COVID-19 Statement

Dear patients,

We hope this letter is receiving you well during this difficult time. We are happy to announce we are resuming delayed procedures. As this pandemic has unfolded, we have been working to ensure our center is maintaining the highest levels of safety to resume procedures. Our dedication to increased infection control practices includes a multi-faceted approach. For all staff, patients, and visitors we are providing COVID-19 screening questionnaires, temperature screening, mandatory masking, and hand sanitization while inside our center. We are maintaining social distancing measures by restricting visitors and staggering patient arrival times to decrease traffic throughout our center. In further efforts to decrease potential contaminants, our center has modified our cleaning practices including implementing terminal cleaning measures in between patients as well as at the end of the day, we've increased air filtration rates to remove contaminants in the air, and increased disinfection practices by our environmental cleaning services team including sanitizing all surface areas.

Here is what you can expect once your procedure is scheduled: Your doctor will place an order for you to be screened for COVID-19. Once you have been screened, we are asking patients to self-isolate at home until their procedure day to eliminate the risk of exposure. If scheduled for a colonoscopy, plan on gathering clear liquid supplies and prescribed bowel preparation before your COVID-19 lab screening. Your doctor will ONLY notify you if there is a positive result. Follow all preparation instructions for the day before your procedure as directed by your doctor. A nurse from the surgery center will call you the day before your procedure to conduct a screening, discuss details, and answer any questions you might have about your procedure.

On the day of your procedure, we ask that your driver drop you off and wait in the car for our call when you are ready to be picked up. Upon entry to our facility, you will be asked to sanitize your hands and our unit coordinator will take your temperature and provide you with a mask if not already wearing one. We ask that you wear this mask throughout your entire visit. You will spend a few minutes in the registration area to sign documents and then be escorted to your individual designated bay. You will have this designated area for your safety and privacy, which is completely sanitized and disinfected before your use. All staff you encounter will be wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) throughout your entire visit.

We have taken all of these steps to ensure your safety and confidence that when you need gastrointestinal care there is no better place to be. We are here for you and are looking forward to providing excellent care.

Sincerely,

GATE a division of BASS Medical Group