Q&A with Squaxin Island Health Clinic staff
90 Day Medications for Maintenance Drugs
Squaxin Island Health Clinic approach to management and testing with regard to concern for COVID-19
Patients with mild symptoms and no history of exposure:
(Example: cough without fever or shortness of breath)
Social distancing
No need to come in to clinic
Patients to stay home, rest and stay hydrated
Patients with no known exposure but concerning symptoms:
(Example: cough, fever, shortness of breath).
Social distancing
Present to clinic for evaluation including testing to rule out influenza and strep and, if necessary, refer out to Kaiser or the emergency room for COVID-19 testing
Get lots of rest and stay hydrated
Patients with a history of exposure to confirmed COVID-19 and concerning symptoms:
Present to clinic for evaluation including testing to rule out influenza and strep and, if necessary, refer out to Kaiser or the emergency room for COVID-19 testing
Hospitalization, if indicated, otherwise, self-quarantine for two weeks
Get lots of rest and stay hydrated
All patients presenting to clinic with ANY respiratory symptoms will be masked and immediately moved to an isolated examination room
As the situation changes this process is subject to change as well
Clinic Approach to for COVID-19
If we believe we have a patient that meets the criteria, we will take the next steps to get that patient tested. We currently are screening patients prior to arrival via phone. When they call in, we are asking questions regarding symptoms. If the receptionist is uncomfortable with the answer, she will transfer the phone call to the nurse and they will triage further. Staff has been instructed that, when we have a patient who needs to be seen and there is a concern regarding the contagion issue, we will ask meet them at the back door and have them place a mask on. They will then be escorted to a room and the door will be shut. The nurse will have the correct protective equipment on when she meets the patient.
Pharmacy pickup until further notice
When you have an appointment with the provider
Either in person or Telehealth
1. Receptionist will get cell phone number and email address from patient
2. Provider- Notify Pharmacist – Runner – Patient
Patient call in Rx refill
1. Patient calls in for refill; Pharmacist tells the patient to call back when they are in the clinic parking lot; wait in the car and we will deliver the Rx
2. Pharmacist – Runner when Rx ready for pickup
3. Runner will take medications to patient cars
4. Runner will relay pharmacy messages to patient
5. Patient to call pharmacist for counseling if Rx is new
Please call Pharmacist to check and see if your medication is ready.
Thank you for your patience at this time.
Articles Written by Dr. Ferguson
Finding-Peace-Amid-COVID-Chaos
Weatherproofing for the Pandemic Storm
Mason General Hospital now has drive thru testing by appointment only.
If you think you need to be tested, please call the hotline @ (360) 427-3615 to be screened.
Communication resources for COVID-19 created by the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health