Our COVID RESPONSE

Our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, their families, and our staff. We have been closely monitoring all recommendations and mandates to ensure we continue to take every necessary precaution to prevent any exposure to COVID-19 in our office. We continue to pay special attention to every detail – from patient arrival to check-out

COVID-19 Response Plan

Sanitation

  • We thoroughly sanitize each exam room, including wiping down all potential areas of contact, with medical grade disinfectant wipes between each patient.
  • We wipe down all front office areas of potential contact with medical grade disinfectant wipes frequently throughout the day, and plenty of hand sanitizer is available.
  • Our office is being vigilant about frequent hand washing and regular use of hand sanitizer, as is standard for our practice.
  • Our providers and staff will continue proper use of PPE in accordance with CDC guidelines.
  • We instruct any employee who feels ill to stay home.

 

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    Before Your Appointment

    • Please WEAR A MASK if you are scheduled for a sick appointment and are of 5 years of age.
    • Plan to be on time for your scheduled appointment as we will try to minimize the wait time and the number of people in the waiting area to maintain distancing guidelines.
    • Please LIMIT THE NUMBER of people coming to the appointment to the patient only, and only one parent or guardian per patient for our patients under 18.
    • Please refrain from eating and drinking while in the office. This would require you to remove your mask and could lead to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
    • Patients with upper respiratory illness are asked to wait in their car.  Upon arrival, please call the office to check in.  If appropriate for the patient to come into the office, we will call you when a room is ready.
    • We appreciate your patience as we adjust our requirements to follow the most up-to-date guidance from state officials.
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    COVID-19 Testing Requirements

    • Persons with symptoms of a possible infection with COVID 19, including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat.
    • Persons without symptoms who are considered to be at high risk of severe illness including people age 65 years and older, those with underlying health conditions (see list), or who come from historically marginalized populations disproportionately affected by adverse COVID 19 outcomes.
    • Persons without symptoms who are prioritized by UNC Health which may include: Assistance in occupational or congregate housing settings or mobile programs to test in underserved communities, or prioritized return to work groups.
    • Persons without symptoms who have had close contact with someone who is confirmed positive within the last 21 days.
    • Persons without symptoms who are scheduled for surgery, procedure, chemotherapy per facility policy.
    • UNC Health is offering coronavirus testing for individuals who meet the CDC and NCDHHS criteria, as listed above. You are required to have a phone screening by calling the UNC Health Coronavirus helpline at 1-888-850-2684 to determine if testing is appropriate. A clinician will decide if coronavirus testing is appropriate. If needed, you will be directed to a UNC testing location.
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    COVID-19 Testing Criteria

    Western Wake Wellness is proud to be affiliated with the UNC Health Alliance.  UNC Health has set up Respiratory Diagnostic Centers (RDCs) throughout the Triangle for patients meeting specific criteria. 

    The following meet criteria for COVID 19 testing:

    • Persons with symptoms of a possible infection with COVID 19, including:
      fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or
      smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat.
    • Persons without symptoms who are considered to be at high risk of severe
      illness including people age 65 years and older, those with underlying health
      conditions (see list), or who come from historically marginalized populations
      disproportionately affected by adverse COVID 19 outcomes.
    • Persons without symptoms who are prioritized by UNC Health which may
      include: Assistance in occupational or congregate housing settings or mobile
      programs to test in underserved communities, or prioritized return to work
      groups.
    • Persons without symptoms who have had close contact with someone who
      is confirmed positive within the last 21 days.
    • Persons without symptoms who are scheduled for surgery, procedure,
      chemotherapy per facility policy.

    I meet the criteria. What now?

    The health and safety of our patients is our top priority at Western Wake Wellness.  Do not hesitate to call if you need to schedule an appointment, and please alert the staff if you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms.

    Patients who meet this criteria can call the COVID-19 Helpline: 1-888-850-2684 and be scheduled for a visit to a RDC.  The RDCs can assess and treat all patients with respiratory symptoms.  RDCs can provide COVID-19 testing only on those meeting the most recent testing criteria.

    The RDCs will provide triage and basic diagnostic services along with follow-up for persistent respiratory issues.  RDCs will not manage chronic conditions or refill medications; your PCP at Western Wake Wellness will be able to help you.