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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource

Updated November 25, 2020

Our clinics, surgery centers and hospitals remain open

Your health and safety are our top priority. Our Baylor Scott & White clinics, surgery centers and hospitals remain open, and we continue to see new and existing patients as usual.

We are closely monitoring the capacity of our hospitals due to COVID-19, and will make adjustments as needed to ensure our ability to meet the needs of those who come to us for care.

 

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Visitation policy update

Required screening and masking

For the safety of all, approved visitors must pass a health screening, including a temperature check and wear an approved mask at all times in our facilities. Hospital visitors with an unapproved mask will be given an approved mask to wear while visiting. Unapproved masks include (but are not limited to) bandanas, masks with valves and neck gaiters.

One visitor for most patients and facilities (excludes COVID-19 patients)

At this time, many of our facilities are allowing one visitor over the age of 16 for most patients. If the patient is unable to designate the visitor, it should be the patient’s surrogate decision maker, medical power of attorney or legal representative. Please contact the facility you will be visiting to learn more about its visitation policy as additional restrictions may apply.

COVID-19/patient under investigation (“PUI”) patients

At this time, we are suspending visitor access for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, except in the following circumstances:

  • Pediatric/neonatal care patient
  • Laboring/post-partum patient
  • Patient undergoing a surgery or procedure
  • Patients with difficulty understanding or making decisions (i.e., may lack capacity)
  • Patients who may be disabled or may be impaired
  • Patient receiving end-of-life care
  • As otherwise determined by local facility leadership

We know that family and friends are an important part of the healing process. Our facilities can work with you to help ensure your loved one feels supported throughout their care journey with cards, messages and video calls.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping to keep our patients, caregivers and visitors safe.

Free COVID-19 screening

We are encouraging all patients experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, weakness, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting and/or loss of smell to first visit MyBSWHealth for a free online COVID-19 screening.

As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Notify the dispatch personnel that you have or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If available, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.

Start COVID-19 screening

 

HOW IT WORKS

For your safety and convenience, we ask that you complete this prior to scheduling an appointment or walking into a clinic, urgent care or hospital emergency department.

  • Visit MyBSWHealth or download app
  • Take 5-minute online screening
  • Following your screening, you may be prompted to complete an eVisit, which will be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White provider. You will be required to create a MyBSWHealth account to begin eVisit.
  • Following your eVisit, you will be provided the appropriate next steps

Updates to your care

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, we are developing new protocols with your safety and convenience in mind. We have made updates to our billing policies during this time and continue to offer financial assistance to those with financial hardships. Please read below to see how these enhancements may affect you.

We have also implemented a COVID-19 Safe Care plan and expanded patient and visitor precautions, including visitation and mask policies and screening at entry points.

Appointments, Procedures and Surgeries
Learn More

At Baylor Scott & White Health, there is nothing more important to us than the well-being of our patients and staff and the broader health of our communities.

State restrictions that were previously placed on certain surgeries and procedures have been lifted, paving the way for patients to begin receiving needed care that had been postponed. As such, we are safely beginning to care for patients balancing the importance of slowing the spread of COVID-19, managing hospital capacity and conserving personal protective equipment (PPE).

Gov. Greg Abbott's June executive order intended to preserve hospital capacity in counties that have experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. These restrictions apply only to hospitals, not surgery centers or physician offices.

We are also resuming in-person care in our clinics while continuing to offer virtual care options.

Your provider will be reaching out to you for more information.

COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
Learn More

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19, per the CDC. It is important to keep in mind:

  • Most people have mild symptoms and are able to recover at home
  • There is no treatment specifically approved for this virus

Healthcare providers are working to conserve testing capabilities for those at highest risk.

As recommended by the CDC, it is important for those treating mild symptoms at home to be watchful for the development of emergency warning signs of secondary conditions related to COVID-19 and to get medical attention immediately for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.

As always, in the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department.

Financial Assistance
Learn More

We understand you may be experiencing financial hardship at this time due to business closures and shelter in place orders. We are here to help you.

Discover assistance options

  • Keeping healthy Texans at home with virtual care

    You can receive the same quality, convenient care from a Baylor Scott & White doctor during a video visit or eVisit

    Discover virtual care options

The ABCs of COVID-19

Helping children understand new rules or changes in their lives can be a challenge, especially when you are experiencing disruption in your own routine due to COVID-19. That's why we created The ABCs of COVID-19, a children's book to help you explain what is happening in an age-appropriate way.

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Expert advice and news

Follow @BSWHealth on Twitter or visit our Newsroom for the latest on #COVID_19

  • Make a donation toward our COVID-19 efforts

    We are committed to delivering high-quality care throughout this health crisis, and your support can make an impact.

