How Sentinel is Protecting Our Patients

Here are the steps we are taking during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

How Sentinel is Protecting Our Patients

Dr. O’Connell in his protective mask and goggles.

When you call to make an appointment or if you have a previously scheduled appointment, we will ask you:

  1. What symptoms are you experiencing
  2. Have you taken your temperature and what is it
  3. Have you been exposed to COVID-19

Based on your responses, we will determine next steps.

If we ask you to come to the office to get tested for COVID-19, the following system is in place.

    1. Please call us from the parking lot when you arrive and we’ll direct you. 
    2. We request that you take the elevator up to our office alone.
    3. Please knock on the door and we’ll hand you a mask.
    4. Our team will be in protective gear – gown, gloves, mask and goggles.
    5. We will take you back to a sterilized treatment room to get swabbed.
    6. Then we will see you out, asking you to take the elevator alone. 
    7. We sanitize all points of contact in the office with EPA-approved decontamination supplies.

Your well-being is always at the center of our practice here at Sentinel Primary Care.

A word about testing…

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has expanded testing criteria for COVID-19 for the following criteria:

  • Have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days; OR
  • Have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative rapid flu test

*As of March 20, 2020 the test results were taking 5 – 6 days.

Resources:

NCDHHS – Coronavirus COVID-19

NIH – Coronavirus COVID-19

CDC Guidelines on COVID-19 Prevention

CDC Guidelines on What to Do if You Are Sick

Read Dr. O’Connell’s Q&A about Coronavirus COVID-19.

About Sentinel Primary Care

Sentinel Primary Care has offices in Brier Creek, just off the highways for easy access. Dr. O’Connell has been seeing patients who needed testing for COVID-19, and his office has adopted protocols that protect patients and staff during the pandemic. As a “direct primary care” practice, members can schedule a tele-health appointment for no extra charge. Those considering Sentinel Primary Care are invited to contact us to schedule a tele-health call.

To learn more about our practice view our “Meet Sentinel Primary Care” video playlist.