COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

Primary Care Partners of South Bend, LLC is taking every precaution to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection for office staff and patients. Below is a list of our comprehensive safety protocols for our patients and staff. For more information on clinical care during COVID-19, visit the CDC clinical care guidelines page. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our COVID-19 procedures, contact us online or call us at (574) 251-1200.

Pre-Screening Patients for Possible COVID-19 Symptoms

At the time of scheduling, we will ask patients if they are experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms. We will also ask if they have been exposed and any recent travel or current travel arrangements (e.g. public transportation).
All patients will have their temperature checked when they enter the office and sign the attestation of non-COVID symptoms.
Where appropriate, we will have patients tested prior to coming to the office.

Is it COVID, Flu, Cold, or Allergies?

As we enter into the colder months, you may find yourself asking this question? We understand your uncertainty, and our symptom chart should be able to help you determine whether or not you should contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend. Notably, this chart is NOT a diagnostic evaluation, but only determines whether or not you should contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend.

Strict Sterilization Procedures

We have implemented several strict sterilizing procedures throughout our office, particularly in communal spaces. Our staff is adhering to all CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting Community Facilities.

Universal Face Coverings

Primary Care Partners of South Bend is requiring everyone who enters the practice – both patients and staff – to wear an appropriate face covering. Our office will communicate this requirement to patients at the time of scheduling an office visit. Please inform us when scheduling your appointment of the needs of very young children and those with respiratory diseases, who may face difficulties with reduced airflow through face coverings.

Maintaining Physical Distancing & Other Precautions

We have restructured our practice’s office space and workflow to encourage physical distancing. We will be making the following changes to our operations:

Asking patients to check-in by phone or text message and wait in the car until an exam room is ready.
Prohibiting adults and teens from having guests or visitors. Only parents of younger children should be in the office with the patient. Do not bring children.
Scheduling patients so that only a few are in the office at any given time.
Putting away articles such as magazines, toys, coffee, or anything else that may be handled by infected patients.
Arranging office flow such that patients avoid time together in a central area or check-out desk.
Setting aside clinic hours for vulnerable patients – elderly, immunocompromised, etc.
Separating patients with respiratory symptoms so they are not waiting among other patients seeking care.
Utilizing telemedicine services when applicable.

Preservation of Personal Protective Equipment

All staff is trained on the proper use of personal protective equipment and will be utilizing all necessary PPE while in the office.

Quarantine Policy

We value our staff and their health care needs during this pandemic. We shall adhere to the standard policy for our workers who may show symptoms or have contracted COVID-19. Any staff exposed or showing symptoms will require a 14-day quarantine. If you have any further questions regarding our COVID-19 policies, contact us online or give us a call at (574) 251-1200.