Latest from Shawnee Health Service on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Shawnee Health Service is committed to continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing.

We aren’t going anywhere.  We are committed to serving you and our community.

Testing

Shawnee Health Service is now testing high-risk Illinoisans with symptoms.  Symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• chills
• muscle pain
• headache
• sore throat
• new loss of taste or smell (CDC)

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call (618) 519-9200.  You will be screened via phone first.  If deemed necessary, an appointment will be made for testing at Shawnee Health Care in Carbondale, Carterville, Marion, or Murphysboro.

Shawnee Health Service especially encourages patients with symptoms who:

• have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19
• are over 60 years of age
• have a chronic health condition
• work in an essential community service, such as a grocery store or childcare facility
• live in temporary shelter, such as a homeless shelter

to seek testing.

Testing is open to all southern Illinoisans, regardless of whether or not they are a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service.

Keeping Our Patients Safe

We are asking that our patients call before their appointments.  Your Shawnee Health Care clinician will determine the best, safest way to care for you.  That may be by phone, by video visit, or at a face-to-face appointment.  All employees, patients, and visitors of Shawnee Health Care are required to wear a mask.  Only one additional person is allowed to accompany a patient into a visit.

We encourage you to get your COVID-19 information from reliable sources, such as the CDC website.

Video Visits

Shawnee Health Care is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments.  For step by step instructions, visit www.shawneehealth.com/video-visits.  Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.

Face-to-Face Visits

Due to the increase in COVID cases in our region and flu season fast approaching we are encouraging our patients to schedule virtual visits. This is for the health and safety of you and our employees. Shawnee Health Care clinicians are still seeing patients face-to-face on a limited basis for urgent care that cannot otherwise be done virtually. Those with existing appointments will be contacted to change their appointments if required. We are still doing our best to practice social distancing guidelines in our waiting rooms and with sick patients.  You will be screened for symptoms of coronavirus upon arrival at the health center.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Shawnee Health Service is actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks.  We are currently accepting donations of homemade fabric masks, commercially manufactured masks, goggles which provide full eye protection (front and sides), and clear plastic face shields. Donations will be accepted at the Shawnee Health Service Administrative Office at 109 California Street, Carterville, IL 62918 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

Protecting Our Employees

Shawnee Health Service is still practicing social distancing guidelines to the best of our ability.  We are offering paid leave and work modifications for some employees, as well as federally mandated leave related to coronavirus.  All Shawnee Health Service employees are required to wear masks while working.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 BILLING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PATIENTS

Shawnee Health Service understands that the COVID national emergency has caused financial distress for many of our patients.  If you are currently having trouble paying your bills and need assistance please contact our office.  Please do not let a bill with us keep you from seeing your doctor.  We want to help you during this time of need.  We have a discount program based on family size and income that may help you reduce your bill.  Please call 1-888-776-7902 for help today.

Many insurance companies and Medicaid and Medicare are waiving patients’ copays, coinsurances, and deductibles for COVID visits and COVID related testing.  The amount you will owe will be based on how your insurance is covering COVID related services.  All insurances are different; however, you should not receive a larger bill today than you would have received if the service had been provided prior to the COVID emergency.  In many cases your bill MAY BE LESS.  If you receive a bill for a COVID visit or a COVID related test and you don’t think it is correct or you have questions, please contact our billing office at 1-888-776-7902 for help today.

Sliding Fee Patients will only be charged the nominal fee you would pay for a medical visit.  This fee is based on your family size and income and does not change in the event of an emergency.  If you receive a bill greater than your nominal fee please contact our billing office at 1-888-776-7902 for help today.

FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES:  Shawnee Health Service will be charging for visits and testing at our normal fee schedule rate.  Below is the fee range by type of visit that you can expect to see on our claims.  If you have questions you may contact our billing office at 1-888-776-7902 for assistance.