PICKENS — Although COVID-19 has changed many aspects of daily life, what has not changed is the need to see a primary care provider for complex chronic disease management and select preventative services.

To help meet those needs, AnMed Health’s outpatient practices have taken the necessary precautions to make each location as safe as possible.

Non-essential visitors are encouraged to wait in the car. Patients needing assistance are instructed to contact the practice, where a teammate will meet them at their car. Practices may also direct patients to use various entrances and exits, depending on their conditions and patient flow within the practice.

Patients should wear face coverings and will be screened for a temperature and symptoms of COVID-19. They should maintain social distancing while checking in and out, sitting in the waiting room or being around other patients. Waiting rooms may be altered or divided to keep patients distanced from each other.

Employees wear personal protective equipment, such as masks and, when needed, gowns and face coverings. They also keep the practices thoroughly cleaned.

“For everyone’s safety, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call your doctor’s office first instead of arriving without an appointment. We can then determine the best way to deliver care” AnMed physician network services quality and safety committee chair Dr. Michael Seemuller said. “Options may include a telephone check-in or video visit.”

COVID-19 is one of the many conditions that can be screened through E-Visits. COVID-19’s most common symptoms include fever (100.4 or higher), difficulty breathing and coughing.

Anyone with symptoms should call their AnMed Health primary care provider or message them through AnMedHealth.org/MyChart, call a CareConnect location in Anderson or Clemson, (864) 512-2228 (MyCareConnectSpot.com), or use AnMedHealth.org/Evisits to determine the best option of care.

CareConnect is offering extended hours and online check-in, giving patients more control over their appointment time.