At Winchester Gastroenterology Associates, it is important to our practice that we protect our patients and staff during these uncertain times. We are committed to offering the best possible care in a safe environment. 

We are following and adhering to CDC recommended precautions by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting our office daily.  This includes disinfecting exam rooms, all equipment, all common areas, waiting rooms and door knobs. We have lengthened appointment times to allow for disinfecting of exam rooms in between patients and to limit the number of patients in our waiting room at one time. We also encourage our patients and staff to wash their hands with soap and water frequently. Good hand hygiene is essential.  We have instituted social distancing in our waiting areas and wellness checkpoints. All of our office personnel are screened daily for any symptoms and temperatures are taken. All staff are required to wear masks at all times, and patients must wear a mask upon entering our office and during their office visit. If you do not currently have a mask, we will be happy to provide one.

WGA is continuing to offer Telehealth visits with all of our providers for lower acuity needs and follow ups. We will now also be offering for you to come into our office if Telehealth is not an option for you. Our staff will pre-screen and triage all new and follow up patients over the phone, to determine if an office visit or a telehealth visit is needed. Should an in-person visit be necessary, patients will be pre-screened again when arriving at our facility by checking temperatures, obtaining a review of symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. We will also be obtaining information including recent travel history or known exposure history to COVID-19. We will also be asking all patients that have an in-office appointment with their physician to remain in their car until our staff calls them to arrive in our office. This will also prevent multiple patients being in our waiting area at one time for our patients’ safety as well as our staff. To further minimize risk, we ask that additional family members/friends remain in their vehicles. Exceptions will be made for patient’s requiring a support person due to mobility, emotional or cognitive needs.

Our Endoscopy Centers have reopened so we are now able to schedule your outpatient Colonoscopy and UGI Endoscopies. We are taking every precaution for the safety of our patients and staff. We are continuing to adhere to our strict infectious disease prevention protocols and following CDC guidelines. All patients will be required to have a COVID test performed prior to having your procedure. Family members will be asked to wait in their cars during procedures.

We value your trust the care we provide at Winchester Gastroenterology and appreciate your patience as we work through these new processes and alternative schedules.

We are confident that we can continue to provide quality care during this epidemic. We are offering many options to ensure the safety of all involved. We, as much as you, look forward to getting back to normal in the coming months. In the meantime, we will continue to provide the compassionate, patient-centered care that you deserve.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Management

Winchester Gastroenterology Associates