Internet Explorer no longer supports some features of our website. For best results, use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
(828) 262-4100
ARHS partners with local law enforcement to provide face masks for the community

ARHS partners with local law enforcement to provide face masks for the community

ARHS donates masks to local law enforcement

Photo (left to right): Captain Kelly Redmon, Chief Deputy for the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Len Hagaman, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Chuck Mantooth, President & CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Andy Le Beau, Police Chief of Boone Police Department, and Aaron Miller, Police Chief of Blowing Rock Police Department.

On Friday, June 26, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order went into effect requiring face masks be worn in public spaces where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. To help the community adhere to this requirement, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) donated 800 washable, reusable cloth face masks for local law enforcement officers to distribute as needed. Face masks will soon be donated to Avery County law enforcement officers as well.

The donated face masks will enable law enforcement officers to use a problem-solving approach to the enforcement of the order, offering a face mask to those without one. Hopefully, these additional mask resources can turn a potential confrontation into an opportunity to help keep the community safe.

“We realize that we have a role to play in supporting our law enforcement officers who are responsible for enforcing the mask requirement,” said Chuck Mantooth, President and CEO of ARHS. “This is a good opportunity for us to give back to the community and reinforce the importance of the three Ws – wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing hands.”

ARHS, Appalachian District Health Department (AppHealthCare), and other local businesses have been partnering to promote the “Show Your Love” campaign, highlighting the importance of following the three Ws. “At this time it is imperative that our community continue to come together to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and ARHS is committed to doing what we can,” Mantooth said.

“Boone Police are grateful for our partnership with ARHS. It is our duty to respond to violations of the Governor’s Executive Order requiring masks to be worn in many circumstances,” said Andy Le Beau, Chief of Police of the Boone Police Department. “The first part of our duty is to educate citizens about the requirement. With the masks supplied by ARHS we can now hand them a mask as well as provide education. We have many visitors from other areas who simply are not informed about the requirements. This supply of masks not only makes our job easier, but helps make our community safer.”

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, “law enforcement personnel cannot criminally enforce the face covering requirements of this order against individual workers, customers, or patrons. However, if a business or organization does not allow entry to a worker, customer, or patron because that person refuses to wear a face covering, and if that worker, customer, or patron enters the premises or refuses to leave the premises, law enforcement personnel may enforce the trespassing laws.”

To learn more about how ARHS is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit apprhs.org/covid19.

COVID-19 Testing in Watauga and Avery Counties

COVID-19 Testing in Watauga and Avery Counties

Who can get tested?

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should consider getting tested. NCDHHS issued updated guidance on who should be tested for COVID-19. The new guidance recommends that clinicians test any patient in whom COVID-19 is suspected.

Symptoms include: fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste/smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea.

If you are experiencing severe, life threatening symptoms (for example, severe difficulty breathing, altered thinking, blue lips), seek immediate medical care or call 9-1-1.

 

How to get tested

DO NOT come to the Emergency Department for COVID-19 symptoms unless you have trouble breathing. For non-life-threatening symptoms, call your primary care provider, health department, urgent care, or telemedicine provider.

If you are sick and unsure if you should get tested, please call your primary healthcare provider or one of the medical offices below.

Should I get tested for COVID-19?

1. Call a healthcare provider

If you do not have a provider, you may call one of the offices below. You may also connect with RelyMD telehealth online at relymd.com/covidarhs on your computer or mobile device. Use coupon code BEWELLARHS for a $49 RelyMD visit.

2. Provider refers for testing, if needed

If the provider determines that you meet the criteria for testing, he/she will help you make your appointment at a testing location in Watauga or Avery County. Please DO NOT travel to the testing location without an appointment.

3. Follow instructions after testing

If your test is positive for COVID-19, you will need to be isolated for 14 days. The testing facility will provide education for you and your family whether you test positive for the virus or not.

AppFamily Medicine

AppFamily Medicine

148 Hwy 105 Extension, Suite 102
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 386-2222
Fax: (828) 386-2223
Visit website

Baker Center for Primary Care

Baker Center for Primary Care

436 Hospital Drive, Suite 230
Linville, NC 28646
Phone: (828) 737-7711
Fax: (828) 737-7713
Visit website

Elk River Medical Associates

150 Park Avenue
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Phone: (828) 898-5177
Fax: (828) 898-8306
Visit website

Billing and Insurance Information

ARHS provider visits (in-person or telehealth) will be covered by your insurance just as a normal office visit would. If testing is needed, it will be billed separately.

If you do not have health insurance:

  • Call your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). If you feel you may have COVID-19, be sure to disclose that when you call to obtain an appointment. FQHCs are community-based health care providers that receive federal funds to provide needed health services in communities across the state.
  • Apply for Financial Assistance with Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.  Call the Financial Counseling Office at (828) 262-4110.

 

 

COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Cash Price: $98

Initial office visit is NOT included in the COVID-19 cash price. During the COVID-19 emergency period declared by the Public Health Act, providers are required to make public the cash prices for the diagnostic test for COVID-19 [Reference: CARES Act Sec. 3202]. 
 
