Updates from USA Health on COVID-19

Updates from USA Health | Public Resources | Employee Resources

Updates also are being provided by the University of South Alabama and the USA Student Health Center. For additional information, please also visit the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Important Notices

COVID-19 Testing: USA Health is providing COVID-19 testing at Ladd-Peebles Stadium for anyone with a medical referral and a scheduled appointment. To request an appointment, please call 1-888-USA-2650. For COVID-19 testing collected by USA Health, the cash price is $75. At present, all avenues are being pursued to prevent any out of pocket costs for patients.

Visitation Guidelines for USA Health University Hospital: Effective Monday, May 25, at 6 p.m., University Hospital will no longer allow essential caregivers/visitors inside the hospital. Updates and discharge instructions will be provided via telephone and printed material.

Reminder: If You're Sick

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.

Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for Coronavirus.

Updated Visitation Guidelines for USA Health University Hospital

Updated May 22, 2020

Effective Monday, May 25, at 6 p.m., University Hospital will no longer allow essential caregivers/visitors inside the hospital. Updates and discharge instructions will be provided via telephone and printed material.

USA Health safely treating patients in medical offices, hospitals and with telehealth

Published April 28, 2020

As the Mobile region is at or nears its peak for COVID-19 cases, USA Health has implemented a number of measures to make things as safe as possible for patients and healthcare staff in its medical offices and hospitals.

"We have recreated our schedules and enhanced safety protocols to meet the needs of our patients in a safe and secure way," said Michael Chang, M.D., chief medical officer for USA Health. "We are vigorously screening before patients come in and we've moved about a third of our visits to telehealth appointments. We are prepared to safely see patients."

Essential to the community, USA Health remains open for patients at more than a dozen physician office locations in Mobile and Baldwin County and at USA Health's University Hospital and Children's & Women's Hospital.

USA Health, the only academic health system in the region, has recorded a limited number of patients testing positive for COVID-19. The health system also has recorded a small number of employees who have tested positive for the virus.

USA Health was an early adopter of preventive measures, Chang said, including updating visitor policies, limiting access to medical offices and hospital facilities, screening all employees, patients and caregivers and adopting universal masking policies.

Adapted protocols to further limit potential exposure of both patients and healthcare workers include curbside triage for both hospital emergency departments, providing masks for all patients and the adoption of no communal waiting rooms for patients to sit in at the hospitals.

In outpatient settings, USA Health waiting rooms feature significantly separated chairs wherever possible. While no other adult visitors can accompany patients, children are allowed to be with their parents.

The preferred method for patients waiting at an outpatient medical office is after checking in, patients wait in their vehicles until called to the examining rooms by a USA Health staff member.

USA Health continues to follow protocols set forth by the national Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) as the COVID-19 outbreak continues.

Caring Connections Sends Messages to Patients and Employees

Published April 22, 2020

USA Health's new Caring Connections Program allows members of the community to send words of encouragement and kind thoughts to patients and employees at our facilities.

Using the program's online form, community members can choose to send general messages that will be shared with all patients and employees or to send individual messages that will be delivered personally.

Updated Hospital Visitation Guidelines per Alabama Department of Public Health

Updated April 10, 2020

ADULT INPATIENT: No visitors for adult inpatients are allowed in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. One designated caregiver per patient who is essential for care will be allowed. An essential caregiver is not allowed for any patient in isolation or in the ICU. No visitors are allowed, but there will be updates given via telephone.
PEDIATRIC INPATIENT: No more than 2 designated caregivers are allowed for pediatrics and only 1 per patient at one time. One designated caregiver will be allowed for any pediatric patient in isolation. The designated caregiver will be required to stay in isolation along with the patient.
MATERNITY: 1 designated caregiver allowed per patient.
Each person will be screened for symptoms of respiratory illness. No one will be allowed to enter if they have any flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, or fever (100.4 or higher).
No children under the age of 18 will be allowed to enter unless it is addressed by above special circumstances.
Pregnant, immunocompromised, or elderly (age >60) visitors and siblings will be discouraged from entering (of those allowed per these guidelines).
Visitors in violation of these rules will be removed from the premises.
In the event of the need for a family meeting for the discussion of basic medical decision-making, family members will be asked to participate by phone from home.

USA Health opens public testing site at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Monday, April 6

Updated April 8, 2020

USA Health will open its COVID-19 appointment-only drive-through testing site to the public on Monday, April 6, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Potential patients will be required to be screened over the phone to determine if testing is needed. If that’s the case, patients will be given appointment times for testing. The phone number for the public to call is 1-888-USA-2650. This number will be activated at 8 a.m. April 6 and will be answered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

No one will be admitted to the site for testing without an appointment and proper identification.

