Managing Care During a Pandemic with the Iowa Clinic

Heather Mohr, DO, MMM – Internal Medicine, and her husband, Jason Mohr, DO – Pulmonology and Critical Care, with the Iowa Clinic, provided a detailed view of what the Iowa Clinic is doing to help manage COVID-19. There are three different areas that Jason and Heather covered to help the audience understand the Iowa Clinic’s approach, as well as what the audience can do to help manage COVID-19 in their personal life.

Day-to-Day Operations

The day-to-day activity at the Iowa Clinic looks much different now than it did six weeks ago, but employees are starting to get to a new normal. Upon arrival, employees are screened, and their temperature is taken. This is to ensure the safety of their fellow employees and patients. Scheduling also looks very different. Most appointments are done either by phone, e-visits or, if necessary, at the clinic. If patients do need to come into the clinic, the Iowa Clinic has split the day, welcoming well patients in the morning and sick patients in the afternoon. All rooms are cleaned and sanitized in between each appointment. For those patients who feel they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, the Iowa Clinic offers a drive-up screening and lab. The drive-up staff communicates next steps to the patient. If a patient does have COVID-19, they use a separate entrance to enter the clinic.

Healthcare Collaboration

The Iowa Clinic continues to work closely with surrounding hospitals and providers, including UnityPoint, MercyOne, Broadlawns, Veterans and Primary Healthcare. They are also making weekly phone calls with healthcare providers to ensure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration between hospitals is crucial in order to work together as one medical community. Heather assured the audience that “Iowa has a great medical community.” Jason agreed, saying “we are all in good hands.”

What to Do If You Think Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, visit the Iowa Clinic website and check to see if you meet the criteria for testing. If you do, call (515) 875-9268 to schedule your mobile appointment. Most results are ready within 48 hours. Lastly, Jason and Heather said for everyone to please stay home and only go out if you need something essential and to practice good hygiene. The Iowa Clinic website has everything you need to know regarding COVID-19. To learn more, visit their website at iowaclinic.com/coronavirus.

Donations of Masks and shields can be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at West Lakes entrance 3.

Watch the complete webinar below:

 

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.