In-Person Appointments and Procedures
During the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic University of Maryland Medical System postponed many in-person appointments and elective surgeries, as mandated by the statewide lockdown.
As the state has eased restrictions, UMMS has put in place enhanced safety measures. This means we can now offer in-person medical care in our hospitals and at our provider practices.
- Many postponed visits are still being rescheduled as telemedicine appointments.
- To find out if your healthcare appointment should be conducted via telemedicine or in person, contact your provider's office.
- Elective surgeries that were delayed, or new ones, are being scheduled using an established criteria that takes into account the health and safety of all our community members.
Keeping Patients Safe
These are the ways we are keeping you and our staff safe when you visit our facilities.
Visitor Restrictions
The fewer people in our facilities means a lower chance of transmission of the virus. To limit the number of people, we have in place temporary restrictions that limit the number of people who can come to an appointment.
Online Check-In
The paperwork you would normally fill out at an in-person office visit can now be done conveniently online through our eCheck-In process in your Patient Portal. This decreases the amount of time you spend in your physician's waiting room, allowing you to better practice recommended social distancing measures for your safety. Learn more about the eCheck-In process.
Universal Masking
Everyone entering an UMMS facility must wear a mask at all times and in all areas. If you have a mask please bring it with you. If you do not have one, we will give you one. Read about our universal masking policy.
Symptom Screening
Patients, visitors and staff are being screened for symptoms upon entry. The screening you experience may vary by provider and facility. If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, you should contact your doctor prior to coming to a medical facility to find out about how to be tested for the virus.
Social Distancing
We have reconfigured many of our spaces to allow for people to practice social distancing and remain 6 feet apart. We will only have as many staff members in an exam room as needed. Some locations may have other precautions in place, such as waiting in the car or in alternative waiting rooms.
Frequent Cleaning
We are frequently cleaning and disinfecting all areas of our facilities using products that are effective against the coronavirus. This includes waiting rooms, exam rooms and all common spaces.
Hand sanitizer is available for your use, and medical staff wash their hands before and after contact with patients.
Testing
In order to ensure that we take proper precautions around anyone with COVID-19, we are prioritizing testing for admitted patients with symptoms and those with and without symptoms who come from nursing homes.
Additionally, surgical, obstetric and behavioral health patients will be tested, regardless of whether they are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus.