260 Merrimon Avenue, Suite 200 Asheville, NC 28801 • (828) 254-2444

COVID-19 (aka: Coronavirus) UPDATE

 

Message to our Patients:  Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, we are experiencing both higher than normal patient volumes as well as staffing shortage. Your care is important to us. Given these realities, however, it may take extra time for callbacks regarding non-urgent matters. It may also be harder to reach us by phone. We encourage all patients to use their patient portal when possible as this may result in a faster response. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.
* The quickest way to access your COVID-19 test results is by downloading the Labcorp app to your smart phone/computer.  

Operating Hours

Until further notice, our hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. As always, we have a doctor on-call 24/7.
 
Community Family Practice has canceled our walk-in clinic. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel it is important to triage all sick patients over the phone before their arrival in our office.

Please note that we will continue to offer scheduled same-day appointments for acute problems, including sick visits and COVID-19 testing when appropriate. Please call us at 254-2444 for an appointment.

Televisits

Many insurers have relaxed telehealth requirements during the pandemic. We are offering phone and televisits to patients who meet the criteria.

If you're scheduled for a Televisit, your provider will send a text message containing a link to your smart phone when they're ready to connect with you.  Phones should have video capability. 

PLEASE NOTE

We are asking sick patients to call us from their car when they arrive for their appointment. This allows us to isolate all patients appropriately. Some patients may be evaluated outside or in their car.
 
Regarding COVID-19 testing: Call us for an appointment if you need COVID testing. We are prioritizing people with symptoms, people who have been exposed to a known case, and people who work in occupations where they have a high risk of exposure.
 
If you have COVID, you should stay at home and not expose others until it has been at least five days from the onset of your symptoms AND at least 24 hours with no fever and improvement in any respiratory symptoms.  For the following five days, you should remain masked to minimize the risk of transmission.

Masking Optional (Effective 3/27/2023)

In accordance with CDC guidelines, masking is currently optional in the healthcare setting and here at CFP.  

Masking has been a valuable tool to prevent community spread of respiratory illness, and we continue to support and encourage our patients and staff that choose to continue masking.  Patients reserve the right to ask their care team to wear a mask during their visit.  

e-Check In remains available for patients that prefer to wait in their cars until their appointment and to be taken directly into the exam room.    

(From today’s text message appointment reminder, click “Begin Check In.”  After updating your information, scroll down and click the GREEN “I have arrived” button.)        

***As community levels of COVID-19 increase, masking may become required again in efforts to slow the spread and keep our patients, staff, and communities safe.*** 

Masks are still required for anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms or that have been exposed to a contagious respiratory illness. These appointments may be seen at our respiratory care clinic, located at the back of the building. In the last two weeks, if you or anyone with you today has experienced the following symptoms, please wear a mask and call the office at 828-254-2444 to check-in. Symptoms include: Fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, vomiting, muscle aches, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and/or new loss of taste/smell.   

 
For more information on the Coronavirus click here.
 

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates:

Covid-19 Vaccines Available Now:  We are now offering mRNA COVID19 vaccines for all age groups, 6 months and older, by appointment only. Please call 828-254-2444 to schedule.  Please call today to reserve your appointment to take your vaccine.

Thank you for helping our other patients, staff, and providers to stay well!