COVID-19 Letter

Dear Patient,

Governor Hogan announced that all non-emergent care is permitted as of May 7th, 2020.

As medical professionals, we are trained to place the well-being and safety of our patients above all else, and that commitment to your health and safety is central to every decision made during this challenging time. We are closely monitoring all developments related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are strictly adhering to all guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as our state health department.

Patients and practices are now free to elect necessary endoscopic procedures that may have been delayed. We pledge to provide a safe and comforting outpatient experience for every patient in our center.
Though restrictions are easing, we remain committed to ongoing safety and prevention of illness transmission.
Please be aware of our enhanced infection control measures to ensure your health:

Everyone must wear a cloth face covering or mask upon entry into our center.

• Everyone must use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving our center. Please use our provided sanitizer. It is the most important prevention measure! Hand sanitizer, tissues, and lined trash receptacles may be found in all areas for use by our patients.
• Patients must be screened prior to and on the day of their procedure for fever and flu symptoms. We perform the same screenings for every staff member, every day. Anyone with fever or flu symptoms will be asked to reschedule their procedure.
• Every member of our staff has also received CDC generated training about COVID-19, and about personal protective equipment. Policies and postings are changed as guidelines evolve. 
• No one other than the patient may wait in our center. We require patients to provide name and number of responsible adult driving patient home at the time of check-in. We ask that all patient rides wait outside of the center and be available within 15 minutes to ensure patients leave the center when they are ready to be discharged. Any exceptions to this requirement must be approved in advance.
• We have always prided ourselves on a clean, safe office environment. Now more than ever, cleaning and disinfection is of paramount importance. EPA registered cleaning materials are used frequently throughout the day on all surfaces in all patient care areas and office spaces. High touch surfaces like door handles, exam chairs and tables, and restrooms are given special attention.
• Our waiting areas no longer offer magazines or pamphlets since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
• Each patient will be given a new disposable pen to sign all required paperwork.
• We have completed the required self-certification mandated by the Maryland State Health Department and have posted this certification in our reception area.

Be assured we remain fully prepared to evaluate and care for all of our patients, and we are taking all possible precautions to protect our patients, their families, our staff, and our communities. Thank you for your support and cooperation with these efforts.