COVID-19 Updates: New and Established Patients

Dear New and Established Patients,

We have received numerous concerns from our patients recently about COVID-19. For the safety of our patients, our staff and physicians we are asking a few additional questions at the time of scheduling. In conjunction with this all physicians are carefully reviewing each patient chart to verify if an appointment can be safely be postponed. If your appointment is postponed you will be notified by our office immediately.

If you are not comfortable postponing your appointment due to health concerns, you may discuss your concerns with our office staff. They will forward your concerns to the physician, who will decide if keeping your appointment is in the best interest, considering the potential risk of exposure from others at this time.

1. PLEASE CANCEL/RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT IF YOU CURRENTLY HAVE A COUGH OR FEVER (see below section on office visit rules). If you do come into the office, we request only the patient and one caregiver come to the appointment. Please do not bring children of any age.

Office visit rules:

Considering the COVID-19 outbreak, we must take extra precautions for the safety of our patients and staff. Many of our patients have compromised immune systems due to illness or medications. Therefore any patient or guest, please check prior to your appointment if any of the following risks apply to you. Please do try to come alone to your appointment if at all possible:

1. Currently have a cough, fever, sore throat or respiratory issues

2. Traveled internationally, including cruises, or travel to New York,

California, or Washington in the past 14 days

3. Had close contact (within 10 feet) with any person who is under investigation or confirmed with COVID-19

If YES to any of the above risks, then

•DO NOT enter the waiting room and please contact your primary care doctor/urgent care regarding COVID-19 testing and call our office to cancel your appointment. Main line 281-481-9400.

For up to date Coronavirus information from the CDC, click on the link below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and hope to be able to return to normal medical care soon.

The Physicians and Staff,

Gastroenterology Consultants