Ascension Medical Group Launches Respiratory Care Site at Westwood Clinic
Wausau, WI (Wednesday, April 22)- Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin has launched Respiratory Care Sites dedicated to care for COVID-19 suspect or confirmed patients, to offer care for patients with acute respiratory illnesses a controlled, and safe care environment to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to otherwise healthy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Wausau, a Respiratory Care Site has been established at Ascension Medical Group – Westwood, located at 1901 Westwood Center Boulevard. Hours of operation will be 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Ascension Medical Group’s drive-through testing for COVID-19 will also be offered at this location from 8 a.m. – Noon.
“The goal of these respiratory care locations is to treat those who need immediate care for coughs, sore throats and other respiratory infections but are neither critically ill nor need to be seen in the Emergency Department,” said Stewart Watson, M.D., North Region Vice President of Clinical Services, Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. “Clinicians and associates at these locations are specially trained in use of personal protective equipment and disinfection that will take place during and between each patient visit.”
Patients seeking drive-through testing or respiratory care will need to undergo a screening process with an Ascension Medical Group provider to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care.
Patients in the Wausau Area can be screened for respiratory illness care by a Registered Nurse by calling 715-355-9775, or by contacting their local Ascension Medical Group provider office, or via Ascension Online Care (ascension.org/OnlineCare).
“People with shortness of breath or chest pain, should still seek care at an emergency department,” added Watson.
Respiratory Care services offered on site include an in person full evaluation of acute respiratory concerns, specimen collection for influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with X-ray services available as needed.
“Patients who need to be seen will be given directions to our Respiratory Care Site where they can be safely evaluated and treated, including imaging and lab where appropriate.” added Watson. “Patients who do not need to be cared for in person will receive directions for drive-thru testing if needed along with a stay at home recommendation with a care management plan that may include a regular touch base with their provider via Ascension Online Care or phone call.”
Healthy patients who need follow-up for issues like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Heart Failure and Asthma should contact their primary care provider.
Ascension Wisconsin has established a dedicated telephone resource for COVID-19 questions. This can be accessed 24/7 by calling 1-833-981-0711. Direct access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension can be found here: healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19. This online resource now includes a useful self assessment tool.