Testing and Screening

Everyone is screened before entering any of our care facilities. Anyone admitted as an inpatient, or who is having a surgery or procedure, will be tested in advance for COVID-19.Most surgeries and procedures also require testing.

Our screening and testing process:

• All patients scheduled to undergo a procedure at JHM will be screened for COVID-19 risk through a series of questions.
• In addition, depending on the procedure you are scheduled for, you may be required to be tested for COVID-19.
• Since Monday, June 7, 2021, pre-procedure COVID-19 testing is no longer required for asymptomatic patients prior to undergoing the following:
  • Outpatient procedures or surgeries that do not involve administration of general anesthesia or require deep sedation
  • Colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies that are not performed in a hospital site

This means that asymptomatic patients who pass the screening questions when undergoing procedures such as cystoscopies or eye surgeries under local anesthesia will not require pre-procedure COVID-19 testing. Similarly, patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopies performed at a non-hospital ambulatory site will not be required to get COVID-19 testing, if they pass the screening questions. If you are already scheduled for testing prior to a procedure in one of the two above categories, you may be contacted so your COVID-19 test can be canceled.

Pre-procedure COVID-19 testing remains a requirement for:

1. Procedures that involve deep sedation or general anesthesia, including upper or advanced endoscopy in any setting
2. Lower endoscopy (e.g., colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies) performed in a hospital setting
3. Procedures that require an overnight stay in the hospital

We are continually reviewing our COVID-19 testing requirements, including the role of vaccination, and will make further adjustments as it is safe to do so.

Anyone testing positive is isolated safely from other patients, or we postpone their surgery or procedure for later. We also screen every staff member, every day.

Masks and Protective Equipment

Masks prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone wears a mask when they enter our facility. (Kids under 2 are offered a mask, but it is not required.) The care team is fully protected with protective equipment.

Cleaning

We frequently and thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces throughout all of our medical offices, waiting rooms, operating and procedure rooms, clinics and patient areas. We also clean exam, operating and procedure rooms after each patient. And, we wash our hands frequently — and have lots of hand sanitizer available for you, too.

Physical Distancing

We've redesigned our patient areas to ensure physical distancing, which protects you, other patients and our staff. For now, we are limiting who may accompany a patient into our care facilities. Be sure to read our visitor guidelines. We will return to our patient-centered visitor policies as soon as possible.