FMC COVID-19 FAQ
Section 1: About the virus
Section 2: FMC Operations
Section 3: Mental Health Resources for Adults/Children
Section 1: Questions about COVID-19
What should I do if I or a member of my family feels sick? Should I call? Can I make an appointment online?
If you think you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms, a good first step is to visit the UNC COVID-19 resources page, where you can complete a preliminary symptom check that will help determine if further follow-up is necessary. The website is https://www.unchealthcare.org/coronavirus/.
In general, the state recommends people with mild symptoms who are doing well to self-isolate and monitor their symptoms. If symptoms worsen, call your primary care provider.
For other illness symptoms, call the clinic or use your MyChart account to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind it will most likely be a virtual appointment.
What should I do if I have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus?
Self-isolate for 14 days and monitor symptoms.
What does Family Medicine recommend I do to help keep my family safe during this epidemic?
New guidance from the CDC recommends wearing a mask in situations where distancing is difficult, i.e. essential errands. Please use a homemade cloth mask when possible and consider donating any health-grade protective masks to medical centers in need of crucial protective gear. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others from getting sick is to practice physical distancing. Stay home, only go out when necessary, and when you must go out maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
I work in a grocery store or other essential place of business. Is there anything I can do to protect myself there?
Practice safe distancing whenever possible, along with good hygiene. Follow CDC guidelines, do not touch your face/eyes, wipe down surfaces as often as possible.
Section 2: FMC Operations
What has changed at Family Medicine as a result of COVID-19? How does this impact me?
While we observe physical distancing practices and stay-at-home guidelines, the Family Medicine Center is maximizing virtual care. Visits can take place over phone or video, and a virtual visit can be non-urgent. Our physicians have had to re-deploy into areas of high need, and because of this you may not talk to your PCP. Our first priority at the clinic is to maintain safety for everyone. We have established a thorough screening process to ensure the health and safety of all patients and employees, before you even enter the building. We are following all CDC and health system measures regarding protective equipment and safe distancing inside the clinic, so you do not need to fear exposure if you visit us in-person.
What if anything is different at Urgent Care? Can I be seen for illnesses or injuries not related to the virus?
We screen all patients for potential COVID-19 symptoms or exposure before they enter our facility, including Urgent Care. You can still be seen at Urgent Care for acute illness or injury.
Is it more difficult to make an appointment at FMC? Is the process different? Are the wait times longer?
You can still call the clinic or use MyUNCChart to schedule an appointment. Your appointment will most likely take place virtually (over phone or video chat) and may be not be with your PCP depending on their schedule.
What kind of visitor restrictions are in place?
Please reference the current visitor policy page for the most up-to-date information on visitor restrictions before coming to your appointment: https://www.unchealthcare.org/coronavirus/unc-health-visitor-restrictions/
Some of my regular appointments have been canceled. How will these be rescheduled?
You will be contacted directly by a member of our staff to reschedule.
What about children patients? Are regularly schedule vaccines still be accommodated?
Yes, we are doing well child checks with immunizations. We have a dedicated time for Well Child Clinic on Thursday mornings, during which time we will use a separate entrance for these appointments and patients will be brought directly to the exam room. Call us to schedule a well-child appointment.
Should patients and parents be wearing cloth masks?
According to UNC Health’s new Universal Mask Policy, all patients and visitors are required to wear a mask. Patients will be given a clean, single use procedure mask and instructed to wear the mask at all times while in the facility. In order to conserve supplies, companions or other visitors will be provided a UNC Health mask only if they have no mask or face covering; for companions, home-made or cloth masks are acceptable.
In families having more than one child, is it possible for all the children in that family to have consecutive appointments to limit exposure to one visit?
Yes, absolutely!
Will appointment timing be spread apart to avoid patients collecting in the waiting area?
Yes, we are rooming patients directly. Waiting rooms will only be used if absolutely necessary.
Is it possible to offer testing for COVID-19 &/or antibodies for families and their children if they request such tests?
If providers think necessary, they can refer a patient for COVID-19 testing at the Respiratory Diagnostic Center
Can virtual visits be done for children? What about older kids and teens?
For kids 2 and older, we encourage virtual visits. If they need shots, you will need to come in for a nurse-visit only.
The AAP and AAFP both recommend continuing well-child care even for adolescents virtually at this time. While coming into clinic for vaccines may still be needed, this is a great time to take advantage of your teen’s tech savvy nature and continue to build a relationship with their provider.
How should I fill prescriptions that need to be renewed? Should I use MyChart? Call my pharmacy?
You should call your pharmacy.
I recently lost my job because of the virus. Can Family Medicine help me with the costs of my appointment?
Financial assistance is available based on residency and household income requirements. Please contact our Financial Assistance Unit at (984) 974-3425 or toll-free at (866) 704-5286, or speak with one of our Financial Counselors prior to your next visit for a financial assistance application.
Mental Health & Support Resources for Adults and Kids
US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- Coping with Stress
- Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- Taking Care of your Emotional Health
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies