Emory Transplant Center is committed to your safety and well-being—especially now, when COVID-19 has created so much concern in our communities. We want you to know the steps we are taking to maintain the highest standards of care and safety for our patients and visitors.
We hope this will provide you with peace of mind, whether you or someone you care about is coming in for a clinic appointment, having a telemedicine visit, planning to be a living donor or undergoing an organ transplant.
Safety First: In-Person Clinic Appointments and Hospitalizations
Emory Transplant Center maintains operating procedures that are consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and our infection prevention team.
How we protect patients and visitors
- Patient and visitor screening: We screen all patients and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms, including their temperature, each time they enter one of our buildings. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter the facility.
- Physician and staff screening: We screen all staff members and physicians for COVID-19, too. If a physician or staff member is feeling ill, we ask that they stay home from work. If they develop symptoms of COVID-19, we refer them for testing right away.
- Wearing masks: All patients, visitors, staff members and physicians are required to wear masks when in any one of our buildings.
- Distancing: We are spacing out our patient appointments and have rearranged our waiting rooms. This keeps people at a safe distance from each other when they come in for an appointment.
- Disinfecting: We thoroughly clean our equipment and exam, procedure and operating rooms between each patient encounter. We also clean common areas such as waiting areas, restrooms and elevators frequently, always using products that kill the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Isolating: We screen, identify and isolate patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to minimize the chance of other patients being exposed. All patients undergoing anesthesia are tested for COVID-19.
- Limiting Visitors: Emory has updated its Visitor Policy to address concerns about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy applies to hospital visitors as well as to family members and friends who might accompany you to clinic appointments.
How patients and visitors can promote safety
- Wear a mask: All patients and visitors must wear a mask while in our facilities. If you do not have a mask, we will provide one for you.
- Watch your distance: Wait 6 feet apart and avoid close contact.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Safety First: Telemedicine
Telemedicine has become an essential part of the care we provide for patients before and after transplant. It reduces unnecessary in-person clinic visits, allowing you to see your providers from the comfort of your own home. We’ll continue using telehealth throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Emory Transplant Center offers telehealth through a program called Emory Connected Care. When you have a telehealth visit, you’ll use a webcam or mobile device with a camera. We’ll help you get set up and answer any questions you have.
Telehealth isn’t an option for every patient and every appointment. Your care team will let you know when an upcoming visit can happen using telemedicine. We’ll base our decision on several factors, including:
- Whether you are a new or current patient
- How urgent your request is
- The type of concern you have
- The availability between you and your provider
Safety First: Special Considerations for Transplant Recipients and Those on the Waitlist
If you are a transplant candidate or organ recipient, the American Society of Transplantation recommends that transplant candidates and recipients:
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering
- Avoid crowds and large gatherings
- Practice social distancing
- Wash their hands often
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to COVID-19 before or after your transplant, please call your care team directly at 855-366-7989.
Additional Information
For additional information about how Emory Transplant Center is meeting the challenges created by COVID-19, visit our FAQ page. To learn more about how Emory Healthcare is protecting your safety, visit the Safety Center & COVID-19 Resource page on the Emory Healthcare website. As always, if you have any questions or would like more information about the Emory Transplant Center, please call 855-366-7989.
