Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

El Dorado County has extended the current shelter in place directive to Thursday, April 30, 2020. Confirmed COVID-19 cases due to community transmission have been observed on both sides of the county; this shelter in place directive continues to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect essential workers, Barton strongly urges the community to follow state and county directives to remain at home unless absolutely necessary, and practice social distancing combined with responsible personal hygiene when out in public.

Under guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Barton Health is planning for additional capacity, in preparation for a potential influx in patients due to COVID-19. We are prepared to accommodate additional patient needs should a surge in cases hit our region. Our hospital surge plan includes doubling our existing hospital bed capacity and significantly increasing the ability to care for critical care patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

Educational information, including a video series from Barton Health CEO, Dr. Clint Purvance, is available on our website. Visit bartonhealth.org/coronavirus to learn more about COVID-19 and ways to prevent infection.

To ensure care for those who are home-isolating and to lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure for healthcare workers, Barton’s outpatient medical clinics, primary care and specialty care offices have expanded virtual services. Patients have new options for Virtual Visits with their care provider, including video chats or conducting check-in or follow-up appointments via phone. Virtual Visits can be scheduled by contacting your provider’s office. Non-urgent medical questions or prescription refill requests can be sent through Barton’s secure online platform, MyChart.

To accommodate an anticipated surge in care, Barton continues to accept medical supply donations. The Barton Foundation is also leading a community effort to make masks at home and donate them to healthcare workers. For more information or to schedule a drop-off of donated medical supplies, please contact Barton Foundation Executive Director, Chris Kiser at ckiser@bartonhealth.org, or 530.543.5612.

Applications and donations are also being accepted for the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund; an effort to help South Shore residents, families, healthcare workers, and first responders impacted by the pandemic. Visit bartonhealth.org/foundation to make a donation to support others or submit an application for financial assistance.

Medical services through Barton Health’s hospital and network of medical offices are available; however, operational changes to protect healthcare workers and patients are in effect. The new updates are noted in bold at the top of this list, with other ongoing operational changes that are in effect:

Barton Community Health Center hours of operations are now Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All appointments will now take place in the facility’s 2201 South Ave. building.

All Barton Obstetrics & Gynecology patients are seen at Barton Women’s Health.

Expecting mothers’ ultrasound appointments typically held in Barton Memorial Hospital are now taking place at Barton Women’s Health.

Barton Pediatrics’ hours of operation are now Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Barton Primary Care office’s hours of operation have been changed to Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Barton Psychiatry’s hours of operation are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Barton’s Ear, Nose & Throat Department is closed until further notice. Patients needing services from this department can ask their primary care provider for a referral.

Patients facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact Barton Customer Service at 530.543.5930 to discuss options for payment, including assistance programs.

Visitation is no longer permitted at Barton Memorial Hospital. Exceptions include one partner for a mother in labor, one parent/guardian for pediatric patients, and a patient that is facing end-of-life.

Barton staff are now stationed at entrances screening patients, employees, and any designated visitors; screening protocol now includes taking temperatures upon arrival.

Public access for general medical services to the hospital is through the Front Lobby Monday - Saturday, 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and limited access is through the Emergency Department on Sundays only.

Patients seeking care for anything other than respiratory illnesses at Barton Urgent Care should call before arriving: 775.589.8901. Those with appointments will be met outside the entrance and be escorted in.

Outpatient lab work has moved to Barton’s 4th Street Express Lab, and hours have been extended to Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Medical Imaging services continue to be available Monday - Saturday by appointment.

-Barton Health Press Release