Baylor Scott & White Marble Falls spokesperson Gabriel Martinez said the healthcare system is committed to helping the communities it serves to navigate the “uncertainty” of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In an interview Tuesday, Martinez provided information to help guide area residents in utilizing BS&W services.
BS&W has adopted some changes that the public will notice immediately. Visitors and patients are now using designated entrances and are being screened upon arrival at all facilities, including the Horseshoe Bay Clinic, the Marble Falls Hospital, and the Marble Falls Clinic. Patients are screened during the registration process and visitors are screened at entry points based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for identifying respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. In addition, BS&W is limiting the number of visitors who pass the screening process during visiting hours, and has temporarily suspended entry for those under the age of 16.
BS&W has a free online screening questionnaire available for anyone who has questions or concerns about their risk of infection with COVID-19. The online screening questionnaire is available on the MyBSWHealth app and online at MyBSWHealth.com. The results of the questionnaire may give reassurance to low risk subjects with recommendations for hygiene and social distancing, or may recommend further evaluation for those with more significant risk.
If a patient receives notification that he or she should seek additional evaluation, MyBSWHealth gives options for the next steps to follow. For example, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., eVisits with providers can be conducted on the MyBSWHealth app and online.
If a provider advises that a patient should be tested for COVID-19, Martinez said specimen collection can be arranged. BS&W is making a drive-thru specimen collection site available on the Marble Falls Medical Center campus as an option for patients. Patients might be directed to this site after they complete an online screening questionnaire and subsequent consultation with the BS&W medical team. Martinez emphasizes that this process is for patients not experiencing a medical emergency. In the event of an emergency, patients should call 911.
Specimen collection involves a nasal swab obtained by one of the BS&W medical team members who will be wearing personal protective equipment in accordance with the CDC guidelines and recommendations. After the specimen collection and consultation with the medical team, each patient is advised on the appropriate next steps, which include isolating at home while awaiting test results.
Positive COVID-19 tests are reported to the local and state health departments and the patient will be contacted as soon as results are available.
Should patients postpone elective surgery or other treatments until more is known of COVID 19? Martinez said, “We are continuously evaluating opportunities to build additional capacity in our hospitals in anticipation of future needs related to the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. As a result, our patients may receive requests to reschedule or may contact us to reschedule non-clinically urgent procedures. We are balancing our ability to respond to patients in need with preparedness efforts needed to sustain our service to the community during this time.”
As we all adjust to the new normal, our actions and decisions will play a vital role in helping BS&W achieve its stated goal of protecting the well-being of our friends, families and
