Please see below for details provided to the CU Health Plan team regarding Kaiser’s phased approach to re-opening some of their medical offices.
Additional reading:
As Kaiser Permanente continues response to COVID-19, our highest priority remains the safety of our members, our staff, and the communities we serve. While the state of Colorado transitions to a “Safer at Home” model, Kaiser Permanente is initiating a phased approach to reopening some of our medical offices. This approach will provide additional locations for members to be seen in-person for primary and specialty care needs that can’t be met virtually.
Virtual First Puts Safety First
While we know that all care cannot be managed through a virtual visit, we encourage members to utilize our many virtual care options, when appropriate, prior to scheduling an in-person appointment.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Kaiser Permanente has been a leader in the state in offering robust virtual services to provide members with the care they need, while helping ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and physicians. As we begin increasing in-person access, we want members to take a “Virtual First” approach to accessing care.
If In-Person Care is Required
When a member arrives at a medical office, they will be greeted by a Kaiser Permanente team member for check-in. At that time, they will be given a mask if they do not already have one. We are requiring all patients, visitors, staff, and physicians to wear a mask while in the medical office.
As was always a part of our practice, each exam room and its equipment are thoroughly cleaned in between each patient visit. Given the emphasis on physical distancing, seating has been modified in waiting areas and six-foot floor markers have been established in the pharmacy lines.
What Your Employees Should Know
- Our “Virtual First” approach to care is in place for your employees’ safety and convenience and the provider they connect with can always help them determine if they need an in-person visit. Share the attached flyers about video and phone visits and let employees know they can learn more about all virtual care options on kp.org/getcare.
- In the coming days, we will be sending out an email to all members with information about in-person visits and locations, pharmacy hours, and resources for accessing virtual and in-person care.
- The latest information on our temporary medical offices hours of operation and pharmacy hours can be found on kp.org/coronavirus.
- Kaiser Permanente is working toward resuming non-urgent and elective surgeries and procedures in a coordinated manner that will continue to protect our patients, staff, physicians, and communities.
- As always, members can schedule appointments on kp.org, or call the Appointment and Advice Contact Center 24/7 at 303-338-4545 or 1-800-218-1059 (TTY 711).
Virtual First is an important part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the health and safety of our communities during these challenging times. It is still important for us to observe strong preventive measures, like physical distancing, to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus.
Kaiser’s operations will continue to evolve as the safety of our members and staff allow, and the CU Health Plan team will continue to receive updates on the latest developments.