COVID-19 Information

Updated 1.13.22

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HealthPoint is now offering
TeleHealth appointments!

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You can refer to this page for information on HealthPoint's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  For the health and safety of our patients and staff, we are limiting our in-person appointment times. Please call your local clinic for more information.

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Please see this message regarding actions we have taken for the safety of our patients and staff.

COVID Information Flyer - ENGLISH
COVID Information Flyer - SPANISH

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HealthPoint continues to receive updates about COVID-19 and will add new information to this page as it becomes available. We recommend preparedness and prevention and are practicing that advice in our clinics with ALL patients, visitors, contractors, vendors, including all of our team members by screening for COVID-19 upon entry to any of our facilities.  Furthermore, we are following all CDC protective measures. Please plan ahead as there may be a wait upon entering our facilities. Please also note only one visitor is allowed per appointment and everyone MUST be screened before entering the building. Read the latest COVID-19 updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ:

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Diagnosing & Testing

Can I get tested for COVID-19 at a HealthPoint Clinic?

• Testing is available for established patients. Patients seeking testing are required to have an appointment with a medical provider. These provider visits may be done by phone depending on if the patient is having symptoms or not. If the provider orders a COVID-19 test, it is possible that the patient may need to report to a different clinic location to have a sample collected.
• If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, you should wait 3 to 5 days before getting testing. Conversely, if you are having symptoms, please contact your provider.

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What does it cost to get tested?

• If you are on one of our programs, the cost of the COVID test is included in your copay for the office visit. However, if you have private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, our lab company will bill your carrier directly.

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How long does it take to get the results, and how will I get them?

• COVID test results are usually received 4 to 10 days after collection. Your provider’s office will call you when we have received your results. Of course, if more than 10 days have passed, please contact your provider.

TeleHealth Appointments

What is a TeleHealth Appointment?

• A Telehealth appointment is a visit with your HealthPoint doctor conducted over the phone or by video conference (when possible).

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How do I schedule a TeleHealth appointment?

• TeleHealth appointments can be scheduled by calling your local HealthPoint Clinic during regular business hours. You will be asked to provide a window of time during which your visit can be scheduled. If your healthcare provider is running behind, you will be called to reschedule your appointment.

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Will my insurance cover my TeleHealth appointment? How much is the co-pay for these visits?

• Patients will pay the same copay as they would when they see the doctor in a face to face visit.  Payment can be made over the phone or HealthPoint will bill the patient.
• Full Fee patients will be expected to pay 60% of the cost of the visit.  Payment can be made over the phone or HealthPoint will bill the patient.

Common symptoms

What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.

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What are the symptoms?

• Most people, especially children and those under 60 with no chronic medical conditions, who contract COVID-19 develop very mild symptoms that include fever, a dry cough, and fatigue, few will develop more advanced symptoms such as shortness of breath.
• Learn more from the CDC about symptoms.

Risk factors

How easily does COVID-19 spread?

• The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily ("community spread") in many 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.
• Learn more from the CDC about how COVID-19 spreads.

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Am I at risk for COVID-19?

• This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk changes everyday. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and local county and city governments are working closely with the CDC in monitoring the developing outbreak.
• Learn more from the CDC to see if you are at higher risk for severe illness.

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Are children at a higher risk for getting very sick or potentially dying from COVID-19 infection compared with adults?

• Limited reports from China suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 may have mild symptoms. However, as with other respiratory illnesses, certain populations of children may be at increased risk of severe infection, such as children with underlying health conditions.

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Are pregnant women more susceptible to infection, or at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality with COVID-19, compared with the general public?

• We do not yet know how pregnant women could be affected by COVID-19.
• Learn more from the CDC about COVID-19 and pregnancy.

When to seek medical care

Do I need to go to the ER?

• No, if you don't have any emergency warning signs. In fact, this will help limit the spread of the virus in our community. It will also allow emergency departments to care for patients with the most critical needs first.

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When should I call my doctor?

• You should call HealthPoint if you have fever, dry cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath and you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
• Please call ahead before you come in so we can get you taken care of without putting you or anyone else at risk.

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Try this Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care.

Treatment

Are there any treatments available for people diagnosed with COVID-19?

• No, not at this time. The recommended treatment is to stay home and avoid contact with others, take cold medications for your symptoms, and rest.

Prevention

What is HealthPoint doing to protect patients?

• Before entry, staff are screening everyone entering HealthPoint clinics for COVID-19, this includes all patients, visitors, employees, contractors and vendors.
• We are isolating potential positive cases to specific rooms that have been designated for COVID-19 testing.
• We continue to disinfect exam rooms and all other clinic areas. This includes surfaces, door handles, grab bars, and stethoscopes.
• HealthPoint is only allowing one visitor per patient.

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How can I protect myself and my family? Please follow the recommendations below:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• 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.
• Finally, Learn more from the CDC about protecting yourself and your family.

In conclusion, thank you for reading our COVID-19 Information page.

Finally, thank you for reading our COVID-19 Information page.