03/17/2020
To all patients:
We made important adjustments to our procedures in office to allow for patients to continue to be examined and treated while, as always, keeping the best patient outcomes our goal. Please become aware of and notice new policies in place if you need to be seen in either of our office locations!
Below is a letter which outlines how the Spine Institute of Idaho staff and employees will be responding to Covid19.
A letter from the Spine Institute of Idaho's Medical Director to Employees:
3-15-2020
Hello Spine Institute Team,
Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to dominate the news and the world. We have been actively monitoring the updates from the CDC, state, and Country to help us manage through this rapidly evolving crisis.
First, we thank you all for your dedication and service to our patients. Based on the most recent guidance, we will be implementing the following procedures:
1. All employees will be required to perform as many of their job duties remotely as possible. This will require some partial days, some alternating days etc.
For those who must come to the office, we expect that having fewer people in the office will reduce the risk of exposure and spread of viruses within our office. To al Patients:
This will require coordination, patience, and trust. Please be looking for schedules and details from Jen, Lori, and Sari.
2. We will take steps to limit contact for those in the office including limiting meetings, reminding employees to maintain a safe distance (6 ft) from others, and encouraging those who don’t need to be in the office to stay home.
3. Will continue to sanitize the office as we have been doing
4. All patients will be offered telephone calls or video conferencing in lieu of an office visit. The details are still being worked out. There are privacy issues, HIPPA issues, and billing issues. We will keep you informed as we know more.
5. Patients are requested to bring a maximum of 1 family member to appointments, and none if possible.
6. All employees are reminded not to come to work if they have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea).
7. We are additionally instituting policies to protect patients and staff:
a. Sanitizing all surfaces after each patient encounter
b. Sanitizing pens, notebooks etc after each patient use
c. Interviewing each patient and family member about symptoms prior to entering the clinical area
d. Taking the temperature of each patient and family member prior to entering the office
Since we do not have clarity on how long this guidance will be in place, we will evaluate the situation on an ongoing basis and provide regular updates as we receive additional information.
A reminder from the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
We recognize that this is an unprecedented and unique situation and appreciate your flexibility and support. We will continue to keep a close pulse on what’s happening and provide updates frequently.
While hospitals are still allowing elective admissions and surgeries, this policy could and probably will change soon in order to preserve resources. We will rely on the local hospital policies for guidance, as they have the most accurate data on their own resources and capabilities. We will keep you apprised of changes in policy as they occur.
Thanks,
Samuel Jorgenson, MD
