RCMS Community Update March 30, 2020

PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME (707-884-4005) for Urgent or Primary Care
 
COVID-19 Testing
Given the shortage of test kits, we are following the Public Health Department protocol and guidelines regarding who will be tested. Not everyone is tested. Given the current lab turnaround time, it could take 7+ days for us to get the results.
 
If you are tested, you will be instructed to follow the Public Health Department’s self-isolation guidelines that are provided to us
 
Urgent Care
Main Gualala Building, for the time being, is converted into an Urgent Care only facility.
 
While our focus is those with respiratory issues, Urgent Care is still seeing all other urgent/emergent medical conditions. We have divided Urgent Care into respiratory and non-respiratory zones in an effort to keep patients safe. 
 
PLEASE CALL FIRST so that we can direct you to the appropriate clinic for your care.   Once you arrive at the facility, you will be received at the Triage tent outside and the nurse there will guide you to the appropriate location in our facility.
 
Primary Care
We are also available, think it is important, and want to continue to provide access to Primary Care services
 
This can be done in couple of ways.
 
If you are able to come into the clinic:  

• Sea Watch in Gualala and the RCMS Point Arena Medical Clinic are open for Primary Care to patients without infectious respiratory symptoms.

• We have providers available for well child visits and vaccinations (important not to get behind), lab/blood draws ordered by your PCP and outside providers, INR’s, A1c’s, MAT rx and med refills, and chronic and other health care maintenance issues.

 
 
If you are not able to come to the clinic:

• Over age 65, chronic medical issues: copd, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, other lung issues, or are immunocompromised; or due to transportation or other challenges cannot get into the clinic, you can set up a Telehealth visit.

• One of our providers can call you at home and/or connect with you on a video platform (requires a smart phone with a camera or a computer) and address your medical concerns.

 
Please note that a clinic visit for getting medical care is not restricted under shelter in place guidelines.  You are still allowed to visit your medical provider.
 
Our providers and support staff are following appropriate guidelines regarding wearing protection gear. All our facilities are regularly disinfected as required
 
 
RCMS Contingency Plan
We continue to update our contingency plan as COVID-19 related situation evolves. These include, but are not limited to:

• Convert the  Gualala main building into an urgent care only facility, if needed
• Rotation plan for our providers and clinic support staff for extended coverage to care for patients
• Additional facilities (tents) in case of surge in Urgent Care patients
• Coordination with CLSD, local Fire departments
• Constant communication with County Public Health Department for help and coordination
• Putting together a list of volunteers, both medical and non-medical, for need during a surge
• Having adequate medical supplies

 
We, at RCMS, are focused on keeping our community safe and healthy during this stressful time. And we very much appreciate all the help and support we are getting from the community.
 
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE GUIDELINES GIVEN TO US BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS
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