COVID-19 Guidelines
Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.
Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please visit the Missoula City-County Health Department’s page or for health related questions Missoula County residents may call (406) 258-INFO (4636).
Quick Links
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Missoula City-County Health Department
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
- Missoula City-County Joint Information Center
Hospital & Clinic Patients
Patients experiencing non-life threatening respiratory or flu-like symptoms can check-in online at Community FirstCare for symptom evaluation and COVID-19 testing (if prescribed). Anyone experiencing a life threatening condition should call 911 or visit the emergency room.
Required Masking
All patients (age 5+) and all visitors are required to wear a surgical mask upon entering any CMC facility and must wear it for the duration of their visit. A surgical mask will be provided at the entrance.
Visitation Guidelines
Any visitors who have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 are not allowed to enter. All well visitors must undergo hand hygiene and wear a surgical mask (no cloth masks) over the nose and mouth for the duration of the visit. Visitors who are found not wearing a mask during their visit will be asked to leave.
Hospital & Outpatient Clinics
Community Medical Center currently has visitation restrictions in place for all CMC facilities.
|
Department |
Guideline |
Exceptions |
| All Departments | End of Life | Patients on Comfort Care may have more visitors if approved by leadership. |
| ICU / PCU | 2 well visitors per patient at a time in the room. No visitors for COVID positive patients. | |
| Medical Surgical Unit / Ortho Unit / Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit | 2 well visitors per patient at a time in the room. No visitors for COVID positive patients. | |
| Pediatric Unit / Pediatric ICU | 3 well visitors per patient at a time in the room. | If COVID positive, must sign and follow COVID Visitor Attestation and guidelines |
| NICU | 2 well parent/caregivers only | |
| Women & Newborns | 3 well visitors; swapping allowed; Doulas/birth photographers are part of the healthcare team and do not count towards the total | If COVID positive, must sign and follow COVID positive Visitor Attestation and guidelines. |
| Emergency Department | 2 well visitors per patient at a time in the room. No visitors for COVID positive patients. | |
| Surgery / Endo / Interventional Radiology / Cath Lab | 1 well visitor/caregiver; No visitors for COVID positive patients. | Parent for <18 COVID + patient with mental/cognitive disability |
| Community Physician Group Clinics | 2 well visitors / caregivers | |
| Cancer Care & Prevention | 1 well visitor / caregiver | As determined by management |
| Wound Care Center | 2 well visitors / caregivers | |
| Diagnostic Imaging / Advanced Imaging | 2 well visitors / caregivers |
How do I get tested for COVID-19?
Community FirstCare is offering tests for symptomatic patients. Providers follow all appropriate CDC, state and local guidelines. Patients should follow instructions from providers, as testing does not change the patient’s course of treatment. If you are scheduled to have a surgery or procedure, a test will be done at your pre-admission testing appointment. Other testing facilities can be found on the county website.
What do I do if I’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
The person who has developed symptoms should seek a COVID-19 test. If the individual tests positive, the health department will reach out to the patient’s close contacts. If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate and obtain a COVID-19.
The Health Department investigates the exposure risk of all known COVID-19 cases to identify and communicate with anyone who may have been a close contact with the patient. If you are identified as a close contact and the health department contacts you, you will be given instructions to follow based upon your level of exposure.
I believe I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do I do next?
I’m experiencing mild symptoms right now, but I’m worried.
You should isolate at home and obtain a COVID-19 test, don't delay testing. Getting tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start, treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your result is positive. Treatment must be started early to work.
Should I get tested?
Yes, don't delay testing. Getting tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start, treatment may be available. Contact your healthcare provider right away if your result is positive. Treatment must be started early to work. COVID-19 tests are available at Community FirstCare for evaluation and testing or the health department.
Worsening symptoms – I need to see my provider.
Be alert to any changing symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if your symptoms are getting worse, do not delay. If you feel you need to see a healthcare provider, visit Community FirstCare for evaluation and testing. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms or visit our emergency room.
Will I be tested? Your provider will make this determination based on your symptoms. You may or may not be tested, but your provider will follow all appropriate CDC and Montana DPHHS guidelines.
Emergent symptoms – I am having difficulty breathing.
Will I be tested? Your emergency medicine provider will make this determination based on your symptoms. You may or may not be tested, but your provider will follow all appropriate CDC and Montana DPHHS guidelines.
Where to go?
In order to minimize the risk of exposing others, we are directing patients who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have respiratory or flu-like symptoms, to check-in online or walk-in to any of our Missoula area Community FirstCare clinics for symptom evaluation and testing. Online check-in at CommunityFirstCare.com
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 and notify the dispatch agent that your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms or visit our emergency room.