In compliance with the State Public Health Order from the Utah Dept of Health issued March 24,2020, Alpine Plastic Surgery will be postponing all elective surgeries through April 25, 2020. This order is in accordance with the CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations issued March 18, 2020 and recommendations from the President’s Coronavirus Task Force, the CDC, and the U.S Surgeon General, in an effort to preserve medical supplies and PPE needed in facilities that are working with COVID-19 and other ill patients.
We realize these actions by the state may create challenging situations for our patients, but it is a necessary and appropriate step given the current climate in healthcare throughout the nation. This is a fluid situation and if the order is modified or rescinded before April 25,2020 we will update our patients as necessary. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we all get through this.
The health and safety of Alpine Plastic Surgery’s patients and staff is always our top priority. We are closely monitoring the recommendations of the CDC, and the state of Utah.
Our facility is accredited through the Joint Commission and Medicare, we follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe environment in our office and surgical facility. We have implemented additional safeguards in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak to further minimize risk.
Our Office is still open 9am - 5pm; please feel free to contact us with any questions.
What to Know:
- We are OPEN and SEEING PATIENTS, should any changes be made we will post the
information on our website and call scheduled patients who will be affected.
- The most common COVID-19 symptoms resemble those of your average respiratory infection—fever, cough, shortness of breath—and tend to be mild in most cases.
- If you or any of your family members have flu-like symptoms (fever of 100.3 or higher, cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath) please call or text (801)-689-3500 to reschedule your appointment . DO NOT COME INTO THE OFFICE WITH SYMPTOMS.
- If you have recently traveled internationally or domestically to an area with large outbreaks of COVID-19, we ask that you wait at least 14 days until you schedule an appointment.
- Additionally, if you have been exposed to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or who was quarantined as a precaution, please wait at least 14 days after that potential exposure to reschedule.
- To keep exposure risk low for our patients and staff we will be implementing a policy that each patient can be accompanied by (1) adult for appointments and surgical procedures. We also ask that you do not bring children with you to appointments. If a patient is accompanied by more than (1) adult or you are accompanied by your children, they will be asked to wait in the building lobby outside our office or you will be asked to reschedule your appointment.
- We understand with schools being closed at this time and the impact this has been on everyday life that you may need to reschedule or cancel an upcoming consultation or appointment. You will not be penalized for rescheduling or cancelling withing these next few weeks and we will do our best to get you rescheduled within a reasonable time frame.
What you can expect from us:
- As always, universal precautions that are standard for any medical office/facility including gloves and sterilized equipment remain in full effect. During surgical procedures masks, gloves, sterile gowns and all personal protective equipment (PPE) are also still in effect. We continue to diligently provide a safe environment for our patients.
- All staff members are required to stay at home if they are feeling sick or think they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
- Instruments are cleaned and sterilized daily between patients and after every surgical procedure.
- Surfaces, such as the exam chairs, lights, drawer handles and countertops, are disinfected between each patient. The operating room and its equipment are sterilized and cleaned after every surgery.
- Between surgery’s Dr. Barnett and the operating room staff change into clean scrubs.
- Any staff member involved in patient care is required to use new/sterile (if applicable) appropriate PPEwhich is disposed of properly after each patient and/or surgery.
Additional precautions being taken include:
- Patients are asked to utilize hand sanitizer upon entering the office. Hand sanitizer, tissues and no touch trash receptacles are available in the reception area as well as every treatment room and other areas throughout the clinic.
- We will rerquire any patient with a cough, to wear a mask during your visit.If you do not have a mask and you do have a cough please call or text (801) 689-3500 prior to your appointment to reschedule. Unfortunatly, due to allocations in place by our medical supply distributors we can no longer supply masks to patients.
- If we require you to complete paperwork during your visit we ask that you either keep the pen you use or leave it on the reception desk and it will be disinfected accordingly between each patient. Any new patients or those who have not been seen in the last 6 months will be asked to fill out new patient registration. If you prefer to fill out paperwork prior to your appointment please visit our website https://www.alpineplasticsurgery.com/contact You can text completed paperwork t0 (801) 689-3500 or email it to paige@alpineplasticsurgery.com
- Patients will be screened for fever prior to the start of their appointment.
- Routine cleaning and disinfecting strategies continue along with ongoing disinfection of common contact areas such as the front desk, doorknobs, waiting room seating and bathroom faucets.
Important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
- We recommend our patients stay informed and follow the guidelines of the CDC and state ofUtah.
- Clean your hands often.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of being ill.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, lightswitches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Our patients' health and safety are our top priority. We will continue to communicate with you as we navigate the current situation. If you have any individual questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Sincerely,
Alpine Plastic Surgery Staff
Covid-19 Health and Safety Update
