If an in-person visit is the best option, we want you to know about the many precautions we take to ensure our facilities are safe and clean. While strict infection-prevention measures have always been the standard at Samaritan Health Services, some practices have been enhanced per state and federal COVID-19 recommendations.
Precautions include:
Screening for symptoms: All who enter are subject to screenings for cold and flu-like symptoms and screened during appointment reminder calls.
Telehealth and in-person appointments: Samaritan clinics offer telehealth visits by video or phone whenever possible. This saves in-person visits for those who really need them and further minimizes traffic in Samaritan facilities.
Separating patients who might have COVID-19: Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are often consulted via telehealth and directed to drive-thru testing. If they must be seen in person, they are taken to an exam room dedicated to COVID-19 care immediately upon arrival. The emergency departments also have rooms designated for treating COVID-19.
Deep cleaning and disinfecting: Exam rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between each patient and common areas and high-touch surfaces are cleaned many times each day.
Keeping physical distance: Samaritan has arranged lobbies and other common areas to encourage physical distancing. Appointment check-in processes have also been modified.
Covering up: Patients and visitors are required to wear a face covering when entering a Samaritan facility. There are exceptions for children under the age of 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Samaritan asks patients and visitors to bring their own face covering, such as a cloth mask, bandanna or scarf. All staff members are required to wear masks and additional necessary protective equipment.
Visitor restrictions: Visitor restrictions reduce traffic within all Samaritan facilities.
With safety in mind, Samaritan encourages you to get the health care you need, including vaccinations, annual checkups, planned procedures and more. Do not delay health care if you are sick and remember your first step is to call your health care provider.
Thank you for trusting Samaritan Health Services for all of your health care needs.
