Frequently Asked Questions:
Many of you may have questions regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect your treatment. Below are 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 have begun 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 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 in the letter from our CEO.
Question: Should I wear a mask when I am out in public to protect myself from COVID-19?
- Answer: The CDC has issued recommendations regarding cloth masks for non-healthcare workers. They are recommending the public to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Based on the CDC recommendation, we suggest patients wear a face covering while receiving treatments in our clinics as well.
- The CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
- The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
- Please be prepared to provide your own cloth face covering or mask. You are required to wear a mask upon entering our clinics unless you have a medical reason not to. In that case, we will make necessary arrangements. If you are unable to bring in your own mask, we will make every effort to provide you with a medical mask as our supply allows.
- Please click to read the full article from the CDC, which includes instructions on how to make the homemade face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Question: I recently traveled. Can I still receive my infusion treatment?
- Answer: If you have recently traveled you can still receive your infusion so long as you show no signs and symptoms of infection and you wear facial covering or a mask. In addition, you may be asked to sit in a location that provides greater social distancing.
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.
- Click here for more information from the CDC on COVID-19 disease prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html