COVID-19

We have implemented more stringent safety procedures in an effort to keep our patients and staff safe and limit exposure to illness. Please prepare for your upcoming appointment by taking the following steps:

• We require that all patients and visitors wear a face covering at all times inside our facility.
• Refrain from bringing company with you to your appointment. If you must be accompanied during your appointment, no more than one (1) visitor is allowed. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, call your Woodlands provider prior to your appointment: (850) 696-4000.
• If you have been tested for the COVID-19 virus within the last 2 weeks, please bring your test results with you to your appointment. If you do not have or know your results, please call our offices prior to your appointment for further instructions.
• If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19 symptoms or if you have had any exposure to the virus within the past 14 days, please call our office. Our office will help make arrangements for your care, which may include a virtual visit or the postponement of your appointment.

The safety of our patients and employees is our number one concern. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus and are staying up-to-date on the latest news and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have emphasized an array of preventative measures to protect our patients and staff from exposure to illness. In addition to screening all guests prior to entering our facility, we have also:

• Implemented an internal COVID-19 task force that is continuing to closely monitor the situation.
• Placed alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout our practice for patients and employees to use frequently, in addition to hand washing.
• Implemented more stringent and frequent anti-viral cleaning of all surfaces within all practice locations including the removal of unnecessary modes of transmission (such as magazines in waiting areas).
• Mandated that all employees feeling unwell stay home.
• Asked that all patients experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus stay home from their appointment and contact their primary care provider for additional instructions.

Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus are similar to the flu and typically appear 2-14 days after exposure.  Some of the symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle Aches or Pains
• Nasal Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Diarrhea

The CDC recommends that patients exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus isolate themselves for a period of 14 days to prevent infecting others and consult a physician.

We urge you to turn to trusted, reliable sources for information about COVID-19, to help you avoid misinformation. It is important to understand the facts to avoid unnecessary or misplaced fear. We recommend these websites:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Coronavirus

World Health Organization: Coronavirus

National Cancer Institute: What People with Cancer Should Know

U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Message to Cancer Patients