IRON MOUNTAIN – Dickinson County Healthcare System is now ready to provide health care that requires direct interaction with providers.

“Please call us because your well-being is important to us,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mackey, DCHS emergency and primary care physician. “It’s time to get the care you need as soon as possible because many health issues are best addressed in person. Some concerns can be address with a telehealth visit, while others require face to face contact. We also want to make sure you are not staying home because you are fearful of coming to the clinic or hospital. We are taking every precaution to provide quality care in the safest manner.”

Best practices are being implemented to keep the community and staff safe, using guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:

— Frequent sanitizing. Common areas are routinely sanitized throughout the day and exam rooms and equipment cleaned between each patient.

— Social distancing. Appointment schedules are being adjusted to limit patient-to-patient interaction and the number of people entering the facility. Social distancing signage has been installed in clinics as a reminder to keep a safe distance.

— Screening and masking. All of the clinical teams are wearing masks and have been screened prior to coming into the office.

“While we know COVID concerns are still high, we don’t want patients’ conditions to deteriorate or urgent needs to become emergent due to a reluctance to seek appropriate care,” Mackey said. “We are practicing precautionary measures to safely accommodate patients with time-sensitive health care needs right now,” she added.

Dickinson County Healthcare is asking all patients to call first before coming to the clinic or hospital unless it is a medical emergency. By calling first , the staff at DCH can help direct patients quicker and more effectively.

Plus, by remote chance a patient on the phone communicates COVID-19 symptoms, they can be directed to the appropriate location to be quickly tested versus coming directly into the clinic or hospital.

“The bottom line is that if you have been waiting to see a provider regarding your health issues, you really should not delay any further,” Mackey said. “If you do, your condition could worsen and become an emergency. As it has always been before the pandemic, helping our community return to health and wellness is our top priority.”