Change in masking requirements and sick visits!

Change in masking requirements and sick visits at Pinon Family Practice

Dear Pinon Family Practice patients and families,

Effective Monday, April 3, 2023, Pinon Family Practice will be lifting masking requirements for team members, patients, families and visitors.  The circulation of respiratory viruses is now at seasonally low rates, so we feel confident saying this date will end the current respiratory season.  If you feel unsettled by this decision, we will have masks available upon request.   

Our recommendation is still that any patient or person caring for a someone who is undergoing cancer treatment, immunocompromised or, chronically ill continue to wear a mask while in any public setting, including Pinon Family Practice. 

We will continue to perform telephonic health screenings during scheduling and ask that any patient or visitor with any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours including fever >100.4F, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, pink eye, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat NOT enter the facility without a mask and follow further instructions as stated below.    

While our preference is still to see upper respiratory concerns via telemedicine, we will be re-opening the clinic to patients for in-office visits with the following requirements:

  • Masks will be required throughout the visit unless the provider invites you to un-mask.

  • Front desk check-in will be replaced with text message check-in and entry through our back door.  We ask that you text our back office when you arrive and wait in your car (the schedulers will provide you with the details).  When ready, you will be asked to enter the office through our back door where you will be roomed by a medical assistant. 

  • All required paperwork, insurance card(s), credit card/debit card/HSA consent and copay submission will still apply.   

We are excited to take this step towards our pre-pandemic operations.  We appreciate your continued partnership, patience and communication these last few years.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Practice Manager, Amy. 

In good health,      

Pinon Family Practice

Amy Patterson