CCVIM has returned to offering in-person appointments to new and existing patients at this time. For any patient who prefers it, we will continue to offer a videochat option for our patients, as well as phone calls. Contact the clinic with any questions.
CCVIM ha vuelto a ofrecer citas en persona a pacientes nuevos y existentes en este momento. Para cualquier paciente que lo prefiera, continuaremos ofreciendo una opción de videochat para nuestros pacientes, así como llamadas telefónicas. Comuníquese con la clínica si tiene alguna pregunta.
https://ccvim.com/telehealth-options
UPDATE
Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine Clinic DOES have in-person appointments for existing and new patients to serve uninsured people in our community. Please contact CCVIM at 570-752-1780 with any questions, problems, or to schedule an appointment.
This is what to expect:
Continued precautions for public health will be required at CCVIM:
Physical Distancing
Our clinic is small, so to help keep everyone 6 feet apart, patients will be asked to wait in their car instead of the waiting room. There will be NO “drop ins” without a scheduled appointment. Patients may still pick up supplies or medications, but will need to make an appointment first. The door to the clinic will remain locked, even during business hours, but CCVIM has a doorbell, and someone will be answering phones from inside.
Limiting Visitors
Only one patient will be in the clinic at a time. Patients are asked to arrive at their scheduled appointment time only. Patients will be scheduled with enough time in between appointments, so there will be no contact between them. This also gives staff time to do thorough disinfection cleaning of our facility to protect the next patient. Only the patient themselves will be allowed to enter the clinic to attend the appointment, unless a patient needs supportive assistance from a caregiver, or translator. Please make staff aware of any such needs before the appointment, and inform your support person, who will need to agree to the same conditions. For their protection, patients should not bring children with them to CCVIM- please make alternate arrangements.
Temperature Screening
All patients, visitors, and staff will have their temperature taken in the lobby before entering.
Hand Washing
Patients will perform 20 second handwashing and/or sanitize hands. Staff will continue to do the same before each appointment.
Extra Clean
CCVIM will be more thoroughly cleaning after each patient, following CDC-recommended disinfecting protocols, in addition to weekly deep-cleaning.
Telehealth
Telehealth appointments will be offered where practical. You will get the same great care, only virtually, and from the comfort and safety of your own home. Patients who are at higher risk of infection, or with chronic health conditions, are encouraged to use this service. First, contact the clinic to make a “virtual appointment.” You will only need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera, and access to the internet. There is nothing to download. CCVIM is using a HIPAA-compliant videochat program. A few minutes before the appointment time, on your device, go to: https://doxy.me/CCVIM and enter your name. It’s that easy!
Respiratory Symptoms
If you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, first of all, DON’T PANIC! There are many other causes, including the flu, sinus infections, or even seasonal allergies. Patients with no insurance can continue to call CCVIM if you are concerned, but be aware, no in-person appointments for respiratory symptoms or fever will be given at CCVIM at this time. Anyone with any respiratory symptoms will be asked to use the telehealth option.
Because testing for COVID-19 is not available here at the clinic, the best way to take care of the health of all our patients, our staff, and our community, is to get people who may possibly be infected with this virus directly to the appropriate resource for prompt evaluation and treatment. The best place at this time is NOT CCVIM Clinic. Instead, Geisinger Health has a COVID-19 Hotline to call for evaluation. Their number is 570-284-3657.
Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine, Inc. 