COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Patient Safety Message

The Institute clinic and physical therapy are open and seeing patients. We are working within a reduced schedule to make sure that we can match resources with the needs of our patients. All surgery, except emergencies, are currently on hold. This is both for patient safety and to assure that all community health resources can be focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (Corona virus). To minimize exposure to our other patients and staff, we are asking our patients who are sick, patients that have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or patients that have traveled to one of the high-risk areas to please cancel your appointment. Also, please limit the number of people you bring to our office to 1 support person (if the patient is college age or younger, both parents can come). Do not bring a sick family member with you to the office.

Per CDC recommendations, we are wearing facial coverings and we ask that when you come to our office, that you wear one as well. We are monitoring body temperatures of all staff and patients as they come into the Institute. Anyone with an elevated temperature or that refuses to wear a facial covering will be asked to leave.

What we can do to help ourselves?

1. CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
2. Per Executive Order 27, Tennesseans are required to stay at home unless engaging in essential services or essential activities. Stay home!
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand rub) for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
4. Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
5. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough or sneeze into your elbow.

1. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Clean your phone often.
3. If you live with children or others who don’t wash their hands sufficiently (assist them in hand washing), consider washing towels after every use or using paper towels in your kitchen and main bathroom.

If you have questions or concerns about the virus the TN Department of Health has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The hotline number is 877-857-2945 and will be available from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Central daily.

Below are links to additional resources and guidance:

TN Department of Health

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 30 Days to Slow the Spread