CHA Restarts Clinic Appointments, Elective Procedures and Surgeries

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), an academic community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north region, has resumed non-urgent “elective” surgeries, procedures and clinic visits following the state’s lifting of restrictions due to COVID-19. 

Since the pandemic started, CHA has seen thousands of patients for all kinds of care, in person and through telehealth visits. With CHA now able to reopen services, it is prioritizing preventive care, pediatric visits, immunizations and urgent procedures that may have been previously delayed. 

When patients make an in-person visit, it might be at a different site than their normal care center. Patients are asked to double-check before they come in.

CHA Telehealth (phone and video visits) are another way patients can get safe and timely access to care. Patients can schedule a Telehealth visit through their CHA Care Center or specialty clinic. CHA has a user guide for patients on how to access video visits using MyChart, the CHA patient portal.

“As the area returns to the new normal, everyone at CHA is committed to keeping our patients, staff, visitors and communities safe,” said CHA CEO Assaad Sayah, MD. “CHA implemented a robust set of new policies, procedures and facility enhancements to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to care for patients.”

Patients and visitors will see new plexiglass dividers, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers on the floors and fewer chairs in waiting areas. New signage is also in place which include ‘please do not sit here’ cards on chairs, and ‘keep right’ signs directing foot traffic.

Everyone entering a CHA site is screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must wear a mask. Their temperature will be taken and must be under 100° F to enter for an appointment. Everyone is also asked if they have a sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, diarrhea, muscle aches or a loss of smell.

CHA is urging all patients to not delay their health care, especially if they have chronic illness like heart disease, diabetes, mental health needs or other conditions. Call your CHA doctor’s office and set up a visit. In an emergency, dial 911 or visit your closest emergency department. We are here to help.

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