Coronavirus Disease 2019

The situation with COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2” or coronavirus disease  2019) is changing rapidly, with new developments coming day by day, hour by hour. For everyone in our community, our lives have changed dramatically in the past few weeks. We want to thank you for reading our many messages and listening to the guidance we’ve put in place to keep our patients healthy during these unprecedented times. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Our team at Community Care Physicians stands ready to care for you - safely - during this most critical time. We want to offer reassurance as we navigate this crisis together and move forward. We're in this together, even if 6 feet apart.

COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing and IgG Antibody Testing
Community Care Physicians offers two different types of coronavirus tests for our patients in the Capital Region, NY - COVID-19 (PCR) diagnostic testing and IgG COVID-19 Antibody Test. The COVID-19 PCR Test is a nasal swab used to directly detect the presence of disease. This test determines if you are currently infected with COVID-19. This test is offered at CCP's mobile testing location in Latham, NY, by appointment only for patients of CCP who have an order from a CCP practitioner. If you need to be tested and you're not a patient, don't worry. Use one of our Urgent Care Centers in Albany, NY or Latham, NY as a portal of entry to our system to be tested.

CCP also offers the IgG Antibody Test which measures a particular class of antibody (IgG) directed against the COVID-19 virus. Rather than showing if you are currently infected with COVID-19, this antibody test may indicate if you've had COVID-19 in the past and have since developed antibodies. Antibodies are usually detectable 2 or more weeks after the start of the infection. A POSITIVE test means that you have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and that your body has had time to manufacture an “anti-COVID-19” antibody. A NEGATIVE test means that there is no evidence of a prior exposure OR that your body has not had time to manufacture an “anti-COVID-19” antibody. This test is available to patients at their CCP doctor's office and at CCP's Lab Draw locations, once you have an order from your CCP provider. If you need to be tested and you're not a patient, don't worry. Use one of our Urgent Care Centers in Albany, NY or Latham, NY as a portal of entry to our system to be tested.

Read More About COVID-19 Testing at CCP and How to Get Tested

Telehealth (video and phone visits) now available for CCP patients
We are doing everything we can to stay connected to you. We continue to provide care in our offices, but we are excited to announce that we now offer telehealth as an option to deliver care! Now you can receive the care from us you want and need while remaining safely in your home. Telehealth includes telephone visits or video and audio visits using Doxy.me to provide you care. Your visit is documented in your electronic health record just like a traditional visit. Call your CCP doctor's office if you need an appointment. Many appointments that were postponed or canceled can now be handled virtually. We want to see you using telehealth to continue to manage your health so you don’t experience any issues down the road. You don't need to download any apps or software. All you need to do is click the link provided by your doctor's office and, when prompted, enable your camera and microphone on your smart device or computer. Many insurances have waived the out of pocket fee for telehealth visits during the COVID-19 crisis. However, not all have, and coverage changes often as the situation evolves. You may be charged a copay, coinsurance or your deductible depending on your insurance and the reason for your visit. Your insurance company determines this, not CCP. If you do have a cost associated with the telehealth visit, it wouldn’t be any more than what you would normally pay for a visit in our offices, and you’ll receive the same quality and scope of care over telehealth. We don’t know exactly when this crisis will end, so we want to be sure that you receive the care you need now. Rest assured that our mission remains providing you the best health care possible even in these challenging times. 

Learn More About Telemedicine for Your Next Appointment

Safety is Our Priority - Enhanced Infection Control Procedures at Our Offices

There is no higher priority for us than the safety of our patients and employees. The care we provide is essential to our patients. We must continue to provide this care in our offices and virtually using telemedicine. For appointments that require face-to-face visits, we follow strict infection control procedures, based on the guidance of CCP's COVID Response Team, the New York State Department of Health, and the CDC, to keep our patients and staff safe.  The situation is evolving quickly, and we are working diligently to approach it with a mix of caution and accommodation as your healthcare provider. We need to be sure you are aware of our current challenges and recommendations, including strict limitations and precautions on required protection and testing. We screen patients over the phone and in the office; our staff wears personal protective equipment at all times; our offices have infection response teams; our patients are asked to wear masks upon arrival to our offices and all patients/visitors/staff are screened upon entering our offices; we have enhanced cleaning schedules and separate sick and well spaces; we use telemedicine to help people stay home; we limit the number of visitors in our offices and promote social distancing. 

Feel Safe Knowing What We Ask of Our Patients and Staff

A Message to Our CCP Family

In these challenging times, we are strong because of our team. Each of you has an unwavering commitment to our patients and to each other. We are honored to announce that CCP is recognized this year as a Top Workplace. While it may seem difficult to celebrate during this uncertain time, we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge all the great work our teams have done and what we plan to do for our community moving forward. While the world has had to step back, our team has stepped up, implementing changes to continue to make a difference in the health of our patients. Each of you has played a role in the success of our company, in ordinary and these extraordinary times.  No matter how far apart we are, we are one. Please join us in celebrating our Community Care Physicians family. 

We are monitoring this developing situation closely, staying in regular contact with our health organizations, and other experts. We’ll continue to update you as needed as this situation evolves. Please check back for additional updates. Visit the CDC or the NYS Department of Health for real-time updates on the confirmed cases in the US and in our local community in New York. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
• EVERYONE should:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or after you've been in a public place if you absolutely must be in public. If soap and water is readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Practice social distancing! Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home as much as possible, even if you're an essential worker. Put distance (at least 6') between yourself and other people. Remember, some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, but still social distance. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you don't feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. DO NOT use a facemask meant fo a healthcare worker (surgical mask and N95). Always continue to keep 6 feet between yourself and others. The face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
  • Ask yourself if you really, truly need to leave your house.
  • Cover your sneezes and coughs inside your elbow. Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Learn more from the CDC

Check back for updates from the CDC, the NYS Department of Health, and other resources about Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel from the CDC

Call the NYS Department of Health Hotline for Coronovirus 1-888-364-3065 or visit the Department of Health website

Highlighted COVID-19 Content

Mehta Minute - Pediatrician Dr. Beulah Mehta discusses COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 and Communities of Color

 

 

 

   

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