Guidance, information, and updates
At Catholic Health Initiatives challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic only reinforce our commitment to caring for all. The safety of our visitors, patients, communities, employees, and physicians remains our highest priority. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated masking guidance for vaccinated individuals. This guidance does not apply in healthcare settings, and masks are still required for patients, visitors and staff in our facilities.
We will continue to provide updates on this page with the latest information available.
State and local health departments determine how vaccines are distributed. CHI facilities are participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to the guidelines for distribution provided by the local state or county health department. For more information about when or where you may be able to receive the vaccine, check with your county or state health department, or the CDC website.
Vaccines to protect against COVID-19 are available now. The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. Distribution of the vaccine is determined by state and local health departments, and CHI facilities are participating in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines according to local or state distribution plans.
At CHI safety is our highest priority, and we only administer vaccines that are recommended by the FDA as safe and effective.
Vaccine eligibility is determined by state and county governments. As vaccine supply increases, vaccines may be more widely available to the public in the coming months.
Check with your county or state health department, or the CDC website, for more information about provider sites near you.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, administered three or four weeks apart. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose. When a vaccine is given, information will be provided about when to get the second dose.
For additional information on COVID-19 and the vaccine approval process, we recommend visiting the CDC website and FDA website.
If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic has toughened our resolve to care for every patient with empathy, kindness, and a vigilance that’s only intensified.
We know you may have questions about receiving in-person care. That is why we are following safety guidelines from the CDC and state leaders, and are only resuming care where we have enough supplies, capacity and protective equipment to safely provide care.
We will screen everyone entering our care sites for symptoms of COVID-19, and require all patients to wear masks. Extra cleanings have been added between procedures. Visitor restrictions will remain in place, and most care sites will have designated areas for patients with COVID-19.
We are pleased to offer video visits as a convenient and safe way to see your doctor without leaving your home. Learn more about what a video visit is, how it works, and what types of visits can be handled virtually.
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Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. This video is intended to share with you the extra steps were taking before, during and after each surgery, to help keep everyone within our hospitals as safe as possible. Patient safety will always be priority number one.
Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. We’ve taken extra steps to help ensure our ERs are safe and ready. This video is intended to share with you the extra steps we’re taking to make sure you get the care you need.
Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. This video is intended to share with you, five things that you'll experience first-hand to help keep you and your baby as safe as possible. Bringing in a new life into the world is an extraordinary moment and we want you to feel comfortable, safe and supported during this exciting moment.
Our top priority has always been the safety of our patients, clinicians and staff. This video is intended to share with you, five things that you'll experience first-hand as a patient during your next visit. Our goal is to make your clinic visit as safe as possible. We're here when you're ready.
To prepare for the surge of COVID-19 cases, we temporarily paused many health care services and procedures. It was a difficult decision because these services are very important for our patients.
Now we are safely resuming scheduled services and procedures.
For information about surgeries resuming at your local hospital, find one of our locations near you.
You may also be able to see your doctor without ever leaving your home with virtual care.
We have made significant preparations to safely identify and treat patients with COVID-19 across the ministry. We are closelu monitoring the number of suspected or confirmed patients in our communities and continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and state health officials. We are monitoring supplies and other resources so that we can safely treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients without jeopardizing care for others. For the protection of our patients and caregivers, our care facilities have also implemented a universal masking policy.
To increase access to care, we have expanded virtual visits with caregivers.
Coronavirus testing
Our health care providers are in constant communication with local health officials on coronavirus testing.
Some of our divisions are offering drive-thru testing services, or outpatient clinics for testing. Check with your health care provider or county health department for more information about where to get a COVID-19 test.
Additional information on testing is available through the CDC website.
Coverage for your COVID-19 visit is determined by your health plan. There are also federal programs available for uninsured patients based upon defined criteria. We carefully review any charges from a COVID-related diagnosis. We work with both health plans and COVID-19 federal programs to help ensure that our patients are receiving any possible assistance. If a balance remains, we will only bill patients for their out-of-pocket responsibility. Payment plans and other financial assistance may be available, please call the number on your statement if you have questions.
If you received a statement and you have questions, please call the number on the statement.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. COVID-19 is now spreading in many parts of the United States. The virus can spread through close contact with someone who is already infected.
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory symptoms that can include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Use our online symptoms checker by clicking the blue chat box in the lower right corner.
Certain behavior changes can help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Many states have implemented orders asking people to stay home and restricting large gatherings, and people are encouraged to practice “social distancing” by avoiding crowds and remaining 6 feet apart from each other while in public places.
How you can help
We all need to work together to keep our communities safe and healthy in the face of COVID-19. Thank you for your seeking to lend your support. Here are some ways you can help:
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by taking the important measures listed above.
Equipment donations – Although we are not experiencing equipment shortages at this time, many of our divisions are accepting donations of personal protective equipment in anticipation of future need. Accepted items may include masks, gloves, and protective eyewear. Check with your local hospital for specific requests.
Support community organizations - Many trusted organizations are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few you may consider supporting
CommonSpirit Health’s Alisahah Cole, MD, System Vice President Innovation and Policy Population Health, shares insights on why vaccine hesitancy may be more prevalent in communities of color.
Why are minority communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19? Initial research indicates that socioeconomic factors are the primary contributor for the increased rate in minority communities.
Dr. Thomas McGinn, executive vice president of Physician Enterprise, discussed the current state of the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and growth in virtual care.
