Important Information Regarding Coronavirus

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EXCELth, INC Public Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

These are difficult and challenging times for all of us, and your health, safety, and well-being are what matter most. In view of recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) events, we are aware of your concerns. As always, EXCELth is here to serve you and your family. We are informing you of recent changes we have implemented for your health protection in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Louisiana Department of Hospitals (LDH). 

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Phase I Plans EXCELth, INC COVID-19 Response                                 updated 5/12/20 

Facilities 

Facilities have been cleaned and sanitized.   

Patients 

Scheduling of patients will continue conforming to guidelines that maintain social distancing within facilities. Infection control guidelines and screening protocols implemented in March 2020 will continue.  A notice will be posted to our website and patients will be messaged. At this time, we are limited to patients with scheduled appointments. The visitor policy will be continued. Patients will be encouraged to consider their personal risks as the Stay Home orders are lifted.   

Telehealth 

Telehealth will be continued with a gradual roll back to maintain periods of social distancing while still accommodating the need to see some priority patients in person. Telehealth we believe will be with us in the future, however we will continue to monitor guidance as we move to adapt guidelines and develop policies and procedures for the best and appropriate use of this technology. 

Testing: Molecular COVID-19 

Round – 1 Testing started this week and will continue through the end of May 2020. The testing focuses on established EXCELth patients who are contacted and scheduled for testing.  Round - 2 Testing will include walk/drive up testing of community residents at EXCELth health center sites starting the week of May 17, 2020. Round – 3 Testing includes community outreach via the Mobile Medical Unit to remote communities and will be implemented the week of May 24, 2020. 

Testing: Antibody 

Antibody Testing - is being reviewed and will be discussed when more data is available and the role of CHCs is further delineated. 

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Screening 

Prior to entering our facilities all patients, visitors and staff must get a temperature check and are asked questions about symptoms, past travel activities and contact with anyone positive for COVID-19. 

Health Center Visitors 

Our visitor policy has changed. There should be no visitors for the clinic visit unless the patient needs assistance. 

Patients who need assistance for a clinic visit, please limit to one person to attend the clinic visit. 

All other non-essential visitors are restricted. 

Social Distancing 

Patients experiencing fever greater than 100.4F and cough and/or shortness of breath, should call to speak with a nurse to receive instructions before coming in. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms and have been exposed to a person who tested positive for the COVID-19, please call us. 

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Dental Health Centers 

Dental Health Centers are closed until April 30th, 2020 in compliance with LDH Office of Public Health Directive. Emergency and urgent care only are being provided at this time as we prepare to reopen.  Call 504-620-0500 to determine if an in-office visit is needed. Staff will schedule accordingly.

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Telecommunications 

To better serve you during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis, we are enrolling all patients onto our Telehealth Platform Joint Care.  All patients are strongly encouraged to get registered today.  To enroll please hit the following link https://excelth.joincareteam.com/patients/registration or you may contact your Health Center for additional information and assistance in enrolling. 

The Louisiana Department of Health has directed all healthcare providers to use telemedicine for any care that is safe to do as a telemedicine visit.   

Using telemedicine lets you see your doctor from home so you can follow social distancing and stay-at-home orders and still get the care you need. Following social distancing and stay-at-home orders helps prevent the spread of, COVID-19 especially to those who are most vulnerable, older people and those with existing health conditions.   

What if I can’t do a video visit?    

You may be able to do a visit on the phone. It will depend on your insurance, your provider, and what care you need. Let your provider know that you can’t do a video visit and ask them if a phone visit is an option for you. 

Why can’t I have in-person appointments with my provider (Dr., NP, or PA)?  

Many clinics are not taking walk in patients currently in order to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This helps to protect all patients, including you and your family, the clinic staff, and patients who are elderly or have other health conditions.  

Why are some patients still seeing my provider in person? 

Depending on the patient’s symptoms, your provider may decide that they need to see a patient in person.   

What should I expect if my provider determines I need an in-person visit?  

Your provider wants to make sure you always get the care that you need. During a telemedicine visit, your provider will tell you if you need to come in for an in-person visit to get the best care or for testing.     

If you must go to a doctor for any reason, your provider or clinic staff will screen you either on the phone/telemedicine visit or when you arrive at the health center.  

As a precaution, your temperature will be taken, and you will be asked to wear a mask for your visit. It is also likely your nurse and/or doctor will also wear a mask and other personal protective equipment for your safety and the safety of the staff.  

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Non-Essential Visits 

Patients are given the option to reschedule routine visits. Medical Consultations and prescription refills are being handled by phone. Please call your specific Health Center telephone number. 

Information 

For more information on COVID-19

ready.nola.gov (City of New Orleans)

COVID-19 FAQs for Health Centers (HRSA)

CDC Official Updates on COVID-19 (CDC)

NACHC COVID-19 Resource Page for Health Centers (NACHC)

Louisiana Official Updates on COVID-19 (LDH)

Text LACOVID to 898-211 for updates from the LA Dept of Health.

Louisiana 211 is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health to ensure citizens have access to current and accurate information on COVID-19. Dial 211 for immediate answers to your questions.

CDC Instructions for Face Coverings and How to Make DIY Face Coverings With Materials You Have At Home  

Flyer: Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC)

Flyer: Stop the Spread of Germs (CDC) 

 

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We remain fully committed to continue to monitor the evolving situation and remain steadfast to making the best decisions possible with the information available to us. In this time of uncertainty, our top priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our patients, employees and the communities we serve. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your Health Center.

A Key Player in Healthcare

Who We Are

Here at EXCELth, Incorporated, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all. EXCELth is dedicated to improving the health of underserved communities in New Orleans and Baton Rouge through the provision of quality, affordable primary care services that includes patients and their families as key players in their health care decisions.