Missoula Bone & Joint’s Response to COVID-19

At Missoula Bone & Joint (MBJ), the health and well-being of our patients, employees and community is of utmost importance. During this time of uneasiness as the coronavirus impacts our daily lives, we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing the high quality and compassionate care you have come to expect from your orthopedic team. We are here for you.

Answers to Questions:

We hope the following will answer some of your questions as well as provide peace of mind. These Q&As will be updated regularly as the situation changes and new questions surface. If you have a question that is not answered below, please do not hesitate to call us. Call our main clinic (406)721-4436 or Click here for our staff directory

Q: IS MISSOULA BONE & JOINT CLINC, WALK-IN ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY OPEN AND SEEING PATIENTS?

A: Yes, we are open. Your musculoskeletal health and wellness is very important to us. It is as important to us as it is to you to continue leading a healthy and active lifestyle. We are so blessed to live in Montana and we want you to enjoy all it has to offer. If you have any questions about our hours of operation please call ahead.

Q: IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO KEEP MY APPOINTMENT? WHAT IS MISSOULA BONE & JOINT DOING TO HELP?

A: In accordance with CDC guidelines, MBJ is following best practices to provide you and our employees with a safe environment.

• Providing patients with options to wait in cars rather than in our lobby areas.
• We are encouraging patients to come alone to their appointments, if possible. If you need to bring a companion we are limiting guests to one healthy adult, unless patient is a minor.
• Preemptive patient screening, temperature checks will be taken for anyone entering our clinics and operatories – all patients, visitors, employees, and providers. If someone has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher, he or she will be asked to leave and call to reschedule.
• We have spaced out the seating in our lobby to the recommended six feet distance.
• Increased cleaning our offices, waiting and exam rooms. We will be paying close attention to areas that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs.
• Making hand sanitizer stations available.
• We are following strict hand washing protocols for all employees.
• Any MBJ providers or team members who meet any of the CDC exposure guidelines above will be required to follow the CDC guidelines for testing and quarantine.
• As appropriate, MBJ has made arrangements for non-clinic staff to work from home as our way to help limit exposure and slow the spread of the virus.
• We are limiting travel and face-to-face meetings for all employees.

Q: ARE TELEMEDICINE VISITS AVAILABLE AT MBJ?

A: Dr. Rob Amrine has modified his clinic at Missoula Bone & Joint to offer Telehealth options. This will allow him to videoconference with anyone with any concerns, whether sports medicine, general medicine, orthopedic concerns, family medicine, or even Covid-19 concerns. The goal of this to try to be helpful while also keeping you and our MBJ Team safe. If you would like to schedule a telehealth appointment please call directly to Dr. Amrine’s assistant, Becca, at (406)532-8783.

Q: I’M NOT FEELING WELL. SHOULD I STILL COME FOR MY APPOINTMENT?

A: If you are not feeling well, we strongly encourage you to reschedule your appointment. However, if your orthopedic situation is urgent, please call us in advance so we can be prepared. For non-urgent appointments, rescheduling plays a significant role in helping to slow the spread of any virus whether it is Coronavirus or the flu. Most important, if you reschedule, you WILL NOT be charged a missed visit fee.

Q: IS IT OKAY TO BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?

A: To keep everyone safe and protected, we are working to minimize the number of people coming into our clinics and operatories. We are encouraging patients to come to their appointment alone, if possible, unless the patient is a minor. If you need a companion please limit to one healthy adult. All patients and visitors will be screened at reception.

Q: MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR CONSIDERS ME TO BE HIGH-RISK PATIENT, BUT I DON’T FEEL SICK. SHOULD I RESCHEDULE?

A: First and most important, if your orthopedic situation is urgent, please call us in advance so we may prepare and provide the appropriate guidance. Your well-being is our priority. However, the CDC recommends rescheduling your appointment if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms.
• You know you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed.
• You have recently traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy or any country in Europe, or any country with Level 3 status. Now there are concerns about travel from other States. Please contact our local health department if you have questions or concerns.
• You are a high-risk patient * (*defined by CDC as older adults – 60 years or older – or if you have chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease).

Please reschedule your appointment and remember, you WILL NOT be charged a missed visit fee.

Q: IS MBJ SURGERY CENTER STILL DOING PROCEDURES?

A: To support our community and local hospitals by conserving supplies and reducing the number of people in our surgery center, we are currently limiting our surgeries for urgent and time sensitive orthopedic needs. We are also doing smaller procedures that only require local anesthetic in order to preserve medical resources in short supply.

Q: HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERE IS A CHANGE TO MY CARE SCHEDULE, CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT, SURGERY, FOLLOW-UP OR PHYSICAL THERAPY?

A: First, you are always welcome to call us with any questions about your care or care schedule. But, rest assured we will be proactive in all communications related to your care.

Q: ARE THERE THINGS I SHOULD BE DOING THAT COULD BE HELPFUL DURING THIS TIME?

A: If you have health concerns beyond orthopedic care, we strongly suggest you talk with your primary care provider. We continue to encourage our patients, employees, friends and family to practice safe and simple behaviours being recommended by the CDC and WHO

We are in this together, that is what community means. We have always valued the strength and compassion of our community, and at this time even more. We are here for you if you need us. Thank you for choosing Missoula Bone & Joint for your care. We are honored to be your trusted healthcare provider.

stay safe,

Your MBJ Team

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