“As the region’s only academic health system, we are so excited to be partnering with the City of Mobile to provide this much needed service to the people of our region,” said Michelle Dudley, executive director of practice management for USA Health and assistant vice president for medical affairs at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “The desire and ability of people in both of our organizations to determine how best to set up this remote testing site and then to accomplishment it is so gratifying. This, along with all the other measures put in place recently, will make a difference.”

The stadium also will continue to be the testing site for USA Health employees and patients who have been screened and approved for testing. USA Health patients should contact their USA Health provider if they believe they need to be tested.

At the site

Entry is on the East side of the stadium. Signs are in place for way finding.
Patients should remain in their cars with the windows rolled up.
To confirm identity, patients will be asked for their driver’s license and insurance card.
A healthcare worker will come to the window, at which time the patient should roll it down.
The healthcare worker will swab the inside of the patient’s nose and/or throat.
After the procedure, the car window should be rolled back up. Patients should exit the testing site on the West side of the stadium.
Information on how to quarantine, according to CDC guidelines, will be provided.

Testing

USA Health anticipates test results within 72 hours, but this will be determined by the volume of tests and the ability of the testing lab to process samples.
An information sheet will be provided on how to sign up via the USA Health patient portal to view test results. Those who test positive will be contacted and provided further healthcare instruction.

Mobile Diagnostic Center now seeing USA employees on the weekend

Published April 2, 2020

USA Health's Mobile Diagnostic Center now is seeing USA Health and University of South Alabama employees on the weekend. Additionally, MDC providers will welcome first responders and current MDC patients. Call (251) 633-8880.

USA Health launches virtual visits for new and existing patients

Published March 26, 2020

With the safety and convenience of patients in mind during the COVID-19 outbreak, USA Health is now providing virtual visits for new and established patients with basic medical needs. The virtual visits can be for initial consultations, post-operation follow-ups, and other health needs that don’t require an in-person visit.

Virtual visits are patient appointments conducted by using audio-visual technologies such as a smart phone with video capabilities that allow a patient and a healthcare provider to interact without physical contact. Participants must have an email address and computer or phone with a camera to take part.

To make an appointment or schedule a virtual visit, call 251-434-3711.

Shelby Smith, director of care access at USA Health, said healthcare providers and staff members have been quick to respond to the need of moving to virtual visits.

“By moving quickly, it has allowed us to demonstrate the commitment to our patients, community and USA Health employees that the safety and well-being of all is of highest priority,” Smith said. “When the dust settles, I am confident that the insights our health system has learned through this rapid response to operationalize virtual visits will help us further develop a great long-term telemedicine strategy.”

News Release: USA Health update for March 17

Published March 17, 2020

MOBILE, Ala. (March 17, 2020) Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, USA Health is taking all reasonable precautions to keep our community safe and informed based on guidance from experts in public health and infectious disease. Please see below for interim policy changes and event cancellations.

REMINDER: Screenings continue at USA Health hospitals, medical offices

Because of the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak, beginning today, March 17, all visitors and patients to USA Health facilities will be screened for symptoms and possible exposure. This is NOT testing for the virus. Please note the likely additional of time this will take for patients heading for appointments. Only one visitor per patient.

Children’s & Women’s Hospital and University Hospital have reduced the number of access points for patients and visitors, who should follow the directional signage at those facilities.

Cancellations

Cancer Support Groups
The monthly BFF and SOS cancer support groups at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute have been cancelled.

Postponements

All of Us Research Program
The All of Us Research Program will be suspended by Wednesday, March 18th, and tentatively resume on Thursday, April 16.

Blood donations urgently needed

Forced cancellations of blood drives due to COVID-19 continue to negatively impact the blood supply, which endangers those needing transfusions. Anyone in good health is encouraged to donate. To find a location, visit lifesouth.org.

Policy Changes Reminder

As a reminder, USA Health – including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – altered its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. This restriction applies to non-essential volunteers, vendors and drug representatives.

No visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

News Release: USA Health hospitals announce patient and visitor screening policies

Published March 16, 2020

MOBILE, Ala. (March 16, 2020) Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, USA Health is taking all reasonable precautions to keep our community safe and informed based on guidance from experts in public health and infectious disease. Please see below for interim policy changes and event cancellations.

