Changes at TRHN Primary Care Offices

The primary care practices that are part of Tyrone Regional Health Network (TRHN), which includes, Tyrone Rural Health Center, Pinecroft Medical Center and Houtzdale Rural Health Center want to make their patients aware of some changes that the offices have made to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Amy Vereshack, Vice President of Outpatient Operations who oversees TRHN’s primary care practices said all three offices remain open and are scheduling patient appointments. Mrs. Vereshack said some new procedures have been implemented based on guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “We have made these changes for the safety and wellbeing of patients, the office staff and the community.”

New procedures that have been implemented at the primary care offices include the following:

When patients call to make an appointment staff will ask if you believe you have Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have been exposed to the virus, have traveled to a high risk area, or if you have any symptoms like cough, fever or shortness of breath.

Any patients with respiratory illness symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough and/or shortness of breath will be given a mask to wear throughout their office visit or appointment.

To limit the number of people who enter the offices, patients are asked to please come to their appointment alone, if that is possible. If it is necessary to have someone accompany you to your appointment, please bring only one person with you.

Patients who use the patient portal provided by TRHN’s primary care offices will receive information about the new procedures that have been implemented via the portal.

Community members are reminded to take steps to protect themselves from illness as well as spreading illness to others. Wash your hands often. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue that you discard or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Don’t touch your face. Clean surfaces often. Stay home when you are sick and avoid sick people. Social distancing is also recommended with people advised to limit their contact in public and in crowds to reduce exposure and the spread of illness.

People should also be aware of the signs of COVID-19 which include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Keep updated on developments and access a wealth of information on COVID-19 by visiting the web sites of the CDC

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC and the PA Department of Health Coronavirus. On the PA Dept of Health web site you will find posters and other items you can share or post as a reminder to yourself and to help make others aware of how to care for themselves and reduce the spread of illness.