HHO News

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented time. While we maintain our commitment and dedication to patients and caregivers, we also continue our efforts to optimize the health and safety of our staff, providers, and patients. As such, we are pleased to announce the introduction of more comprehensive telemedicine visits through OttoHealth that will allow us to continue caring for you from your own homes.

When appropriate, patients can be scheduled for a virtual visit (which will include video) with a designated provider as early as this week. Visit notifications will be sent directly to your email or via text message and will include login instructions.

More information on the login process can be obtained at the OttoHealth Patient Resources page.

Please let us know if there are any concerns or questions regarding telemedicine or your care in general. For more information about our response to COVID-19, click here

We ask that you let us know prior to your appointment if you or a family member are you or a family member are exhibiting or experiencing signs associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus) in which case we may ask that you seek medical attention from your primary care physician. These include:

• shortness of breath
• fever
• cough

If you have traveled to any of the known locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or have come in contact with anyone known to have the virus, please call our office prior to your appointment to determine if you need to be rescheduled.

Be assured that your health and well-being are extremely important to us, and we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment for your care. Our staff will be screening all patients and visitors for any of the above symptoms, travel, and exposure history prior to being allowed into the waiting area.

The CDC is recommending the following preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 (coronavirus):

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• 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 houseful cleaning spray or wipe

We will continue to monitor and update health advisories and policies as they are available.

We encourage you to visit these sites for information as well:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

Our commitment to the safety of every staff member within our practice is unwavering. We will take care of COVID-19 patients and all patients following all the appropriate policies and procedures to keep them and our staff safe. That includes following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) evidence-based guidance for personal protective equipment. The WHO guidelines have been endorsed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and local health departments.

• If you have a fever, cough, runny nose or respiratory infection please call our clinic to speak with a nurse and you will be given further instructions and precautions. You may need to be rescheduled or be seen for further evaluation.
• If you have traveled to any of the known locations with confirmed cases of COVID-19 or have come in contact with anyone known to have the virus, please call our office prior to your appointment to determine if you need to be rescheduled.
• Staff members at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology will screen visitors for symptoms, travel history and contact with others before they are allowed to remain in the waiting area.
• As a reminder, to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients and staff, HHO has decided to begin visitor restrictions.
• One caregiver or companion will be allowed with patients who require one as long as they pass our screening protocol.

Please recognize that these policies and practices may require alterations to adapt to new developments in the community and guidance coming from our advisory bodies for this rapidly changing situation.

For the most up to date information you can go to:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml