Important Information for Patients Visiting Portico Pediatrics

If you have symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus
CALL FOR INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU COME
so that we can limit potential exposure to our other patients and staff.

We Ask You to Mask

For the safety of our patients and staff, we ask you to mask when you visit our hospitals and clinics. Don’t have one? They are easy to make. Watch the surgeon general’s video.

Temporary hours 9:00 am-4:00 pm

• Well child appointments, rechecks and non-respiratory illnesses will be seen Monday - Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
• Patients with colds and respiratory illnesses will be seen after 1:30 pm Monday – Friday and Saturday 9:00-11:00.
• Please call the office to schedule your child’s appointment.  When you arrive, call the office from your car so the receptionist can check you in.
• ALL patients and caregivers are asked to stay in your car until time for your appointment.  The nurse will call you when it is time.
• Please inform your child that staff and other patients may be wearing masks, gloves and other protective equipment.
• We strongly encourage only one caregiver with each patient, if possible. Maximum allowed is 2. Please do not bring siblings/children not being seen to the clinic, if possible
• We have increased cleaning frequency of our facility and the availability of disinfectants in our clinic.
• We are keeping well and sick patients separated.
• Recommendations are updating daily. Please be patient as we adjust our clinic to provide the BEST care of your little ones.
• We have been informed formula maybe in short supply. In dire circumstances, please call the office for help.

• Parents may contact the following numbers if extra formula is needed.

  • Mead-Johnson Enfamil 312-466-5800     
  • Abbott Similac 1-800-515-7677

• You can keep up with the most up to date recommendations at CDC.gov and AAP.org

FACTS ABOUT COVID-19

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms that may appear 2 to 14 days following exposure to the virus are:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

Symptoms may also include at least two of these:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

COVID-19 RISK FACTORS

1. Travel to an affected country/region
2. Close contact (within 6 feet) with a person diagnosed with COVID-19

IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE COVID-19

If you suspect you have COVID-19 AND you have one of more of the risk factors, immediately call your primary care physician for instruction.  If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health general information line (2-1-1) or your preferred healthcare provider (urgent care, emergency department) for instructions. 

DO NOT ARRIVE AT ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITHOUT CALLING FIRST TO GET INSTRUCTIONS. Arriving at a location without getting instruction risks exposure of others who do not have this virus. 

IF YOUR CONDITION IS LIFE-THREATENING, CALL 9-1-1, but be sure to SHARE YOUR SYMPTOMS and RISK FACTORS with the operator so appropriate measures can be taken when transporting you to a healthcare facility.

Avoid public areas.  Stay at home away from others if you are sick.

Limit contact with pets and animals. Since little is known about this virus, avoid contact with your pets. If you must care for a pet while ill, wash your hands before interacting with the pet and wear a facemask.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Dispose of tissues in a lined trashcan. Wash your hands immediately.

Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food. If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your face.  Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean household/personal items daily. These include your dishes, cell phone, computer keyboard, door knobs, countertops, sink faucet handles, etc.