NEW CLINIC PROCEDURES DURING COVID-19
Remote Area Medical (RAM) takes seriously our responsibility to our volunteers, staff, and patients to implement necessary safety procedures as part of our Clinic Operations. We recognize these changes may impact an individual’s ability to volunteer or receive care.
While our clinic operations may look different during this time, we assure you we will continue to provide quality healthcare to as many people as possible, while also practicing new and necessary safety procedures in the wake of COVID-19.
Safety procedures include temperature checks, CDC screening questions, crowd control at the entrance of the clinic and throughout the building. Social distancing, mask requirements, and limited waiting inside the building for services have also been implemented.
New Ticketing information:
In response to COVID-19, ticket distribution processes have changed. Please check your specific clinic location for more information on how to receive a ticket or book an appointment to receive services at an upcoming clinic. We also ask that you please be patient as we are still finding the most efficient way to provide care for as many people as possible.
Services offered:
Dental
Please check specific clinic locations to confirm what services will be available. Enclosed protective dental operatories are available for cleanings, fillings, and extractions. These operatories include a HEPA air filtration system.
Vision
Please check specific clinic locations to confirm what services will be available. Vision exam lanes are spaced for social distancing, and each station is disinfected with a 70% alcohol spray between every patient. Patients are prohibited from handling mirrors. Frames and any equipment will be disinfected after being handled by a patient or a gloved hand.
Medical
Please check specific clinic locations for more details.
Medical bays have been expanded in size to enable social distancing and reduce aerosol contamination of the drapes. Exam rooms, tables, chairs, and equipment are disinfected between every patient.
What services does RAM offer?
The basic services can include:
DENTAL: Cleaning, fillings, extractions
VISION: Complete dilated eye exams, testing for glaucoma, testing for diabetic retinopathy, glasses made on site
MEDICAL: General medicine
PREVENTION: Breast exams, diabetes screening, physicals, women’s health
EDUCATION: Educational resources and information are provided throughout service areas
NOTE: Due to time constraints, be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. All patients will have the option of receiving DENTAL and MEDICAL care or VISION and MEDICAL care, but not DENTAL and VISION care on the same day.
*Please note services available can vary from clinic to clinic.
Do I need to make an appointment?
How patients receive tickets or book an appointment will depend on the location of your clinic. Please check your specific clinic location for details about how to register, book an appointment, or receive a ticket for services.
How many people will get a ticket?
Due to the nature of COVID-19, RAM personnel limit the number of appointments/tickets we given out. New standards for how many individuals will be allowed inside the clinic at a time. Consequently, the number of patients who will receive care may be lower than our usual numbers.
New standards and precautions will limit the number of individuals allowed inside a clinic at one time. This is based on CDC recommendations. Consequently, the number of patients who will receive care may be lower than our usual numbers.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare before arrival?
We kindly ask that all patients bring a face covering with them. If you are on any medications please bring a list of the medication (or pictures of the bottles with the label visible) and take your medications the morning of the clinic as directed by your healthcare provider. Before you enter the clinic, please avoid eating sugary food and drinks.
In order to create a safe environment for all patients and volunteers, we also ask that all patients to self screen using this coronavirus self screening tool (included below) and follow the prompts after you have answered all the questions.
Click here to access the self screening tool.
Will there be bathrooms?
Portable toilets will be available in the patient parking lot, including handicapped accessible stalls.
Is there a charge for services
All services are free and no ID is required.
Do I need identification?
No ID, proof of residency, or proof of insurance is required to receive services.
Does RAM report to government agencies?
No, RAM is a non-profit organization and does not report to government agencies.
How many tickets and/or appointments do you give away?
It varies. Volunteer and patient populations determine how many tiickets we distribute or appointments we can make. For example, if 100 doctors sign up to volunteer, we give out more numbers than we would if only 50 doctors came.
The number of tickets and/or appointments is based on the number of providers that volunteer each day of the clinic.
What should I do if I am high risk for COVID-19?
Before making the decision to attend a RAM Clinic, please complete a self screening and consider your overall health status by consulting the CDC information regarding people at increased risk for severe illness due to COVID-19.
Are you offering testing for COVID-19 at free clinics?
At this time we are not offering COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing at RAM free clinics. Please consult your primary healthcare provider or your local health department for information on how to get tested.
What should I do if I am feeling sick?
- Before attending a RAM clinic:
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- Stay Home and Call a Healthcare Provider
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- After attending a RAM clinic:
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- Please contact your primary healthcare provider or your local health department if you are feeling unwell. If you should test positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks after attending a RAM clinic, please contact Remote Area Medical at (865) 579-8518.
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What should I do / bring with me on the day of the clinic?
You are not required to bring anything with you. We do not ask for proof of residency or proof of income. Bring all of the medications that you take every day, and take them just like you normally do.
Patients should be prepared with their own food, water, medicines, and clothing, when arriving early. Bathrooms will be provided.
If your clinic is a first come first serve, you will be given additional information once you arrive in the parking lot.
If your clinic is appointment only, please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. Further information will be given to you when you receive an appointment slot.
How are RAM operations different in the wake of COVID-19?
In response to COVID-19, RAM has created new sanitation processes to be able to serve those in need. We are finding new ways to manage patient flow and care in a way that doesn’t require several hundred people in a room all at once, so we can be in accordance with CDC and health department recommendations.
As we continue to develop new processes, please check ramusa.org for updates and important information. Please call 865-579-1530, if you have any further questions.