NOTE: All healthcare providers and testing facilities are required to report all positive results to the health department.
ARHS allows one designated visitor per patient within specific guidelines

ARHS allows one designated visitor per patient within specific guidelines

Emergency EntranceEffective June 10th, each patient at Watauga Medical Center (WMC) and Cannon Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be able to designate one visitor/advocate to accompany them during their hospital stay between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The designated visitor must be the same person for the duration of the patient’s hospital stay, and another visitor cannot be substituted if the designated visitor is unable to come on any given day. The designated visitor is encouraged to bring any required medication and personal hygiene items with them.

“We are closely monitoring those coming in and out of our facilities to ensure the utmost safety for our patients and staff,” said Amy Crabbe, Chief Operating Officer for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

Patients and visitors should enter Watauga Medical Center through the Emergency Entrance for temperature check and registration.

Each designated visitor must:

• Be age 13 or older.
• Have their temperature checked by ARHS staff at the facility entrance.
• Bring their own face covering and wear it at all times.
• Stay at the facility in the patient’s room.

Visitors may not come and go from the facility multiple times in a day. Once here, they should remain here for the duration of the approved visit. Upon leaving, visitors will not be able to return until the next day, or receive special permission of the House Supervisor on duty. Visitors should not be in common areas such as hallways. Cafeterias are closed for visitors; however, the visitor may request a complimentary guest tray for each meal from our nutrition department.

“ARHS values family members and caregivers as part of each patient’s care team,” said Crabbe, “We feel it’s important, with necessary safety precautions, to allow a visitor to support each patient during their stay.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly developing situation and visitor restrictions may be subject to change based on current data as well as state and local guidance or regulations.

For more information about ARHS’s response to COVID-19, visit apprhs.org/covid19.

How to protect yourself from COVID-19:

  • Stay home
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Maintain six feet apart from others
  • If you must go in public, wear a mask
  • Cover coughs or sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces

 

Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities

Face masks required for all inside ARHS facilities

Lady with MaskOn Tuesday, April 28, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) began requiring masks for all who enter an ARHS facility. This new requirement applies to all employees, even those in non-clinical areas, patients and vendors. Additionally, in those rare instances where visitors may be allowed inside an ARHS facility, they too will be required to wear a face mask.

“We understand it may feel different to wear a mask. However, the smallest things can sometimes make the biggest difference,” said Chuck Mantooth, President and CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. “Masks help prevent people spreading COVID-19 to others before they know they are sick, and we all have a part to play in protecting each other. Our employees are leading by example because we deeply care about our community. We will continue to adapt and do everything we can to ensure the health and safety our patients, staff, vendors and visitors.”

Why is ARHS implementing this requirement? 

The CDC updated their recommendations for healthcare personnel on April 13 by communicating, “as part of source control efforts, healthcare personnel should wear a face mask at all times, while they are in the healthcare facility.”

Read more about CDC recommendations >

The Joint Commission also believes that universal masking within healthcare settings is a critical tool to protect staff and patients from being infected by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals and should be implemented in any community where coronavirus is occurring.

Read more about Joint Commission recommendations >

What type of face mask is required and how can I get one?

Patients will be encouraged to arrive wearing a cloth face mask. If they do not, they will be provided with a cloth (or OSHA approved yellow) face mask when they enter the entry checkpoints at Watauga Medical Center (WMC) and Cannon Memorial Hospital (CMH).

Patients entering an outpatient medical office will be provided with a cloth (or OSHA approved yellow) face mask at check-in.

Per CDC guidelines, face masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

If you have additional questions about wearing a face mask to your appointment, please call the appropriate facility prior to your arrival.

 

face_mask_requirements

ARHS expands access to care through new telehealth program

ARHS expands access to care through new telehealth program

Lindsey Henley, FNP-C after first telehealth visit

Lindsey Henley, FNP-C of AppGastro with her medical office assistant Kayla Welch, CMA

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) has launched a new telehealth program to ensure patients have safe, convenient access to their providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Through telehealth visits, patients can meet with a healthcare provider using a computer or mobile device from the safety of their own homes. Telehealth is most appropriate for routine visits such as simple acute care (sick visits), follow-up, wellness visits, and behavioral health concerns like depression, anxiety or grief.

Dr. Anderson after telehealth visit

Dr. Anderson of AppOrtho with his medical office assistant Amelia Lowe- CMA

Appalachian Regional Medical Associates providers have been piloting the program and are pleased with the results. Telehealth appointments are available throughout the week during regular office hours. In-person appointments will be alternated with telehealth appointments to limit the number of patients in each office in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

“We are incredibly proud of our providers and staff for moving quickly to implement this telehealth program for the benefit of our patients,” said Dr. Danielle Mahaffey, Chief Physician Executive, “They were asked to drastically adapt how they practice medicine, completed training, and began seeing patients within 14 days.”

