COVID-19 UPDATES
Your health and safety are always our number one priority.
With the continuing spread of COVID-19 in our community, we are following the directives of state and local health authorities to care for our patients while also taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within the community we serve. Please check back often as we continue to share updates and resources as the situation develops.
At this time, our practice remains open, and we will continue to provide excellent care for our patients with extra precautions to safeguard against the spread of this disease.
In light of the continuing changes in our community, and in order to serve the best interest of our patients, we are taking the following steps to evolve the way we deliver care:
TELEMEDICINE VISITS
- We are offering TeleMedicine visits for New Patient and Follow-Up visits
- See our TeleMedicine FAQ page for more information
SCHEDULING & APPOINTMENT REMINDERS
- During scheduling and confirming appointments, patients will be asked if they have had a persistent cough, a fever of 100 or higher, have traveled outside WA State, or have been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks. If yes,
- Follow up visits will be converted to a TeleMedicine visit or re-scheduled once the patient is without symptoms for 2 weeks
- Procedures will be re-scheduled once the patient is without symptoms for 2 weeks.
IN-OFFICE VISITS & PROCEDURES
- Follow-up appointments are being conducted via TeleMedicine visits or rescheduled for a future date.
- New Patient consultations are being complete via TeleMedicine.
- Procedures currently scheduled will be performed unless the patient answers yes to any of the above questions.
GUESTS & DRIVERS OF PATIENTS
- Guests and/or drivers of patients must wait in their car during appointments. A member of the Genesis staff will return the patient to the car when the appointment is complete.
FAQS
1) ARE YOUR HOURS DIFFERENT DUE TO COVID-19?
No, our schedule has not changed. It is still Monday-Thursday 8am-4:30pm, Friday 8am-3:30pm
2) DO YOU OFFER TELEMEDICINE SERVICES?
Yes, we use Doctor.com VirtualVisits which enable us to treat our patients remotely. This service meets all HIPAA regulations for data transmission and storage and safeguards your personal information. See above for more information on televisits.
3) WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS?
- If you or a loved one have mild respiratory symptoms suggesting Coronavirus (COVID-19) such as cough, low-grade fever or mild respiratory problems, contact your primary care doctor to get advice for cold, cough, and flu symptoms as well as to determine if you should be evaluated for COVID-19.
- If you have a fever and cough and are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, we recommend that you visit your local urgent care clinic. Patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection include: healthcare workers, first responders, patients in nursing homes, patients with severe lung illness or chronic disease, exposure to a known COVID-19 patient, pregnant women and patients older than 60 years.
- Locate a COVID-19 Testing site near you. Links for Pierce and King County Testing Sites above.
3) HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care).
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterwards.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
OTHER RESOURCES
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Public Health – Seattle & King County
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Universal Masking To Prevent SARS-CoV-2” Research Study