Safe with Us
Safe with Us
Patient safety is always our priority and we are committed to providing the highest quality care safely for our patients and staff.
A message for patients and communities.
Keeping You Safe
We understand that you may have concerns about coming to our offices or clinics for care in the new era of COVID-19. For everyone’s protection be assured we are taking extra precautions.
At Physician Offices and Outpatient Centers
If you have an appointment you can expect:
- Universal masking for patients and staff
- Symptom screening daily of employees
- Pre-screening and pre-registration of patients by phone
- Telemedicine appointments
- Changes in facilities to accommodate and promote social distancing
- Cleaning and sanitizing between appointments and nightly
- Staggering of appointments to promote social distancing
Telemedicine Appointments
For the convenience of our patients, we offer telemedicine visits with many of our primary care, behavioral health and specialist providers. Telemedicine visits allow patients to have an appointment with their providers by phone or by video on desktop or hand-held devices. Usually, telemedicine appointments are most appropriate for:
- Minor illnesses, including colds and sinus infections
- Minor injuries
- General health concerns or questions
- Non-severe symptoms from a chronic condition
There are times, however, when an in-person visit is required. Your provider will direct you as to when an office visit is best, and staff will guide you through the process to ensure your care is delivered safely and appropriately. How to get started with telemedicine (patient guide) > Note that insurance copays will be waived for COVID-19 related visits, but copays may still apply for visits covering other concerns. If you have any new concerns or any questions about COVID-19, please contact your physician’s office and we will advise you on your care.
Don’t Delay the Care You Need
We continue to safely treat patients with non-COVID-19 medical needs, especially those with acute and chronic conditions, pregnant women who need prenatal care, and children and infants including those who need their primary vaccinations. If you have a medical emergency including chest pains, difficulty breathing or symptoms of stroke, don’t delay – call 911. If you need to be seen by your doctor, don’t delay, call your provider’s office.
At Our Hospitals
When you visit MelroseWakfield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford you can expect:
- Universal masking for patients and staff
- Symptom screening daily of patients, employees and visitors
- Universal testing of patients prior to procedures and upon admission
- Changes in facilities to accommodate and promote social distancing
- Advanced cleaning and sterilization, including UV light sterilization
- Separate care areas in the ED and separate inpatient isolation units for COVID-19 patients
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The state has announced that Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout will begin on Monday, February 1, 2021.
People age 75 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine at that time. If you are a patient of a MelroseWakefield Healthcare or Tufts Medical Center Community Care, your physician’s office will contact you to make a vaccination appointment. Please do not call your doctor’s office or the hospital to schedule an appointment.
We know many of you are eager to receive the vaccination. It is our goal to vaccinate as many of our patients as possible.
If You Have Questions
We are here to answer your questions, please call your provider’s office to learn about how we are keeping you safe with us.