COVID 19 Update
updated 11/2022
Keeping Patients and Employees Safe
NWIM strives to meet the needs of our valued patients and our community. As an independent outpatient primary care practice, NWIM's most important commitment is to our patients. We continue to care for our patients with acute medical issues and chronic diseases that are ongoing and affect their health and well-being. Therefore, we are taking EVERY precaution to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We continue to monitor this continually evolving situation. We will continue to post changes here as circumstances dictate.
General Policies
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our office policies are guided by CDC guidelines for outpatient medical facilities.
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we are seeing patients in our office for most all issues. However, if a patient has an illness which could be COVID 19, that visit will be initiated via TELEHEALTH . If it is deemed necessary, and after screening appropriately for COVID 19, that patient may be asked to come to the office to be seen if an accurate evaluation and treatment cannot be rendered by video technology.
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our physicians, NP and PA can offer guidance for the evidence-based management of COVID 19 screening, exposures, symptoms, testing and treatment in keeping with CDC guidelines. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND SCHEDULE A TELEHEALTH VISIT
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all patients and staff MUST wear face covering nose and mouth while in the office which is the CDC recommendation for healthcare facilities
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only the patient being seen will be admitted to our office whenever possible. If needed one additional family member may attend the visit provided they feel well and are free of infectious symptoms
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we are offering TELEHEALTH for some visits going forward as clinically appropriate so simply ask if you'd like to do your visit this way. For example, pain medication refills, controlled substances, and CPAP compliance, have been successful with this technology.
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our staff has been trained and continually updated on policies and procedures.
In general, we feel our office is as safe as possible in regards to infectious protocols. We strive to make your visit comfortable and healthy. We are absolutely amazed with our staff's commitment to our patients and look forward to caring for you in to the future.
Screening, Exposures, Covid Symptoms and Antibody Testing
We are receiving many inquiries regarding testing for COVID 19. IF YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON THE TYPE OF TEST, TESTING LOCATIONS, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT and OTHER CONCERNS, please schedule a TELEHEALTH VISIT with your physician or our NP Kristina or PA Tyler. We do PCR testing ON SITE in your car if deemed necessary at your televisit. We do have the ability to test for FLU A and B and RSV as well (coverage can vary so check with your insurance company!)
Paxlovid, an oral monoclonal antibody treatment which is an emergency use authorized treatment, can be prescribed should you meet specific criteria. Also, we must assess for drug-drug interactions and adjust dosing based on your kidney function, so it is a medication that cannot simply be prescribed without an assessment via telemedicine. If you do not meet criteria, it might be possible to set up an infusion at Beaumont or St. Joe Oakland. Lastly, symptomatic treatments are available and advise on monitoring symptoms is available, but is it dependent on your individual situation.