March 19, 2020
COVID-19 and Infusion Treatments – FAQs
Many of you may have questions regarding how the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation affects your infusion treatments. Below we are providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Question: Is Palmetto Infusion open and operational?
Answer: Yes, our clinics are fully operational under our normal hours.
Question: Should I skip my infusions until this outbreak is over?
Answer: When a patient skips treatment, they put themselves at risk of disease breakthrough or a relapse which could result in a hospital admission. It is our goal to treat our patients successfully in our clinics, and avoid hospitalization if possible, knowing our hospitals are likely to begin treating COVID-19 patients.
Question: What should I do if I have signs or symptoms of infection?
Answer: Our Clinical Support Technicians will continue to pre-screen patients for signs and symptoms of infection at the time of scheduling an appointment. Additionally, if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact our scheduling department at 1-800-809-1265 immediately. The appointment will not be scheduled until all signs and symptoms have resolved.
Question: What if I have questions regarding my medications?
Answer: Please contact Palmetto Infusion at 1-800-809-1265 and ask to speak with one of our pharmacists about your medication.
Question: What should I do if I am experiencing fever, cough or other signs of illness and have an upcoming appointment at an infusion center?
Answer: Please contact our scheduling department at 1-800-809-1265 to cancel and reschedule your appointment. For your safety and the safety of others, we will not allow anyone in the clinic who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an active infection.
Question: What is my risk of getting COVID-19 at my infusion center?
Answer: The staff at Palmetto Infusion is experienced in caring for patients with weakened immune systems, and we have strict infection prevention plans in place to keep patients safe. Infection prevention plans are used all year, every year, to protect patients and healthcare workers from illnesses like the common cold and the flu. Palmetto Infusion’s Infection Prevention Plan includes all of the measures outlined above.
Question: Should I wear a mask when I am out in public to protect myself from COVID-19?
Answer: The CDC does not currently recommend that the general public wear face masks or respirators to protect themselves from COVID-19. Person-to-person spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 usually occurs from close contact (within 6 feet). Additionally, face masks supply is limited, and masks are needed for patients with COVID-19 illness and the families and healthcare workers caring for infected patients.
Question: How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
Answer: The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to use the same everyday strategies recommended to prevent the spread of similar illnesses like the common cold or the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Practice social distancing.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately throw it away. If a tissue is unavailable, use your bent elbow.
- Try to avoid touching your face (to keep germs out of your nose, mouth, and eyes).
- Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home with a household disinfectant.
- Wash your hands. Yes, we’ve listed this twice! Handwashing is the very best way to prevent the spread of infection.
Should you have additional questions, please contact your local clinic, or email us at [email protected].
At Palmetto Infusion, the care and safety of our patients and staff is, as always, our highest priority. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will respond quickly regarding any updates to our clinics and processes.
Read more about our response to COVID-19 from our CEO.
About Palmetto Infusion:
Since its founding in 1999, Palmetto Infusion has established a reputation for providing excellent care and services to both home infusion and ambulatory clinic patients, providing safe, convenient, and affordable treatment options for patients living with chronic and acute diseases. With a well-established home infusion business and more than 40 ambulatory infusion clinics across the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia, Palmetto Infusion is the trusted provider of infusion services in the Southeast.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Carrie Barnwell, Marketing Director, [email protected]