COVID Safety Measures

senior couple with masks

Caring for you & your family

Our entire team at CMC—from doctors and advanced practice providers to technicians and patient service representatives—are committed to giving you the safest care possible. Read the most up-to-date information on the extra precautions we’re taking throughout the CMC system and on what you can expect when seeing your provider, online or in person. We’re ready to see you, now.  
 
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Your health & safety is what we care about

What should I expect at an online visit?

An online visit is similar to an in person visit, but instead of traveling to see your provider, you can video chat with them from home or another convenient location. Our providers can assess symptoms, make a diagnosis and adjust medications and treatment plans. Once you’ve scheduled an online visit, there are several things you’ll want to do to get ready for your visit.

Determine what technology you need. Talk to your provider and find out how your appointment will be done.
  • Providers may use a variety of video conference software like CMC’s patient portal, FollowMyHealth, Doximity or other software.
  • If you need to download something beforehand, such as an app of software, give yourself plenty of time to set it up and test it.
  • You may also need to create an account and register for CMC’s patient portal, FollowMyHealth.
To prepare and make the most of your online visit, you will need:
  • A smartphone, tablet or laptop with a camera and microphone
  • A reliable, secure internet connection
  • Google Chrome web browser
  • Notes about your symptoms and/or questions you want to ask
  • Keep a pen and paper handy to take notes 

What should I expect at an in person visit?

Specific procedures vary by location, but patients coming to CMC or a CMC outpatient practice for an appointment should expect:
  • Self check: Please do not enter CMC if you've recently experienced a new onset: fever, cough, shortness of breath or respiratory issues, body aches or loss of taste or smell.
  • Face covering: Everyone, including patients, visitors and staff, are required to wear a face mask upon entering a CMC facility. You should expect to wear a face covering at all times. If you do not have a face covering, we’ll provide you with one.
  • Waiting rooms: Waiting areas have been rearranged with fewer chairs, and the floors in front of check-in desks are marked with stickers every three feet. At some locations, you may be able to register and check-in by phone. You may be asked to remain in your car until called in for your appointment.
  • Your safety measures: In addition to wearing a mask, you will need to practice social distancing in hallways, in waiting rooms and at check-in desks. Disinfection and cleaning happens before, during and after your visit. Hand sanitizer will likely be readily available and hand-washing is encouraged before and after your appointment. 
  • Your provider’s appearance: Your provider and other members of your care team may be wearing more personal protective equipment (PPE) than you’re used to seeing—including a face shield, mask, gown and gloves. It may be helpful to share this video with young children to help them understand what to expect.

Extra steps we're taking

To keep you safe we've

  • Dedicated separate care areas for patients who have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Placed safe distance markers on floor at waiting and check in areas
  • Rearranged our lobby & seating areas to help maintain social distancing and/or having patients wait in their cars
  • Modified our registration process to reduce your contact with others

Screening & Testing

  • Entry & exit points are limited
  • Visitor restrictions are in place
  • Patients are tested for COVID-19 prior to procedures
  • The health of our staff is continuously monitored

Infection control

  • Activated more frequent deep cleaning of all areas of our facilities
  • Masks are required by all patients and visitors, regardless of your vaccination status
  • Extra hand sanitizer & handwashing procedures are in place for staff and patients
  • Providing our staff with personal protective equipment

Preventative actions you can take

What to know

Before my procedure

Do I need to be tested for COVID-19 before a surgery or procedure?
Yes. If you are coming in for a surgery or a procedure that requires intubation and/or anesthesia we will test you for COVID-19 as part of your pre-admission work up. This is to make sure that you are healthy enough for your procedure and to ensure that treating you won’t potentially expose others. If your test comes back positive, we will contact you and discuss next steps, including potentially delaying your surgery. 
I have no symptoms, why am I being tested?
We want to take every measure possible to ensure that you, our providers, and our staff are safe and that you are healthy enough for your procedure. We know that some people can have COVID-19 and not know it. Getting you tested helps us understand the best and safest way to treat you.
Is it possible for my family members be tested too?
  • Not at this time.* However, if you have a family member who has COVID-19 symptoms or is concerned they may have been exposed, they should call their primary care provider or go to an urgent care center. (*This may change in the future based on testing guidelines and test availability.)
What happens if my test comes back positive?
You will get a call if your test comes back positive and we will discuss next steps. It is likely that your procedure will need to be rescheduled. 

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