Teche Action Clinic Announces Restrictions and Information for Patients

Teche Action Clinic prepares for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and announces restrictions:
Teche Action Clinic is committed to keeping our patients informed and in the know when it
comes to COVID-19. Below is information about the virus, steps to take for prevention and
how we’re prepared as a health system should the virus spread to the communities we
serve.
In following guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health, Teche Action Clinic will be
restricting visitors at all locations in an effort to keep our healthcare workforce and patients safe
from the threat of COVID-19. While Teche Action Clinic has not diagnosed any patient with
COVID-19, we are preparing for it. For the protection of our employees, patients and our
communities, we are implementing the following system-wide measures effective immediately:
Scheduled Appointments: Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted at least 24-
hours prior to their appointment to confirm and to answer “COVID-19 Increased Screening”
questions regarding current health concerns, specifically recent travel, contact with someone
exposed to COVID-19, signs of fever and respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath).
If you think you are symptomatic (develop a fever, or if symptoms progress from mild to
severe), please let us know so that we can ensure proper isolation protocols are
implemented upon your arrival.
Walk-In Visits: We ARE still accepting walk-in patients, but we ask that you contact our
facility prior to your arrival so that we can perform a pre-screening by asking “COVID-19
Increased Screening” questions. If you think you are symptomatic (develop a fever, or if
symptoms progress from mild to severe), please let us know so that we can ensure proper
isolation protocols are implemented upon your arrival.
Patients Only: Our Clinics are limiting office visits to patients ONLY. No visitors will be
allowed, unless the patient is in need of physical or mental assistance. If the patient is a minor,
ONE parent will be allowed. However, all visitors will be subjected to the same “COVID-19
Increased Screening” protocols.
Employees and Vendors: Employees and vendors are required to undergo COVID-19 screening
protocols.
Increased Screening Protocols: COVID-19 Increased Screening questions will focus on
obtaining information regarding recent travel, contact with someone exposed to COVID-19, signs of fever and respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath). Each patient and visitor will also be screened for fever and respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) upon arrival.
We are open and ready for your next scheduled appointment.
• As always, hand hygiene and location cleanliness are top priorities for your care team.
Our stringent cleaning protocols are followed during every visit.
• At every front desk, our patient registration team is following the latest guidelines and
practices, like providing masks to patients who may need them, to prevent the spread of
illnesses.
• You will continue to find hand sanitizer and hand washing reminders throughout our
locations.
• As healthcare providers, our team is uniquely aware of the importance of staying at home
when they are sick. We’ve implemented procedures to allow this to happen without
disrupting your care.
Symptoms
For people who have a weakened immune system, such as the elderly, the very young or
immunocompromised patients, symptoms can become severe quickly and can cause serious
respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
These following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure:
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
What If I’m Sick?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, follow the steps below and seek medical
care:
• Stay at home except for getting medical care.
• Do not go to work, school or public areas.
• Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
• Stay away from others in the home and use a separate bathroom if one is available.
• Older patients and individuals with underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.
Prevention Tips
You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 with simple steps:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitizer with
at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Stay home when you are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Teche Action Clinic is a private, not-for profit, federally qualified health center, accredited by
the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home. We are committed to providing
comprehensive, safe quality health care to residents of St. Mary, Terrebonne, St. Joh, St. James,
Lafourche and Assumption Parishes, and surrounding areas.
Teche Action Clinic’s mission is to continually improve its ability to identify and eliminate the
unique health disparities of the residents of St. Mary, Terrebonne, St. Joh, St. James, Lafourche
and Assumption Parishes. The residents of those parishes and surrounding areas will be provided
safe, quality, culturally competent, comprehensive primary and preventive health care services,
regardless of race, ethnic origin, age, sex, religion, or ability to pay.