COVID-19 Update for BIDMC Patients and Visitors

If you are experiencing any one of the following:

• symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, OR
• if you have traveled to any of the countries listed on the CDC's travel warnings, OR
• if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19,

Please contact your primary care provider prior to visiting a health care facility.

Based on your symptoms, your provider will determine the appropriate steps for you to take, which may simply be to stay at home to reduce the possibility of spreading the disease to others. Only certain situations require a visit to a hospital or other location for COVID-19 testing. If you do not have a primary care provider, please call the hospital before visiting in-person; however, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as well as all other Beth Israel Lahey Health hospitals and physicians' offices, are prepared to respond to this pandemic. For more information, please visit our Coronavirus Resource Center or contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health by calling 2-1-1.

BIDMC encourages you to get tested if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 OR if you do not have symptoms, but have been in close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Body aches

Testing sites locations:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-Boston
  330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA
  617-667-1235
  NOTE: An appointment is required at this location.
  
  
• Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Chelsea
  1000 Broadway, Chelsea, MA
  617-975-6262
  NOTE: If you have a physician order, you may schedule an appointment. Due to long wait times, appointments are preferred. If you do not have a physician order, you may walk in for a test.
  Stop the Spread: Free testing available at this site. Learn more.
  
  
• Bowdoin Street Health Center
  230 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester, MA
  617-754-0100
  
  
• The Dimock Center
  55 Dimock Street, Roxbury, MA
  617-442-8800 ext. 2683

All are welcome:

• Appointments are preferred, but not required.
• BIDMC testing sites welcome all patients, including those who are uninsured.
• We do not ask about immigration status.

Testing results are typically available within 72 hours.

Under Phase 3 of the state's COVID-19 reopening plan, BIDMC's visitor policy has changed. Please review our updated visitor guidelines here.

Contact the hospital, outpatient facility or urgent care center directly if you have questions about these temporary policies.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is rescheduling all non-urgent or elective appointments for the safety of our patients and staff.

Non-Urgent and Elective Visits

Help protect yourself, our patients and staff and preserve medical resources by taking these steps:

• If you are planning to schedule a new appointment for non-urgent or elective care and would like to be seen in the coming weeks, your visit may be conducted using telehealth. Onsite visits for non-urgent or elective care will resume at a later date.

Urgent and Essential Visits

We will maintain onsite access to care when necessary:

• If your upcoming appointment is urgent and essential, it will remain as scheduled.
• If you are planning to schedule an urgent appointment, please call your doctor to determine if an onsite visit is necessary.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your doctor before your visit.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Telehealth visits, or virtual visits, enable you to speak with your doctor by phone, or through a video connection using your smart phone or tablet. Your doctor's office can provide more information about using this option. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor's office directly.

To get the most from your telehealth appointment, it's important to be prepared. For example, make a list of subjects that you would like to discuss with your doctor. In addition, have the following information ready:

• Medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter medicines and if you need any prescription refills
• Any basic symptoms you have been experiencing
• Any changes in your health since your last doctor's visit
• Your medical history
• Any blood pressure readings you have tracked at home from a blood pressure monitor or other data you have gathered from your smartwatch, smartphone or a fitness tracking device
• The name and phone number of your pharmacy

Other Telehealth Tips

• Have your computer, tablet or phone charged or plugged in
• Log in to your appointment a few minutes early
• Try out technology you will be using in advance
• Locate a quiet, private place where you can talk, away from distractions
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes

Please follow these steps if you are considering an urgent care visit for non-COVID-related conditions:

• Self-manage mild symptoms if you can do so safely.
• Call your primary care physician if you're unsure whether you need in-person urgent care. If you do not have a PCP, call urgent care before coming in to determine whether you need in-person care.
  • Call BID Urgent Care–Chelsea at 617-975-6060
  • Call BID Urgent Care–Chestnut Hill at 617-278-8500
• Consider telehealth options. Many PCPs are now equipped to provide treatment over the phone or through a video conference.
• If in-person urgent care is advised, consider reserving a time online. You will receive a text message when your appointment time is near so that you can stay home as long as possible before coming in.
  • Reserve your spot at BID Urgent Care–Chelsea
  • Reserve your spot at BID Urgent Care–Chestnut Hill

All patients will be screened upon arrival for respiratory symptoms. Patients with respiratory issues will be cared for in a separate, dedicated area to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure for others.

For more information:

• Review a list of conditions we treat
• Read more about the appropriate use of urgent care
• Learn about BIDMC urgent care centers in Chestnut Hill and Chelsea

Call 911 if you're experiencing a medical emergency.