urgent care

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

State health insurance exchanges, like Covered California and Nevada Health Link, are now in open enrollment - the time when we can sign up for coverage for the year ahead. It’s always a good idea to make sure you and your family have health insurance, and with the current surge of COVID-19, you don’t want to be uncovered. Luckily, there are many options for families and individuals to enroll virtually, including free, bi-lingual enrollment services offered here in our community.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Working closely with state and county health agencies in a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health is preparing for an anticipated patient surge by more than doubling its hospital bed capacity as well as expanding its facilities to accommodate patients who may be infected by the virus.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) sent out a letter to all students and staff concerning the district's Pandemic Preparedness Plan in regards to travel and self-quarantine.

Effective Monday, March 9, 2020, all students and staff returning from travel out-of-the-country or from COVID-19 infected areas in California or other areas of the United States are strongly recommended to self-quarantine in their home for 14 consecutive days beginning the date of their return to South Lake Tahoe.

The health insurance industry in America has undergone an unprecedented amount of change since its origins in the 1900s, and according to Health Affairs, it was just 40 years ago when workers began sharing in the cost of their health care coverage. Rising medical costs, plus an increased demand for medical care, have contributed to growth within the health insurance industry, and it’s become increasingly complex with the introduction of new plan designs and government reforms.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was well below freezing but spirits warmed the air as car after car honked at the dozens of Barton Health nurses, both current and retired, picketing on both sides of Highway 50 on 3rd Street in South Lake Tahoe.

"We've had amazing support from the community," said emergency room nurse Ronnie Navarro, an 11-year employee of the hospital. That community included other local unions including the police and fire departments.

Due to current weather conditions in South Lake Tahoe, the Barton Health system will have limited operations. They are asking patients to contact their care providers' office to confirm their operating hours: http://www.bartonhealth.org/directory

- Barton Emergency Department (2170 South Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA) will operate normally, 24/7.
- Barton Urgent Care (155 Highway 50, Stateline, NV) is planning to operate as scheduled, from 8am-6pm.

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - El Dorado County has closed Lake Tahoe Blvd at Sawmill Pond due to flooding just before 11:00 a.m. It is closed in both directions according to the California Highway Patrol with over two feet of water on the roadway. They are expecting the flooding to spread in the area.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department is assisting with signage going up to warn travelers.

12:52 p.m. Sunday update - Highway 50 at Sierra at Tahoe Blvd is experiencing flooding. Reports of high water at Apache Drive in Meyers by the Post Office, and Lake Tahoe Blvd around Angora Creek.

SPORTS PHYSICALS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES – MAKEUP DAY
Wednesday, July 20, 9am-12pm
Barton Urgent Care and Family Practice
155 Highway 50 - Stateline, Nevada

Location

Barton Health is offering pre-participation physicals for students who were not able to attend the Tahoe Center for Orthopedics sports physicals event on May 25. All high school, middle school, and Pop Warner athletes from the Tahoe area can participate.

The free physicals are available at Barton Urgent Care and Family Practice the following days and times:
· Wednesday, June 29 from 9am to 12pm
· Wednesday, July 20 from 9am to 12pm
· Wednesday, August 10 from 9am to 12pm

With the retirement of Dr. Gregory Bergner in April and the pending retirement of Dr. Paul Marlow in September, Barton Urgent Care and Barton Health have announced the new team at their Stateline office.

Warren Withers, MD, has moved from his position as Director of Emergency Services at Barton Hospital to Barton Urgent Care. He will join Patti Bucher, FNP and Michelle Feeney, FNP who both joined Barton Urgent Care this past year.

In 1981, Dr. Gregory Bergner opened Tahoe Family Physicians along with Dr. Brooks Martin and Dr. Paul Rork. The popular physicians delivered hundreds of South Lake Tahoe babies and kept many in the community healthy in a family friendly atmosphere.

Bergner is set to retire on April 14 after 34 years of helping the South Shore, not only as a doctor but as someone who actively sponsored, volunteered, and participated in many local organizations.

Flu season is underway. Misconceptions about the flu prevent people from taking the proper precautions. For example, being out the in cold does not cause the flu. Here are a few more flu myths I hear and facts to help you stay healthy this winter.

FLU MYTHS

MYTH:If you think you have the flu, go to the doctor to get antibiotics.

The flu season is in full swing in South Lake Tahoe as well as across the country, prompting health officials to warn people of the severity.

This year the predominant flu strain in the United States is H1N1, the same one that caused the international pandemic in 2009-2010. Medical experts believe that this strain will take its toll on children and middle aged adults. So far this winter, 13 deaths have been attributed to the flu in North Carolina. In Hildago, Texas there have already been 6 deaths and 2 in Salt Lake City. Six children have died nationally during this flu season.

Barton Health encourages our community to be protected during flu season by offering affordable vaccinations during convenient dates and times, at the following locations:
Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to noon and again on Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to noon at Barton Family Medicine, 1090 Third Street, South Lake Tahoe.
Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, Barton Urgent Care & Family Practice at Stateline Medical Center, 155 Highway 50, Stateline, Nev.

Ages 3 - 18 FREE.* Cost for ages 19 and older: Seasonal Flu Shot: $20; Pneumonia Vaccine: $35

Important information: