Modified Operation Procedure During COVID 19 Crisis:
We are all in this unique crisis of uncertainty, fear, and lack of resources. This is the best time to be of support to each other. In this ever changing landscape of crisis, we continue to evolve with ways to keep ourselves and the community safe, but still, continue to provide care to our community members. Shifa Clinic is committed to protecting all of our patients, staff and their family members and we are taking extra precautions.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are changing our daily operations to minimize the potential for viral transmission. Fully embracing CDC and DHEC guidelines, our teammates are well-versed in appropriate health-care hygiene techniques. We are also encouraging and coaching our patients/ staff in the best ways to practice “social distancing.”
In addition, we are making the following changes:
Patient Care
Starting 03/19/2020 we are moving to telecommunications for patient care. The facility doors will be locked from inside with a small staff of 6 people. Most patient appointments will be through telecommunications unless the provider feels the need for the patient to be seen in the clinic in that case patient will be scheduled with appropriate instructions as below:
- Telephone screening prior to entrance into facility
- Only the patient is allowed, family members to wait in the car
- Limited number of patients scheduled in clinic to have no more than 2 person in waiting room with a distance of more than 6 feet
- Use of hand sanitizer encouraged prior to visit and after visit
- The provider will be keeping a distance of more than 6 feet and during exam will be wearing PPE.
Patients are being scheduled on slots for phone calls and Tele management.
We are also offering telehealth appointments for appropriate types of patient encounters after hours once a week Wednesdays 5-8 pm
Facility Care
- Cleaning and disinfecting will increase in frequency between appointments and throughout the day in both exam rooms as well as public spaces within the Clinic.
- Using List N disinfectant for cleaning.
- We have removed magazines and toys from our lobby and are sanitizing and disinfecting our common areas more frequently.
Volunteer & Staff
- We are urging our staff and volunteers to stay home if they are not feeling well.
- Putting a hold on volunteers for now. Will work with skeleton crew of 6.
- We are encouraging everyone on the premises to follow good personal hygiene to prevent infection, including washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitizer in between and to keep their hands away from their face.
- Nursing staff and patient providers will be encouraged to wear disposable gloves during patient contact.
FAQ
How do I schedule appointment?
Please call us at (843) 352-4580 or email at Shifa.sc@icnarelief.org and we will provide you with clear guidance if this would be a phone appt, in person or need to wait for a later time.
What kind of appointment are being accepted?
All prenatal patients will be in office appointment. Rest will be via tele platform and after the physician consult if in office is needed will be scheduled with instructions.
How do I get my refills?
Please call or email us and if appt is needed a tele health consult will be scheduled and if not a date and time will be given to you for “drive through” pick up.
If I have previous scheduled appointment how do I go about it?
You will be called a day before and given instructions on how to access the appointment as tele consult.
What are your hours of Operation?
We are in office Monday through Friday 8am to 4 pm but not accepting any walk in or entrance into facility without approval.
Do you provide COVID 19 test?
Currently not performing tests for Coronavirus. Patients with symptoms suggestive of Coronavirus may be asked to utilize free virtual screenings offered by Lowcountry hospitals. If a person screens positive, these online platforms can arrange for testing at appropriate sites:
https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html
https://www.rsfh.com/virtualcare/
Are you accepting new patients?
We are putting on hold new patients until April 15th.
How does your telehealth model work?
Once your appointment is scheduled, we can either text or email you the link with access code for secure communication with your provider with date and time. All you have to do is click on the link and you will be put in the waiting room and the provider will be notified about your “arrival”. If any labs are ordered after your consultation the lab orders will be sent to lab directly via Electronic Medical Record and you can go to Lab corp at a time convenient to you and get your labs drawn.If your labs return abnormal the clinic will call you either with follow up message from your provider or set up another appointment.
What kind of device do I need to have for the physician encounter by telehealth?
The platform offers you the ability to engage with providers via web, phone, or mobile app from anywhere in minutes.
How can I volunteer in this time?
In current situation to follow CDC guidelines are keeping our in office head count to less than 10 people but we have a lot of online admin work that you can do from the comfort from your home. Please reach out to us via volunteercoordinator.shifa@gmail.com and we will send you some options and time to connect via zoom to explore options.