New Updates to COVID-19 Response

We are here to help. We are in this together. We are stronger together. We look forward to a time when we can once again take care of all your orthopedic needs.

It is safe to say that these past couple of weeks have been among some of the most tumultuous and emotional that any of us can remember in our lifetimes. The impact of the coronavirus, covid-19 outbreak has been felt by individuals, families, communities, and companies across the United States and around the world so we are definitely in this together.

Our MBJ team response to this crisis has been extraordinary with how so many have banded together to help make sure we are successful through this uncharted territory. We know this virus has created stress and worry for everyone – no one is immune from the uncertainty of the pandemic. With recommendations changing daily, our primary goal is for the safety and health of our MBJ family, providers, community and patients. We will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation closely, and will keep you updated as our response changes.

Updates on Covid-19 as of 4/8/2020

Our Walk-In Urgent Care remains OPEN with regular evening hours and Saturday hours to serve our communities orthopedic needs. We are here to help, if you have any questions please call us.

We want to continue to assure you that we remain committed to providing the high quality and compassionate care you have come to expect from your orthopedic team. These are some of the changes that have been implemented:

• As of 4/8/2020 All patients, visitors, staff and providers will be required to wear a face mask. We are encouraging patients to bring their own mask because of the shortage of supplies. If you do not have a mask we will give you a homemade mask from sterile wrap. If a patient refuses to wear a mask your appointment will be rescheduled. This is in accordance with CDC guidelines and recent studies about how wearing a mask can help minimize risks.
• We have limited patient companions to one essential adult companion only (essential meaning the patient needs a caregiver or help understanding), and we will ask all others to wait in their vehicle. Please do not bring children to your appointment, the only exception is if the patient is a child.
• All visitors to our buildings are being screened on arrival.  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. Patients can call to reschedule their appointment. There will be no charge for patients needing to cancel or reschedule their appointments.
• We have added the recent loss of taste and smell to our screening questions as this is one of the symptoms for the coronavirus.
• Due to the worldwide shortage of masks, our surgery center staff and our ATCs have been making masks from our sterile wrap. These masks are now being offered to all patients and visitors at the clinic and are required for all patients and visitors at the surgery center. Regular masks do not protect you from getting the virus but it does help stop the spread of the virus.
• We have spaced out the seating in our lobby to the recommended six feet distance and implemented other safety barriers.
• We are providing patients with options to wait in cars rather than in our lobby areas, until an exam room is available.
• We have increased cleaning especially in our waiting and exam rooms. We will be paying close attention to areas that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs.
• Hand sanitizer stations continue to be available.
• We are following strict hand washing protocols for all employees, which is part of our normal policy.
• Any MBJ provider or team members who meet any of the CDC exposure guidelines 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.
  Social distancing in our lobby

Telehealth appointments are an option

Dr. Amrine is offering a telehealth option for sports medicine, orthopedic issues, family medicine, or covid-19 concerns. To schedule your telehealth appointment please call Dr. Amrine’s orthopedic assistant, Becca, at (406)532-8783.

MBJ Physical Therapy is also offering telehealth appointments for physical therapy sessions. To schedule a physical therapy telehealth session please call  (406)542-4702.

Surgery Center Update

We continue to limit our surgeries for urgent and time sensitive orthopedic needs only. The reason for this is to conserve supplies for our hospitals and reduce the number of people in our surgery center. Our physician group continues to communicate with our local hospitals as our medical community navigates this pandemic. We look forward to serving your surgical needs in the future.

The post New Updates to COVID-19 Response appeared first on Missoula Bone & Joint.