    Discover ways to give

Frequently asked questions

For comprehensive FAQs, visit the CDC website. En español, aquí.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild symptoms, like the common cold.
​COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community ("community spread") in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your face — eyes, nose and mouth — with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home as much as possible. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • Monitor your health daily. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Stay informed and regularly check the CDC’s COVID-19 Situation Summary.
​In healthcare settings all across the United States, donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients. The need for donated blood is constant, and blood centers are open and in urgent need of donations. CDC encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood if they are able, even if they are practicing social distancing because of COVID-19. CDC is supporting blood centers by providing recommendations that will keep donors and staff safe. Examples of these recommendations include spacing donor chairs 6 feet apart, thoroughly adhering to environmental cleaning practices, and encouraging donors to make donation appointments ahead of time.

Symptoms and Testing

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New severe headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Read about COVID-19 symptoms.
Maybe; not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.

You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

As always, in the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department.
BSWH continues to look for ways to make COVID-19 treatment more affordable for patients. Our COVID-19 lab tests are currently priced at $90.00, but we are partnering with insurance providers to ensure that covered patients who are given a COVID-19 lab test at a BSWH facility will not owe any money out-of-pocket for their test (e.g., copays, coinsurance or deductibles).

For uninsured patients, BSWH is also taking steps to waive the out-of-pocket costs associated with the COVID-19 lab test during this emergency period.

Additional services provided during a patient’s COVID-19 treatment may result in other out-of-pocket costs.

What To Do If You Are Sick

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
  • Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
However, some people may need emergency medical attention. Watch for symptoms and learn when to seek emergency medical attention.
​We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations. Until we learn more about this new coronavirus, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with people. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including:
  • Petting
  • Snuggling
  • Being kissed or licked
  • Sharing food or bedding
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a cloth face covering.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. Accessed November 5, 2020, 1200 CST.

Updates from Baylor Scott & White Health

 

To protect the safety of our patients and staff, and in accordance with new local regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented several precautions at our facilities.

Visitors will undergo a short screening at the designated entry points. This screening is based on CDC guidelines for identifying respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). Patients will continue to be screened at registration.

If a visitor answers "yes" to any of the questions below, our team will ask if they need medical assistance. If yes, we will transport the visitor to the emergency department. If no, we will kindly ask that they return home and contact their primary care provider.

Screening questions

  • Have you felt feverish or experienced respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath?
  • In the last 14 days, have you been on a cruise ship, traveled internationally or to the areas where COVID-19 is widespread?
  • Have you been in contact with someone who has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19?
​

Enhanced visitor precautions, effective March 24

To protect the safety of our patients and staff, and in accordance with new local regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Baylor Scott & White Health will move to a no visitor policy for our hospitals, effective Tuesday, March 24 at 7 a.m.

We will be offering limited exceptions to the policy, including one parent, spouse or caretaker over the age of 16 for:

  • Pediatric/NICU patient
  • Laboring/post-partum patient
  • Disabled/impaired patient
  • End-of-life patient
  • Patients undergoing surgery/testing

Visitors who meet exception criteria will use designated entrances and be screened upon arrival.
​Patients with an upcoming scheduled visit will soon be contacted by their provider as we work to convert in-person appointments to one of our virtual care options, as appropriate. Those options could include phone calls, messaging or video visits on MyBSWHealth, FaceTime by Apple Inc., Zoom video conferencing and other appropriate virtual technology.

If you need a new appointment, please call your provider’s office or schedule, as usual, through MyBSWHealth on the web or via the mobile app. If you don’t yet have the app on your smartphone, you can simply text BETTER to 88408 to download.
​The health and well-being of the broader community is our top priority. As staff and supplies are redeployed to other Baylor Scott & White locations throughout the state to help with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are temporarily closing select clinic locations. Please check your clinic website prior to arriving or call the office. Providers at impacted sites will be reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments.

Find a location

​At Baylor Scott & White Health, there is nothing more important to us than the well-being of our patients and staff and the broader health of our communities. We have been continuously evaluating opportunities to build additional capacity in our hospitals in anticipation of future needs related to the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. As a result, based on a case-by-case review, we are cancelling or rescheduling clinically non-emergent procedures and surgeries as appropriate – balancing our ability to respond to patients in need with preparedness efforts needed to sustain our service to the community during this time.

We are reviewing the executive order issued Sunday by Gov. Greg Abbott, and we will continue to follow the laws and regulations that apply to hospitals. We have an unwavering commitment to the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, and we are committed to helping our communities navigate the uncertainty of this virus.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19, per the CDC. It is important to keep in mind:

  • Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home
  • There is no treatment specifically approved for this virus
Healthcare providers are working to conserve testing capabilities for those at highest risk.

As recommended by the CDC, it is important for those treating mild symptoms at home to be watchful for the development of emergency warning signs of secondary conditions related to COVID-19 and to get medical attention immediately for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.

As always, in the event of a medical emergency, please call 911 or report to the nearest emergency department.
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