03/20/2020
Like many of you, our team at Comprehensive Pain Specialists has been closely following the developments around COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.
We are dedicated to doing our best to provide a safe and healthy environment for our patients and staff. While efforts to contain COVID-19 continue to evolve, Comprehensive Pain Specialists has taken proactive and voluntary steps to prevent the spread of the disease in our office and community.
While the risks and long-term impacts of COVID-19 are hard to quantify and change day-to-day, we are taking the appropriate steps and continue to actively monitor the impact the virus may have on the communities we serve.
WHAT WE ARE DOING:
Cleaning, cleaning, and more Cleaning:
Disinfecting surfaces is one key way to minimize the spread of viruses, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). From clinics and surgery centers to our business offices and call center, here are some ways we are working to ensure a healthy experience using EPA and OSHA approved virus-killing products:
• Facilities – All of our facilities adhere to strict infection control policies in accordance with the CDC recommendations. We have increased its regular infection control cleaning program, including high traffic areas, door handles, phones and other frequently touched surfaces.
• Check-in – If a patient arrives and is visibly ill they will be reschedule at a minimum of 15 day out. While we touch same surface, that’s why we’re disinfecting in between patients. We ask that you do not bring any friends/family members to your appointments. Only the patient will be allowed in our exam room for patient appointments.
• Treatment areas – In addition to the waiting room and check-in areas, we have increased the cleaning schedule of treatment areas, making supplies readily available to our teammates for spot or more frequent cleaning and more seat cleaning in the process.
Hand sanitizer access to patients
Simple personal hand hygiene including frequent hand washing and not touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth is essential to minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 and other viruses. While we know many patients are following this guidance, here are some other ways we are assisting patients with ways to stay clean:
• Hand sanitizers – We have hand sanitizers at all check-in and check-out counter.
Arming employees with facts and supplies
Our employees are the foundation of our success – their health, safety and knowledge are paramount. Here are some ways we’re supporting employees so they can better support our patients:
• Supplies – Providing hand sanitizer, gloves and other protective equipment, particularly for those who engage directly involved in direct patient care.
• Information – We are continuously communicating with employees about evolving CDC, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control, and WHO guidance. General updates and role-specific guidance are being provided to employees regularly.
How can you help?
We are asking that you help us keep our clinic a healthy environments by following the CDC’s prevention recommendations.
• Know the symptoms: Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Please call and change your appointment and stay home when you are sick or exhibiting early symptoms of illness.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, and handles using a household disinfectant on a regular basis.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating; after going to the bathroom; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Be prepared and informed on COVID-19 by obtaining regular updates at www.cdc.gov.
Remembering what we’ve learned from other global outbreaks
COVID-19 isn’t the first epidemic we’ve faced, and what we’ve learned from H1N1 and Ebola has helped prepare us to take care of patients today. While every health event has unique elements, the adjustments we have made in the past continue to pay dividends for managing COVID-19. These include equipping locations with Universal Precaution Kits, hand and surface sanitizers and other items, in accordance with CDC recommendations, so employees can maintain their own health and the health of those patients should a patient show signs of infection.
While no one can predict with certainty whether our communities will be impacted by the coronavirus, we are monitoring the situation and preparing to the best of our ability to keep our patients and employees healthy. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
We value you and your family! Thank you for doing your part by following the CDC recommendations and those set forth by Comprehensive Pain Specialists.
If you have any questions related to your existing appointment or to schedule a new appointment, please call us at 602-246-9002.
Your team at Comprehensive Pain Specialists
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