Aviva Health Stands Up Respiratory Clinic for Patients

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Aviva Health has established a respiratory clinic for its patients who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, an effort focused on mitigating the unnecessary use of local emergency department capacity and preserving rapidly dwindling supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gowns, goggles and gloves.

Additionally, Aviva Health is now offering telehealth visits to its patients across Douglas County, giving them vital access to care during Oregon’s shelter in place order, a directive from Gov. Kate Brown aimed at flattening the curve of COVID-19. “The respiratory clinic and telehealth services are two crucial steps Aviva Health is taking to combat the spread of coronavirus throughout Douglas County,” says Aviva Health Chief Operating Officer Edward Larsen.

“These resources are crucial components of our efforts to ease demand for emergency department services, screen people who are symptomatic for coronavirus, and ensure patients who are well continue to receive the preventive care they require during the shelter in place order.”

The added benefit of these actions, according to Larsen, is conserving Aviva Health’s stock of PPE during a time when worldwide demand for protective medical equipment far exceeds supplies.

Patients who present with cough, fever or shortness of breath will be evaluated in the respiratory clinic and counseled on next steps, which could range from self-care at home to a referral for COVID-19 testing available through Douglas Public Health Network. Aviva Health is not currently a COVID-19 testing site.

Aviva Health patients of all ages who are healthy and due for a well visit can use telehealth services.

“Telehealth services allow our patients who are in good health to continue receiving the preventive care they require without exposing them to the risk of mingling with individuals who are sick,” Larsen says.

To schedule a respiratory clinic or telehealth visit, please call (541) 672-9596.

Community members who have questions about or are concerned they have coronavirus should call the DPHN Coronavirus Hotline at (541) 464-6550. For more information, please visit www.aviva.health/coronavirus.