March 19th Update
We understand news of the COVID-19 pandemic is unsettling. Understandably, many community members are taking extra steps to reduce their chance of catching the virus. However, to stay healthy, you need to make sure you are addressing all of your health needs.
If you need medical attention the team at Idaho Falls Community Hospital wants to reassure you, it is still safe to receive medical care. Between our hospital and Mountain View Hospital's clinics, our ally in health, we are ready to address all of our community's medical needs.
We are taking extra steps to screen patients as they come to the hospital. We are checking temperatures to make sure patients do not have fevers and are asking patients if they’ve experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, been in close contact with someone diagnosed with the coronavirus or traveled to an area where there is mass spread of the virus in the last 14 days. For scheduled appointments at Mountain View clinics, the Mountain View team is trying its hardest to do some screening over the phone before patients arrive, so they can direct them to a more appropriate facility for treatment if necessary. All of this is an effort to reduce the risk of exposure for patients coming to us for health concerns entirely unrelated to COVID-19.
Outside of the hospital, many clinics have also established new procedures to keep healthy patients out of waiting rooms and instead go directly into sterilized rooms to wait for their doctor. Some clinics have even established separate entries for patients who are coming in for checkups, follow up appointments or regular testing. This helps limit the chance of exposure to any illness.
We do not want any of our patients to feel like they need to put off their healthcare. If you have an emergency, come to the hospital immediately. If you are dealing with a chronic health condition, go and see your doctor. You may need treatment now and we have ways to keep you safe while you’re in our care.
Putting off care, even for a few weeks, can have serious consequences down the road. We do not want any of our community members to find themselves in this position. If you have concerns about coming in for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please call your primary care provider. They can help answer your questions, tell you exactly the protocols they’ve implemented in their facility to keep you safe and help determine what is best for your health during these unprecedented times.
