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

Patients can pick up prescriptions at the outside window.

Also please allow 24 to 48 hours for refills.

Please let the pharmacy know all medications that they would like refilled.

Articles Written by Dr. Ferguson

Finding-Peace-Amid-COVID-Chaos

Lost Connections

Weatherproofing for the Pandemic Storm

COVID-19 The “Silent” Killer

Communication resources for COVID-19 created by the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health

Smoking is a risk factor for more severe #COVID19 infections. There’s no better time to Quit.

Tobacco is an Indigenous plant with sacred and ceremonial uses. Make the change to stop using commercial tobacco and return to Indigenous teachings. Remember: smoking is a risk factor for more severe COVID19 infections. There’s no better time to quit.

Lung health has always been important, but with COVID19 attacking our lungs, we’ve got to do everything in our power to keep them strong. If you do smoke, make the coronavirus pandemic your motivation to kick the addiction for good!

Visit smokefree.gov for more information or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for advice from the CDC.