In order to best treat all patients seeking treatment, Cody Regional Health is requiring anyone with specific respiratory symptoms to make an appointment before they come to the hospital’s Respiratory Clinic.
The Cathcart Health Center Walk-in Clinic has always accepted walk-ins, but the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and rising infection rates are forcing changes to ensure everyone’s safety. As a result, the Respiratory Clinic is now asking for patients to schedule appointments before coming for diagnosis and treatment.
Patients are asked to screen themselves for the following symptoms before coming to the Respiratory Clinic:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste and/or sense of smell
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sore throat
Any or all of these symptoms are common in confirmed COVID-19 cases. It’s important that anyone experiencing these symptoms calls ahead to schedule an appointment.
“When patients arrive for their respiratory clinic appointment, they are being asked to pull around the Cathcart Health Center and park on the west side and call (307) 578-2903 to let the clinic know they have arrived,” says Chief Ambulatory Officer, Andrea McKay. “Registration information will be obtained by phone allowing patients to wait comfortably in their car until the treatment room is ready.”
Patients will be asked to be prepared to provide demographic information, their driver’s license, and insurance information once they arrive but from the safety of their vehicle.
Test results will be relayed to patients through a follow-up phone call, once the results are available.
The Walk-in Clinic will still be open to walk-in treatment for any non-respiratory needs, although COVID-19 testing will not be available for anyone without symptoms.
The easiest way to get tested for COVID-19 is to go to Cody Regional Health’s drive-thru testing held at the Cody Stampede Rodeo grounds, at 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. These tests are administered on a first-come, first-serve basis as supplies last.
Patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, or other more serious symptoms should go to the closest ER or call 9-1-1.
To make an appointment for a visit at the Respiratory Clinic, call (307) 578-2903. For further questions about COVID-19 testing please call (307) 578-2000, visit www.codyregionalhealth.org or visit www.CDC.gov.
