UGI Statement on Resumption of Elective Procedures at University Endoscopy Group
Following Governor Raimondo's lead and the guidance provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the University Endoscopy Group’s ambulatory surgical centers in Providence, East Greenwich, and Portsmouth will begin a phased opening to elective procedures. The health and wellbeing of our patients and staff are of the utmost importance to us. For those reasons, we are adhering to the following policies and safety standards outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Digestive Health Physician’s Association (DHPA)
A symptom questionnaire and temperature check will be administered to all patients on the day of procedure as well as an additional questionnaire 14 days post-procedure.
Endoscopy center staff will be screened with temperature check and surveyed for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms prior to entry every day.
All center personnel, patients and visitors (when allowed) will be required to wear masks
PPE (personal protective equipment) will be worn by doctors, nurses and technicians to ensure the safety of the patients and staff
Appropriate spacing will occur between intake and recovery beds
Appropriate spacing will occur between waiting room chairs
We will be restricting accompanying visitors. (The accompanying party providing your ride will be asked to drop you off. The recovery staff will contact them after your procedure is complete and inform them when they can return to pick you up)
Continued high-level sterile reprocessing of endoscopy equipment after every case
Continue to follow CDC, CMS, RIDOH guidelines as posted
In addition, telemedicine appointments will continue. For those with an in-office visit, we ask that you reschedule your appointment if you have traveled outside the United States in the past 14 days or if you have any of the symptoms outlined by the CDC, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms please seek advice from your primary care physician.
For additional information, please feel free to call the RI Coronavirus Hotline: 401-222-8022 or visit the CDC website.
We thank you kindly for your understanding and help in adhering to these new measures. Please remember that while this may cause an inconvenience, these policies are in place for the protection of you and our staff. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about these policies for your upcoming procedure. You can find our contact information at www.universitygi.com or www.universityeg.com.
Sincerely,
Eric P. Berthiaume MD – President of University Gastroenterology
William T. Chen MD – Chair of University Endoscopy Group
Updated 5/13/2020
UGI Statement on Resumption of Elective Procedures at University Endoscopy Group
Following Governor Raimondo's lead and the guidance provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the University Endoscopy Group’s ambulatory surgical centers in Providence, East Greenwich, and Portsmouth will begin a phased opening to elective procedures. The health and wellbeing of our patients and staff are of the utmost importance to us. For those reasons, we are adhering to the following policies and safety standards outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and Digestive Health Physician’s Association (DHPA)
In addition, telemedicine appointments will continue. For those with an in-office visit, we ask that you reschedule your appointment if you have traveled outside the United States in the past 14 days or if you have any of the symptoms outlined by the CDC, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop any of these symptoms please seek advice from your primary care physician.
For additional information, please feel free to call the RI Coronavirus Hotline: 401-222-8022 or visit the CDC website.
We thank you kindly for your understanding and help in adhering to these new measures. Please remember that while this may cause an inconvenience, these policies are in place for the protection of you and our staff. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about these policies for your upcoming procedure. You can find our contact information at www.universitygi.com or www.universityeg.com.
Sincerely,
Eric P. Berthiaume MD – President of University Gastroenterology
William T. Chen MD – Chair of University Endoscopy Group