Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

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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.

 

Covid-19 Vaccine

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An unwavering focus on safety for all

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.

Video Visits

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.

We've taken the safety of patients and staff to a new level

Screening all patients and visitors

Physical distancing

Enhanced cleaning

Temperature checks

Required masking

Hand hygiene

Your support

Pre-surgery interview

Our Commitment to safe care

Resuming Elective Procedures

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. 

How we're responding to COVID-19

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.

COVID-19 cost and coverage

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.

For additional questions about your statement

If you received a statement and you have questions, please call the number on the statement.

doctor talking to an older female patient

Public health guidance

Here are a few additional actions you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available..
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like countertops, door handles, faucets, and phones.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • If you need medical care and have COVID-19 symptoms, call ahead first, or contact your physician for a virtual visit.

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

woman helping her child wash hands

Additional information and resources


Coronavirus news and updates

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Communities of Color

MAR 04, 2021

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.

READ MORE Additional information about Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Communities of Color

The Impact of COVID-19 in Communities of Color

MAR 04, 2021

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.

READ MORE Additional information about The Impact of COVID-19 in Communities of Color

U.S. COVID-19 cases surpass 18 million

DEC 29, 2020

Dr. Thomas McGinn, executive vice president of Physician Enterprise, discussed the current state of the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and growth in virtual care.

READ MORE Additional information about U.S. COVID-19 cases surpass 18 million