Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) places the highest priority on the safety of our patients, staff and providers, while maintaining high-quality clinical care at all our facilities. In an effort to protect everyone, we ask that you work with us to minimize the risk of infection and spreading of germs.
For information on the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please go to www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
Should I keep my appointment with my SCOI provider?
Yes. Patients face no additional risk in our facilities. Please keep existing appointments, unless you are feeling unwell. If you are experiencing a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please contact our office at (818) 901-6600 to reschedule your appointment. All of our clinics, surgery centers, and other facilities remain open to serve the musculoskeletal needs of the community.
Should I wear a facemask?
There is no need to wear a facemask unless you have symptoms of an airborne infectious disease or are in prolonged close contact (about three feet) with a contagious person. Outside of these circumstances, the CDC does not recommend use of a facemask by members of the general public.
What is the current level of risk for novel Coronavirus?
The CDC says the immediate health risk to the general public in the U.S. is low, even as additional cases are expected. For most people, the novel coronavirus produces a mild illness, and many of those infected don’t even know they have it. As with influenza, in some cases it can lead to serious illness such as pneumonia and death. It appears that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are most susceptible.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of the novel coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Contact your primary care physician if you experience these symptoms and meet the criteria for exposure as determined by the CDC. Public health authorities will determine if you should be tested.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
Public health officials recommend the following steps to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough into your elbow or a tissue and not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home and do not travel or report to work.
What is SCOI doing to protect patients?
- All exam rooms, tables, etc. are disinfected between patients.
- All commonly used surfaces are disinfected multiple times per day.
- Rigorous hand hygiene protocol is enforced for all providers and staff.
- We are screening all patients for symptoms and travel history. Those patients with symptoms or travel exposure risk will be asked to leave and reschedule their appointment, and to contact their primary care physician or local ER for care and guidance. In the rare instance when the appointment is for a musculoskeletal emergency/urgency, we adhere to rigorous CDC and public health protocols designed to prevent transmission.