Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) has expanded services to patients to make scheduling and appointments easier and more efficient during the COVID-19 pandemic. New and expanded services include:
EXTENDED HOURS FOR DRIVE-UP TESTING
Drive-up testing continues to be offered 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. weekdays at ARC Kyle Plum Creek. Patients must have an ARC physician’s lab order before coming to a drive-up site. If someone drives up without first having an initial physician evaluation, they will be offered a telemedicine appointment right then so a physician can determine whether or not a test is indicated.
A HIGH ACUITY TRIAGE PHONE LINE COVERED BY PHYSICIANS TO HELP PATIENTS AVOID GOING TO THE ER.
• Patients call ARC clinics (press 4) or the COVID-19 24/7 Hotline (866-456-4525) and talk to a nurse to help them decide if they should come in to see the doctor.
• Depending on their symptoms, patients are set up with an immediate telemedicine visit with a physician, by phone or video visit.
• 75 percent of patients who called triage were able to be treated in the clinic rather than an ER.
ARC continues to stress preventive measures, including social distancing, self-isolation when sick, frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds, avoiding anyone who is sick. It is not just about protecting ourselves, it is about protecting the whole community.
