STAR JOURNAL

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin is launching outpatient Respiratory Care Sites dedicated to care for COVID-19 suspect or confirmed patients.

These sites are designed to offer care for patients with acute respiratory illnesses in a controlled, and safe care environment to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to otherwise healthy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The goal of these respiratory care locations is to treat those who need immediate care for coughs, sore throats and other respiratory infections but are neither critically ill nor need to be seen in the Emergency Department,” said Stewart Watson, M.D., North Region Vice President of Clinical Services, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin.  “Clinicians and associates at these locations are specially trained in use of personal protective equipment and disinfection that will take place during and between each patient visit.”

Starting Monday, April 13, a Respiratory Care Site has been established at Ascension St. Mary’s – Rhinelander , located at 2251 North Shore Drive. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Patients seeking care will need to undergo a respiratory illness screening process before visiting or gaining entry to a respiratory care site, to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care. “People with shortness of breath or chest pain, should still seek care at an emergency department,” added Watson.

Patients can be screened for respiratory illness care by a registered nurse by calling 715-361-4850 or by contacting their local Ascension Medical Group provider office, or via Ascension Online Care.

Respiratory care services offered on site include an in person full evaluation of acute respiratory concerns, specimen collection for influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with X-ray services available as needed.

“Patients who need to be seen will be given directions to our Respiratory Care Site where they can be safely evaluated and treated, including imaging and lab where appropriate.” added Watson. “Patients who do not need to be cared for in person will receive directions to a drive-thru testing location if needed along with a stay at home recommendation with a care management plan that may include a regular touch base with their provider via Ascension Online Care or phone call.”

Ascension Wisconsin has established a dedicated telephone resource for COVID-19 questions. This can be accessed 24/7 by calling 1-833-981-0711. Direct access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension can be found at healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19. This online resource now includes a useful self assessment tool.