Parkview Physicians Group implements new policies for COVID-19

The hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for both the Bryan and Archbold locations. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632).

Providers are also seeing patients via video visit on the MyChart app. To schedule an appointment call 419-335-0215.

The closures are temporary in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, according to Sally Taylor, vice president, PPG Operations—Ohio, who first announced the changes Friday during a conference call with the Williams County Health Department, and confirmed the realignment and new hours on Monday.

“Our hours will be adjusted as needed and could be expanded if the volume of patients increases,” Taylor added.

At the Bryan location, the east entrance is restricted to the patients going to the walk-in clinic, which now has been converted into a “respiratory clinic” dedicated to those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and trouble breathing.

The PPG—Bryan main entrance is open for those entering for other family and specialty practice providers, including all other services that are non-COVID-19-related issues, such as flu and ear infection, that would normally be seen in First Care. Call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632) prior to leaving your house to be directed to the appropriate location for your needs.

PPG has also implemented a no-visitor policy. Exemptions will be granted for minor patients (limited to one parent or guardian) and patients who need special assistance (limited to one adult caregiver).

Visitors with potential COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to accompany patients. Additional visitors are not permitted in the lobby areas and will be asked to wait outside the facility or in their vehicle.

SAFETY

To protect patients and staff, everyone entering a PPG clinic will undergo a safety check-in upon arrival to be screened for symptoms.

Call 1-877-PPG-TODAY (1-877-774-8632) ahead of time for a screening and to be directed to the appropriate care.

“Parkview is committed to the health and safety of our patients, co-workers and community,” said Joshua Kline, MD, PPG chief medical officer. “By designating certain facilities, or areas of a facility, for those with respiratory symptoms that could be related to COVID-19, we’re able to better protect everyone who comes into our clinics. It also allows us to continue supporting patients with health issues unrelated to the pandemic and provide excellent care for everyone we serve.”

Taylor said by using Parkview MyChart, patients also can see their provider from the comfort of their home.

“All that is needed is a personal computer with a webcam or a smartphone with a camera and a MyChart account,” Taylor said.

PPG radiology and lab services departments are also only providing services that are deemed absolutely necessary. PPG is asking patients to contact their providers via MyChart, or by calling first, to verify whether they need to come in for routine labs and imaging.

Taylor said PPG has some staff members working from home when possible, so that staff can stay healthy and be available if the volume of patients increases from COVID-19, as is expected by health professionals.

She added that Parkview staff, even those who are requested to stay home, are being fully compensated.

For questions about setting up a MyChart account or for more information on video visits, call 1-855-853-0001, or visit MyChart.parkview.com.

As of late Monday, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Williams County, according to the Williams County Health Department. PPG-Ohio is testing for COVID-19 and forwarding its results to the county health department, Taylor said.