Coronavirus: A Message from the Providers & Staff at Dermatology Specialists of Augusta

Dermatology Specialists of Augusta takes the health and safety of our patients and staff very seriously. We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic on an ongoing basis and adjusting our policies in accordance with the latest federal and local guidance.

For patients with upcoming appointments, please do your part and plan to follow these simple stepsin order to provide the safest environment possible for you, our staff, and other patients:

• If you have a fever, are feeling unwell for any reason, or have been exposed to a known source of the coronavirus call us immediately to reschedule.
• At this time, masks are optional for patients and staff; however, if you would like our clinical staff to mask during your clinical encounter, please let the front desk know at check-in.
• Have any/all new or re-established patient paperwork filled out prior to your appointment.
• Plan to arrive on time for your appointment so that you are not overlapping with other patient appointment times.
• Respect social distancing guidelines by allowing 6 feet between yourself and others when possible.

We want to assure you that we remain committed to maintaining a clean, safe space for our patients and staff.In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and all infectious diseases, we follow infection protocols that are specifically intended to manage and contain illness.Below is a summary of the policies and safeguards we have implemented to ensure we are doing our part to ensure a safe, healthy environment in which we can continue to meet your dermatology needs.

MASKS:

Masks are to be worn by staff upon request by patients or providers while engaged in direct patient care. Otherwise, masks are optional unless.

HAND HYGIENE:

Staff are required to practice frequent hand hygiene, using soap/water for at least 20 seconds or applying hand sanitizer.

DISINFECTING AND CLEANING WORK SPACES:

Staff are required to clean and disinfect their work space, focusing on high-tough surfaces, regularly throughout the day.

SCREENINGS:

Patients and patient companions should not enter the clinic if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days.

We will be screening all patients and visitors prior to each visit. If anyone is found to be running a fever, experiencing any respiratory or flu-like symptoms, experiencing a recent loss or change in sense of smell and/or taste, recently been exposed to a known source of the coronavirus or traveled to any areas of possible exposure, you will not be allowed to enter the building. Patients experiencing any symptoms will be required to reschedule.

AIR QUALITY CONTROL:

GPS NPBI - 16 Global Plasma Solutions (GPS) units were installed in our state of the art HVAC system in April 2017. The GPS cleaning process is scientifically proven to attack and kill viruses, mold spores, and bacteria and reduce particles in the air to maximize air filtration through its needlepoint bi-polar ionization technology (NPBI) leaving us with cleaner, healthier indoor air. Additionally, we have increased air exchange within the building. Our ERV units work around the clock to maximize a constant exchange of fresh air within the building.

We look forward to continuing to meet your dermatology needs and will continue to do all we can to keep our patients, staff, and the community as a whole healthy. Please do not hesitate to speak with us regarding any questions or concerns you may have.