Experience Safe Care at Duke

Overview

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We are taking precautions to keep everyone safe and protected from possible exposure to COVID-19 during appointments, surgeries, and procedures at our hospitals and clinics. We are confident we provide safe, essential care. The well-being of our patients, visitors, and staff remains our top priority.

If you have been exposed or are infected, please delay non-urgent appointments for 10 days after a positive test or exposure. If you need to be seen within 10 days, please just let us know so we can prepare the clinic and team to safely take great care of you during this time. If you have questions, please contact your provider’s office.

Please watch the video below to learn more about our efforts to keep you safe.

If You Need an Appointment

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It is important to not delay care like well checks and other preventive appointments, and you should continue to take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Delaying care can lead to complications and advanced stages of disease.

Telehealth Options
Virtual appointments are an effective way for our providers to address your health needs. Learn more about these telehealth options and how they work. You will need a Duke MyChart account for a telehealth visit. You can sign up for a Duke My Chart account if you don’t have one.

If You Come to a Duke Hospital or Clinic

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Visitor restrictions remain in place to limit the number of people in our facilities. 

Screenings Before Entering Our Hospitals and Clinics
Patients and visitors are screened for symptoms before entering our facilities. These screenings may take place at the time of scheduling, on pre-visit calls, and when you arrive. Onsite screenings require all patients and visitors to sanitize their hands, answer questions about potential symptoms, and wear a mask. This process will help protect everyone from the spread of infection.

Face Masks Are Mandatory 
State and federal changes to mask requirements do not apply to health care settings.

All providers, staff, patients, and visitors must wear face masks at all times when in our hospitals and clinics. If you do not have a face mask, one will be provided for you. The face mask requirement protects everyone by helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Enhanced Cleaning and Hand Hygiene
We perform enhanced cleaning between every patient. We clean exam rooms and equipment with CDC-approved products. We perform additional daily cleanings. Hand sanitizing stations and signage encourage hand hygiene for all staff, patients, and visitors.

Maintain Physical Distance During In-Person Visits
More time between appointments and the addition of expanded hours at some clinics allows us to accommodate more patients while limiting the number of people in our clinics at one time. Our waiting rooms have been rearranged to encourage physical distancing. Floor decals indicate how to stay at a safe distance from others in our clinics.

Waiting in Vehicles
At some clinics, you may wait for your appointment in your car. We will call you when your provider is ready to see you.

Lab and Leave Services
To minimize your time in the clinic, your doctor may direct you to receive lab services at one of our Lab and Leave locations. Learn more.

If You Are Scheduled for a Procedure or Surgery
Several processes ensure you and our team are safe during surgical procedures that take place in our hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. They include:

  • Performing multiple screenings of patients at the time of scheduling, on pre-visit calls, upon arrival to the building, and at check-in
  • COVID-19 testing before surgery

Financial Assistance 
We are here to support you and continue to offer financial assistance for patients who qualify. A no-interest payment plan is also available for patients who cannot pay 100% of their bills. You can apply for this plan via your MyChart account or by calling our Customer Support line at 800-782-6945.

    For Parents and Families During COVID-19

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    Refer to this Duke Health resource guide (PDF, 235 KB) for useful links, videos, and strategies to help you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    If you or a loved one is stressed during this difficult time and would like to talk to someone or receive services for mental health, call the Hope4NC line at 855-587-3462. This free and confidential service, offered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is available 24/7. Interpreters are available.