​At Primary Care Associates of Appleton, our community's health and wellness guide everything we do and we are providing information regarding the new coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) to hopefully address questions you may have.

On February 15th, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, local health department officials, and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Wisconsin. Coronaviruses are common causes of colds, upper respiratory infections, and, in some cases, lower respiratory infections like pneumonia — this is just a new form of it. The virus spreads through droplets sent into the air when people cough or sneeze. The virus causes a fever, cough and, in some cases, trouble breathing — much like the cold or flu.

Below you’ll find information about what to expect at Primary Care Associates of Appleton, what we’re doing to help prevent it from spreading, and how you can protect yourself.
 

What is PCAA doing to protect patients, families and employees against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

We are doing everything possible at both of our primary care locations to protect patients and staff, and limit the spread of this virus. This includes:

• following all recommendations from the CDC and the WI Department of Public Health on screening of patients, testing of patients and the use of personal protective equipment.
• evaluating patients who screen positive for risk factors according to recommendations from the CDC and WI Department of Public Health
• we have set up a designated, quarantined areas to care for any patients who show symptoms of the virus, away from other patients
• directing staff members who are not feeling well to stay home
• requiring all people - employees and patients - to wear a mask upon entering our facility (symptomatic or not)*
• offering telehealth visits when appropriate for the visit type
• floor markers at our reception desk as a 6-foot distance visual aid for those waiting to check-in
• signage placed strategically on waiting room chairs to allow appropriate distancing between patients in the waiting rooms
• limiting patients to having ONE family member or friend accompany them during appointments

Please know that at this time, we will not be accepting walk in appointments. For patients that do not have an appointment made prior to arrival, we ask that you DO NOT enter the facility and to please return to your vehicle and call our office at (920) 996-1000 to be properly screened, i.e. travel questions, before entering our building. This direction is being made to help protect other patients, guests, and employees as well as to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus as best as we are able.

*Primary Care Associates of Appleton will not be issuing letters for medical exemption from wearing face masks.  We continue to review the latest science and affirm that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally with social distancing and increased handwashing. 

Please be reassured that Primary Care Associates of Appleton will remain open to assist you should you have any questions or needs, whether that would be for prescription refills, acute and symptomatic care, injury, or any other concerns.  We are still requiring that all patients call our office before arriving to the facility for acute care visits to be properly screened before entering our building. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms that are more than mild, please call CALL YOUR PCAA PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR FIRST FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE before deciding to visit our clinic (or any other healthcare facility). This will ensure our teams can review your condition on the phone first, then, if necessary, greet and isolate you upon arrival to minimize possible exposure to other patients and staff. The majority of people with mild symptoms may not need to come to the clinic or hospital at all, although if you have a health condition that puts you at an increased risk, it is important to talk to a caregiver to make sure you are getting the right care recommendations. In many cases, the most appropriate course is to treat your mild symptoms at home as this will reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread to others in our community.

As always, some of the best things you can do to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses are:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay at home if you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

If you develop symptoms:

• Stay home. Do not go to work or public areas.
• Separate yourself from people in your home.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Consult with your primary care provider team if you need guidance on how to best treat cough and fever symptoms with over-the-counter medications.
• Consult with your primary care provider team if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Below is a video from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how the COVID-19 virus originated, how it's transmitted, the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how to prevent transmission.


.
Additional links to visit:
Facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
What You Need to Know
What To Do If You Are Sick

We will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19, taking our guidance from the CDC and the WI Department of Public Health, and allocating resources as appropriate. Thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate this challenging situation one day at a time.  Our top priority is keeping our patients, our employees, and our community healty and safe.

Please refer to the Center of Disease Control & Prevention (source for national information) and the World Health Organization (source for global information) for the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) including symptoms and steps you can take to prevent the spread of the illness.

Other reliable sources of information:
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
State of WI Department of Health Services
City of Appleton

What is the cost for COVID-19 testing?
Pursuant to Section 4202 of the CARES Act, cash prices for COVID-19 diagnostic tests are:
86735 Infections agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), amplified probe technique $153.00.