HIP KIDS COVID-19 Preparedness

We understand that when there is a health concern affecting our community, it is important for us, as your physicians, to help give accurate resources helpful to our patients. We are also doing everything in our power to prevent exposure to children under our care. We want to let families know what we are doing to ensure the best care for our patients. Some of the following infection protocols we already do routinely, others we are implementing now due to potential increased risk of Covid-19.

CURRENTLY YOUR CHILD’S RISK IS LOW ACCORDING TO DEPT of HEALTH : https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home

https://www.maricopa.gov/5460/Coronavirus-Disease-2019 We want to reassure you that we are keeping abreast of the potential concerns that our families may have, as we also share your concerns for our staff and own families.

The following are current policies that are in place:

• All sick patients with fever and cough will be screened when making an appointment. If any history of foreign or domestic travel to high-risk areas in the past 14 days, or known exposure to someone with COVID-19, they will be directed to the Arizona Health Department and considered HIGH RISK. Please be patient with us as we are unable to schedule everyone at the time of calls in order to implement this screening protocol. This is for everyone’s safety.

• All fever and cough patients will be entering the sick exam room and masks provided. If anyone in your family is symptomatic, you will be required to wear masks in our facility at all times.

• All exam room surfaces including beds and chairs are wiped down with anti-viral disinfectants between patients. We have always done this, and continue to clean high use areas between patients.

• Our medical staff is receiving additional training on respiratory droplet precautions.

• Our physicians are staying abreast of all communications from our health department and children’s hospital in order to have the most up to date information.

• New signage on our lobby doors inform high risk (see above criteria) patients to NOT ENTER and directs them to return to their cars and call us for further instructions.