During the telehealth visit, if the healthcare provider determines that an in-person visit is needed, they will stop the virtual visit and schedule the patient for an in-person appointment. The patient and their insurance will not be billed for the telehealth visit if an in-person appointment is required

Dr. Price

Dr. Price of Davant Medical Clinic with his medical office assistant Lacon Parsons, CMA

The first ARHS providers to utilize telehealth visits were Dr. David Kimmel of Elk River Medical Associates, Dr. Lynda Gioia-Flynt of Harmony Center for Women, and Dr. David Brendle of AppFamily Medicine. Since its launch, the program has expanded to about 30 providers throughout the healthcare system.

Dr. Steven Anderson, orthopedic surgeon at AppOrtho has been participating in telehealth visits with his patients. Patients of all ages were easily able to log on and complete the telehealth visit. “For a time like this, it’s a great way to communicate with patients while abiding by social distancing guidelines,” said Anderson, “There are also instances where telehealth makes sense in general, such as reviewing MRI results.” According to Anderson, every patient he has seen via telehealth has enjoyed the visit.

For Dr. Lynda Gioia-Flynt of Harmony Center for Women, telehealth is appropriate for things like medication follow up, contraception counseling, procreative counseling, STD prevention and exposure counseling, postpartum depression and postoperative visits with incision checks. “Telemedicine has helped bridge the gaps that would occur otherwise with social distancing,“ said Gioia-Flynt, “If we delay too many visits we could not only miss caring for our patients now, but also might over-burden the system later once restrictions lighten.”

“The telehealth visits felt more personal than I anticipated, and I was able to really connect with my patients well through the platform,” said Dr. Grasinger, a gynecologist at Davant Medical Clinic in Blowing Rock, “This option is safer for patient as well as staff, and patients have been happy with the visits.”

Patients will not need to download apps or software to participate. To request a telehealth visit, patients should call the office directly or request an appointment online as if they were scheduling an in-person appointment.

While the telehealth program was launched as a way to increase access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to continue in the future as a safe, convenient way to receive care at any time.  ARHS is continually looking for new ways to serve the community and telehealth is the latest result of that commitment.

Pictured below are some of our providers, joined by their medical office assistants, who have enjoyed telehealth visits with their patients so far.

Dr. Califf of AppOrtho with Susan Young, RN

Dr. Chidester of Baker Center for Primary Care with Leslie Pollard, MOA

Dr. Stark of Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists with Tracey Berner, MOA

Amber Stern, NP-C of The Heart & Vascular Center

Sarah Seaver, MSN, NP of Baker Center for Primary Care

Dr. Smith of Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists with Hailey Beshears, CMA

Dr. Parker of AppOrtho with Kaitlyn Walker, CMA

Dr. Bullers of AppOrtho with Brandy Rawson, CMA

Shauna Stadelmaier, PA-C of AppOrtho with Santana Buchanan, CMA

How does a telehealth visit work?

 

  1. The patient should call the office or request an appointment online just as if they were scheduling an in-person appointment.
  2. At the time of the visit, they will receive an email with a link and instructions for how to join the visit.

 

Which patients can request a telehealth visit and for what types of visits?

 

Telehealth visits are available for patients who do not require a physical exam. Patients must reside in North Carolina and have reliable internet access, an email address, and a device with a camera and microphone such as a smartphone, computer or tablet.

 

Providers can usually address the following types of issues through telehealth:

 

  • Medication management/refill visits
  • Wellness visits
  • Follow-up visits
  • Simple acute (sick) visits
  • Allergies
  • Upper respiratory symptoms
  • Rashes
  • Sore throat
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Behavioral health visits

 

Which practices and outpatient clinics offer telehealth options?

 

The following practices and outpatient clinics currently offer telehealth services. More clinics may add the service in the future. Call the office or clinic to ask about specific offerings.

 

Appalachian Regional Medical Associates

 

Cannon Memorial Hospital

 

Watauga Medical Center

 

Dr. Califf of AppOrtho with Susan Young, RN

Dr. Chidester of Baker Center for Primary Care with Leslie Pollard, MOA

Dr. Stark of Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists with Tracey Berner, MOA

Amber Stern, NP-C of The Heart & Vascular Center

Sarah Seaver, MSN, NP of Baker Center for Primary Care

Dr. Smith of Appalachian Regional Internal Medicine Specialists with Hailey Beshears, CMA

Dr. Parker of AppOrtho with Kaitlyn Walker, CMA

Dr. Bullers of AppOrtho with Brandy Rawson, CMA

Shauna Stadelmaier, PA-C of AppOrtho with Santana Buchanan, CMA

Healthcare System Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

Healthcare System Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

On Wednesday April 8, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) was notified by AppHealthCare (the health department) that an ARHS employee who had recently traveled has tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee did not provide direct patient care, has been in quarantine and is recovering at home. Additionally, ARHS has been working with the health department to identify other staff who may have been in contact with the employee who tested positive. Each of these employees has also self-quarantined.

“As a healthcare organization operating in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we take very seriously our commitment to preserving protected health information and respecting the privacy of individuals infected by the virus,” said Rob Hudspeth, Senior Vice President for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

ARHS will continue to work closely with AppHealthCare and local, state, and national health officials to ensure we are taking the strongest possible precautions to keep employees and patients safe.

For more information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System’s COVID-19 response, please visit apprhs.org/covid19/.