MESSAGE TO Gulf Coast Pulmonary and Sleep Patients
In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we’ve been listening to public health leaders and local health departments, and consulted with physicians from parts of the country already affected by this novel virus. We are implementing what we have learned, so that we preserve the safety of our staff, our patients, their families, and our own. No need to panic! Our main goal is to continue to provide the same excellent care to our patients. Other common illnesses will still need to be treated.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- If you – or someone in your close family have traveled abroad in the past 14 days,
- If you or someone in your close family have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please call first the
MANATEE HEALTH LINE, at (941) 242 6649
Experts are on duty 8AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
Florida Department of Health also runs a hotline that operates 24/7, that anyone who believes they may have COVID-19 can call:
Bear in mind, at the present time, COVID-19 testing is not available at our office.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
WE WILL NOT SEE ANY WALK-IN PATIENTS. This has always been our office policy and will be firmly reinforced.
Everyone calling for an appointment will be triaged by phone for COVID-19 risk. Please answer honestly so we can offer you the care you need, while best ensuring the safety of other patients and our staff.
If you are deemed to be at risk, we will kindly direct you to first call the expert lines above and to not come into our office.
If you are deemed low risk and we have an available appointment and you have any fever, cough, or shortness of breath, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER OUR OFFICE; call us from the car to let us know you have arrived, and as soon as a room becomes available, someone will guide you in. Please bring your own mask if you have one.
If you have a previously scheduled appointment, but now have any fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please call us before you come, so we can make the right decision regarding your care.
If you want to cancel any appointment, as usual, please notify us as soon as possible so that we may offer that time to another patient.
Our cleaning procedures are heightened. All areas will be cleaned multiple times a day, in addition to the routine cleaning.
We have removed all magazines and puzzles from our waiting area.
Please limit the number of caregivers or family members you bring to the office to 1 and if possible, come by yourself.
We are preparing for a larger number of staff being gone at once, either due to illness, or for family obligations. This may result in appointment cancellations with short-notice and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience
Our phone lines will be busy. Please be patient and kind, and expect no less in return. We will do our best to get you in and out quickly, while answering your most urgent concerns.
Those who are verbally abusive, belligerent, or found to be dishonest when answering our screening questions will be subject to dismissal from our practice.
Please stay tuned to our Facebook page for up-to-date changes, but like always, do not use it to ask us clinical or billing questions.
We trust that we will be able to work through these next weeks together as a caring community.
REMEMBER!! stay calm, stay safe and, of course, wash your hands.
Important links:
CDC COVID-19 updates:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html?
What To Do if You Are Sick With COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html