Visitor screenings at USA Health hospitals

Because of the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak, beginning at 6 a.m. on March 17, all visitors and patients to USA Health facilities will be screened for symptoms and possible exposure. This is NOT testing for the virus. Please note the likely additional of time this will take for patients heading for appointments. Only one visitor per patient.

Appointments only for All of Us Research Program

The All of Us Research Program will no longer accept walk-in appointments at any enrollment site including the Mastin Professional Building, Strada Patient Care Center and Stanton Road Clinic. All meetings will be by appointment only. Those with scheduled appointments will be pre-screened the day before to ensure they are symptom-free. For information, call is 251-471-7708.

Event Cancellations

Seventh Annual Neuroscience Symposium
The symposium planned for April 3-5 at the Pensacola Beach Hilton has been cancelled.

Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Support Group
Monthly support groups at USA Health University Hospital have been cancelled.

Community Classes
All community classes at Children’s & Women’s Hospital have been canceled for March 2020.

Postponed Events

Freestanding Emergency Department Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for USA Health's new Freestanding Emergency Department on 171 Hillcrest Road, scheduled for March 31 at 10 a.m., has been postponed. Details to follow when the event is rescheduled.

Eleventh annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium
The 11th annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium has been postponed until August 18-19, 2020. If you have already registered, your ticket will be honored at the symposium in August. Find more information at usahealthsystem.com/trauma-symposium.

Autism Matters Conference
The Autism Matters Conference planned for March 20 at the Orange Beach Event Center has been postponed. Follow the Autism Society of Alabama on Facebook for updates.

Policy Changes

As a reminder, USA Health – including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – altered its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. This restriction applies to non-essential volunteers, non-essential vendors and drug representatives.

No visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

News Release: USA Health updates visitor policy, postpones tours and cancels events

Published March 13, 2020

MOBILE, Ala. (March 13, 2020) In light of the current outbreak of COVID-19 and the fact that the World Health Organization has now declared it a global pandemic, we are taking all reasonable precautions to keep our community safe and informed. Based on the expanding global outbreak and guidance from experts in public health and infectious disease, please see below for interim policy changes and event cancellations.

Policy Changes

USA Health Clinics, Hospitals, Medical Offices

Starting today, March 13, 2020, USA Health – which includes University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – will alter its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. This restriction applies to non-essential volunteers, vendors and drug representatives.

No visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

USA Health Hospitals

USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital and University Hospital are temporarily suspending all group visits and tours until further notice. To make arrangements for donations, please call volunteer services for Children’s & Women’s at 415-1123 or for University Hospital at 471-7265.

Event Cancellations

Touch-A-Truck
Previously planned for Saturday, March 14 at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Match Day
Previously planned for Friday, March 20 at Christ United Methodist Church.

St. Baldrick’s
St. Baldrick’s, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research planned for Sunday, March 22 on the campus of Children’s & Women’s Hospital, will transition to a virtual event through Facebook live. More details will be available on the Facebook event page soon.

Med School Café
Previously planned for March 27 at Strada Patient Care Center.

USA Health alters patient visitor policies

Published March 13, 2020

Starting today, March 13, 2020, USA Health – which includes University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and all USA Health outpatient clinics – will alter its patient visitor policies. Each patient will be permitted no more than one (1) visitor at a time. Further, no visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be permitted in the facilities. No visitors will be allowed for patients who have a pending or positive COVID-19 test. Further, we strongly recommend that children not visit patients in our facilities at this time.

This new policy will be in place until the spread of COVID-19 no longer is perceived as a threat to patients, staff and our community.

These restrictions were put into place after careful consideration of the best proactive prevention strategies based on Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommendations as well as consultation with our infectious diseases specialists.

As an organization that emphasizes patient-centered care, we recognize that this policy deviates from our daily processes, but at the same time, we feel this is a critical precaution to help keep our community safe during the COVID-19 situation.

University of South Alabama transitioning to online courses

Published March 13, 2020

On March 13, USA President Tony Waldrop shared several major announcements about the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a transition to online classes. Please read his letters to employees, students and faculty at USA’s coronavirus homepage.

Information for patients of USA Health's hospitals and outpatient clinics

Published March 12, 2020

With the likelihood of COVID-19 cases occurring in our community, there is the potential for an increased number of patients in area emergency rooms. We encourage patients with non-emergency situations to seek treatment elsewhere. If you do have an emergency, please call ahead. You can reach the University Hospital Emergency Department at (251) 471-7300 and the Children's & Women's Emergency Department at (251) 415-1144.

