COVID-19 Update

Dear Valued Patient,

Symptoms of Coronavirus include

• Fever
• Respiratory symptoms, such as cough
• Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

COVID-19 is in a family of viruses similar to the common cold and therefore it is believed to spread - like other respiratory illness - through coughs or sneezes, or by touching an infected surface or object and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes.

At Primary Care Joliet, we take the safety of our patients and our employees very seriously. Therefore, we are taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of spreading illness:

• If you have recently traveled to any country on the CDC’s high-risk list for COVID-19 exposure (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html), please do not visit us, without first calling us for medical advice. Current CDC guidelines are for travelers to these countries to stay home (“self-quarantine”) for 14 days. The guidelines apply even to returning travelers who have no cold symptoms. If you have an appointment for a physical or a routine matter, please call our office, and we will reschedule your appointment. If you have respiratory symptoms or are concerned about your travel history, please call so we may assist you.
• If you have not recently traveled to one of the countries on the CDC travel list and you have active respiratory symptoms, please call our office to speak with a medical assistant and/or provider. Influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and non-COVID-19 infections are very common this time of year and are treated differently from COVID-19. When appropriate, we will provide medical guidance or treatment through a scheduled TeleVisit or over the phone. If you are asked to come into our office and you present with COVID-19 symptoms, you will be given a mask to wear during your visit. If you are having severe respiratory symptoms, you may be directed to visit the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation and management.

We are moving all appointments to telehealth visits for sick, preventative and routine care using either your cell phone or via computer with a webcam and mic. To learn more about our TeleVisits please read the following information:

The first step is to call our office (815-726-2200) and schedule it with your provider. For many people today, telemedicine is a convenient and effective way to see their healthcare provider.

Before beginning your TeleVisit, make sure that you:

• Have an active Patient Portal account, with username and password
• Set aside a secure, private location with internet connection

To begin your Televisit, follow these easy steps:

1. “Arrive early” by logging in to your Patient Portal. If you can’t access the Portal, you can also begin your appointment through the reminder link sent to your email.
2. Click “Join TeleVisit” in your patient dashboard (or email reminder).
3. Fill out any patient questionnaire, and provide requested personal information.
4. Click “Proceed” to check your computer’s speed and ability to support a TeleVisit. If your computer does not have a webcam (most do), you will need to attach one.
5. Click “Start TeleVisit” to enter the virtual waiting room.
6. Your provider will begin the face-to-face TeleVisit, and disconnect when the visit ends.

We greatly appreciate your assistance and understanding as we learn more about the Coronavirus. A great source of information on this evolving situation is CDC.gov.

Here are a few things you can do on your own to help keep yourself and those around you healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol if soap and water are not readily available
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow. Infections like the coronavirus spread through the tiny droplets in coughs and sneezes
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you have flu-like symptoms or otherwise feel unwell, stay home and rest. Call your provider to reschedule your appointment for a later date. This will reduce the risk of spreading your illness. If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Thank you,
Primary Care Joliet