Meridian Covid-19 Protocols
We wish to reassure all of our patients that adherence to CDC guidelines and precautionary safety measures are being taken in regard to COVID-19. As new information is available you will find it posted to this page regarding vaccines or changes to CDC guidelines and protocols.
Meridian requires that face masks MUST be worn to enter and remain inside all of our locations and safe social distancing is also required when possible to do so. This helps safeguard you and our Meridian staff and providers that serve you.
Expert consultations continue to address the many services Meridian’s clients and patients rely on daily and cannot be without. All efforts are being made to meet those needs.
We are working diligently to provide physical, mental and social healthcare and services to those in need during a time when concerns are at the highest we’ve ever experienced as a global community. The health of our staff, patients and community is our top priority.
Virtual Visits/Telehealth
Meridian offers Virtual Visits which provides additional social/physical distancing as an available extension for patients and clients seeking adult medical-primary care, child medical-primary care, behavioral health or psychiatric appointments. Please call 866-306-2647 or request your virtual appointment online. You do not need to be a current client or patient of Meridian Health Services to be seen through Virtual Visit however, you must be a resident of Indiana to receive in-person or telehealth services from Meridian.
Office Hours
All Meridian offices are open with normal business hours to accommodate patients and the community. All Meridian providers are available for both in-person or Virtual Visit appointments.
Walk-In Services – We provide walk-in services in all locations. Individuals MUST wear face masks and are screened at the door with COVID-19 questions in compliance with the CDC.
Sick Visits
Please call ahead for ALL sick visits, especially for symptoms of a fever and cough. We are abiding by CDC guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 contamination by requiring anyone with symptoms to contact us via phone before coming into the office.
Car Visits
If you or your child needs an Influenza A & B or strep swab, we may come out to your car. This limits everyone’s exposure and makes your visit safer. Please call ahead to arrange before arriving.
COVID-19 Testing – If you have one or more of the following symptoms, please contact 866-306-2647 and we will schedule you with one of our providers for screening and testing at a Meridian location nearest you:
- Congestion/runny nose
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea (adults only)
- Nausea / Vomiting (adults only)
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain/fatigue
- Chills
- New loss of taste or smell
Or, if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) of anyone confirmed with COVID-19 with the last two weeks.
Caregivers
At this time we are not allowing any caregivers to accompany patients to appointments. Exceptions are made for those requiring assistance with mobility, speech, hearing or other special needs. This helps to assure the best health and safety protocols for all.
Safety Precautions
- COVID-19 screening questions are asked at the door and again when everyone enters Meridian buildings – if anyone answers yes to any of the questions, they are asked to return to their car and are given information to call us for a virtual visit assessment.
- Everyone’s temperature is taken, hands are sanitized, and they are required to wear a mask when entering Meridian buildings.
- Safe social distancing of 6ft is required and signs on the chairs and floors provide friendly reminders.
- Patients may have someone with them if needed to help the patient with walking, answering questions, etc.
- Limitations are in place regarding the number of people in the lobby and bathrooms to help with maintaining social distancing.
- Chairs, doorknobs, counters, etc., are cleaned between each use.
- Our providers wear a medical mask and gloves when providing care.
- All of the staff at Meridian have received training regarding COVID-19 safety and precautions.
Keep Positive
Mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical well-being. Remain calm, try to limit obsessive watching of the news and social media. Create new habits of health and wellness, such as exercise, reading, cooking, spending time with family within the household, reaching out to friends via phone and virtual apps, and many other things that help calm you.
Be Responsible
It takes all of us to keep one another safe. Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine is available to everyone by adhering to the following:
- Maintain safe social distancing of 6 feet when in public spaces.
- Face masks should be worn by all individuals over the age of 8 when in public and social distancing isn’t possible.
- Good hand hygiene is important. Continue to wash hands and use sanitizer often.
- Self-quarantine if you have been sick or have been around someone who is sick.
- Do not gather in moderate to large group gatherings.
- Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces often.
- Be kind to others as we all endure this time together.
Updates
We will continue to keep you updated with the latest information as we receive it. If you would like additional information regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine you can get the latest updates here: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/index.htm