Patients of USA Health's outpatient clinics also should call to reschedule appointments if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing; if you have been in contact with a person known to have Coronavirus; or if you traveled to an area with ongoing spread.

Most importantly, wherever you receive care, always call ahead and notify your healthcare professionals before your arrival if you develop the symptoms listed above and/or have possible been exposed to Coronavirus.

Reminders for employees about privacy and security

Published March 10, 2020

USA Health employees should follow all privacy regulations carefully and watch for online security threats as events unfold related to the coronavirus.

HIPAA

USA Health employees are reminded to protect the health information of all patients at all USA Health entities. Any information regarding potential COVID-19 cases will be managed by the Mobile County Health Department, the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in conjunction with USA Health administration.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule, implemented after the passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, sets national standards for the protection of certain health information. HIPAA fines or penalties can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation.

Phishing emails

Be wary of any email with a coronavirus theme that asks recipients to click on a link or open an attachment. It could be a phishing attack to seek to trick users into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware, according to University of South Alabama information security officials.

“In one campaign, the phishing email reportedly impersonates the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warning of new infections and promising to provide a list of active infections in the surrounding area if users click on a link,” said Mark Wilson, director of information security at the university’s Computer Services Center. “Other phishing emails ask recipients to open an attachment to view safety measures regarding the spread of the virus.”

He said that file types confirmed to be exploited in this campaign include PDF, mp4 and DocX. Malicious links may also point to a Google Doc.

So far, no USA employees have reported coronavirus-related phishing emails, but such emails should be forwarded to hsis.emailreview@health.southalabama.edu.

Among other tips:

Never click on links or open attachments without first making sure the request is authentic.
Chances are if the email looks “phishy,” it probably is. If in doubt and you know the sender, call them independently to verify authenticity.
Never call or text a phone number included in a suspicious email or reply to the sender.

What you need to know about Coronavirus and prevention…

Published March 5, 2020

Coronavirus is a new disease and we are still learning how it may spread, the severity of illness it can cause, and to what extent it may spread in the United States. However, what we do know is Coronavirus is a severe acute respiratory virus that is spread between people in a similar way to the flu, via respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically five days but may range from two to fourteen days. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Recommended preventive measures include…

Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Maintaining distance from people who are sick
Monitoring and self-isolation (home isolation) for 14 days for individuals who suspect they are infected
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

What to do if you are sick…

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread
Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact
Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for Coronavirus

Everyone can play an active role in protecting yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like Coronavirus.

A letter from Dr. Michael Chang, Chief Medical Officer

Published March 2, 2020

As many of you know, there are reported cases of COVID-19 within the continental United States. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been closely monitoring this disease and communicating regularly with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At this time these agencies recommend that people who meet travel definitions and/or suspect they have COVID-19 contact them immediately. USA Health is taking every precaution to provide for the safety of our patients and staff. We participated in a call yesterday with ADPH and we will continue to be in constant contact with them, as well as other healthcare providers in our state. We will be communicating regularly with you to provide updates as we receive them to ensure you are prepared for a possible outbreak. ADPH has been working on prevention since mid-January, while also working on a plan in case of a possible outbreak and is confident that we have a good plan in place.

We recently re-engaged the Serious Infectious Disease Task Force under the leadership of Lisa Mestas, USA Health Chief Nursing Officer, and Teresa Aikens, Director of Infection Control and Prevention for University Hospital. They have included leadership from both hospitals, the clinics, the Mitchell Cancer Institute and USA Student Health. This team is revising the existing plan from previous potential outbreaks like the Zika virus, to be used for a possible outbreak of COVID-19 in our area. This team will provide additional communication, training and education in the near future. You can expect to receive frequent updates from the task force as we finalize our plan and as new developments are received from ADPH and/or CDC.

Employee Recommendations

If someone meets the ADPH criteria for a potential COVID-19 infection, then the person should be moved to a private room while practicing standard contact and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection. Next, notify your supervisor immediately.

ADPH Screening Criteria

Person has traveled to China or one of the affected areas listed on the CDC website; healthcare worker with a recent exposure to a confirmed novel Coronavirus patient. AND
Experience one or more symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Additional Information

Please recognize that this is a dynamic and ever-changing situation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your supervisor for assistance. We also suggest referring to the following list of resources as they are updated frequently.

What can you do now?

Routinely disinfect work areas and practice standard cleaning techniques.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue.
Get the flu vaccine if you have not already done so.
Avoid visiting people who are sick.
If you are sick, notify your supervisor immediately.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).