Can I get an antibody test at SAMC?

Your doctor can discuss with you whether an antibody test is needed.

Do I have to wear a mask to my visit?

Yes, please wear a mask to your visit for the health and safety of yourself and others. Strict mask use has proven successful in protecting the health and safety of our doctors and staff. We also comply with all local ordinances concerning COVID-19 health and safety measures.

If I prefer not to come in, can I have a telemedicine visit?

Please call the office to determine if you need to have your visit in the clinic or if a telemedicine visit is possible.

How does SAMC separate patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms from others?

For patients with symptoms, a Telemed visit is required prior to any testing or if patient is in office patient will be asked to wait in their car. An SAMC clinical staff member meets them at the back door when their exam room is ready and escorts them directly to the exam room.

Patients without symptoms check in at the front desk and wait in the lobby or are welcome to return to their car.

Can I bring a visitor with me to my visit?

Due to the spread of COVID-19, SAMC discourages visitors. Patients may be accompanied by one healthy adult per patient if necessary.

When should I get a COVID-19 test?

SAMC follows the guidelines for testing based on the APH & CDC recommendations. See links below

https://www.austintexas.gov/department/covid-19-information/symptoms-testing-and-care

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-hcf.html

Know Your Risk During COVID-19

Is there a number I can call with questions? Austin Public Health Department 5129725555 or 211