Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Preparedness & Protocols

As the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, Summit Medical Group is committed to providing the safest experience possible for our patients. Like many others, we're crafting our guidance from the CDC and have taken new steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also ensuring as minimal disruption to patient care as possible.

One of our greatest differentiators has always been the physical environment in which we operate, as our facilities have real and unique advantages when caring for immunocompromised patients. Our patients always receive a private room, thereby minimizing unnecessary close contact with others. Moreover, the majority of our locations are located in individual retail spaces - not in shared healthcare facilities like hospitals or medical parks. Lastly, our appointment-only model, coupled with our focus on ensuring our patients spend the least amount of time in public areas - allows us to minimize the risk of exposure to others that might occur in a traditional waiting room setting.

Our clinical team works hard to make every Summit Medical Group facility an aseptic environment, meaning it is contamination-free and free from disease-causing microorganisms. Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after every patient visit. This not only includes the patient treatment chair, but every other common area object, which receives a sterile cleaning with a disinfecting agent. We also thoroughly clean all other areas at multiple intervals throughout the day, including our entryway, front desk, and restrooms.

In response to COVID-19, IVX Health is taking additional, precautionary steps to maximize patient safety which patients may notice upon their next visit, including:

Expanded Screening

When scheduling/confirming an appointment, Summit Medical Group speaks to every patient to review the precautions we are taking to reduce the transmission of coronavirus and to ask additional questions about travel history, family contacts, or other potential risks of exposure. Summit employees are also actively self-monitoring for symptoms - including daily temperature checks - before coming to the clinics.

Limits on Guests

We've limited the presence of vendors, deliveries, and all non-essential staff to minimize any small but real risk of exposures. We are now asking patients to do the same and limit the presence of friends and family members in the centers whenever possible. Unless there are physical or safety reasons, Summit team members will ask guests to wait outside the clinic until the visit is complete.

The Presence of Additional Protective Gear

Out of an abundance of caution, we've asked all staff to wear protective equipment inside the clinic, including masks for all employees and masks and gloves for clinical staff. The CDC has indicated that those affected with COVID-19 may spread before they are symptomatic, and we felt it is the right precautionary step to protect both our staff and patients.

For these reasons and more, we believe there's no safer or better place for patients who need primary care services to receive it. At Summit Medical Group, we're deeply committed to doing what's right for all the people whose lives we touch.

Listed below are several questions and informative responses regarding Summit Medical Group's protocols regarding COVID-19:

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms? 

As your health care partner, your safety is our top priority. If you are in severe respiratory distress, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. You should not visit the emergency room for minor symptoms or to seek testing. You will have a long wait and expose yourself to other potential infections.

If you have a fever, cough, and other symptoms of respiratory infection, call your Summit Medical Group primary care physician. Our team can help direct you to the appropriate site of care based on your symptoms and medical history (such as recent international travel or exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19). If you are directed to an office, urgent care, or emergency room, please immediately notify the staff of your possible illness upon arrival.

I have a regularly scheduled appointment with my doctor. Should I come? 

Regular wellness visits and appointments for chronic care treatment are important for your health and should not be avoided. Summit Medical Group is taking every precaution to protect our patients and staff from exposure to COVID-19, including isolating patients with symptoms to prevent exposures.

If you have a scheduled appointment and are having fever, cough and other symptoms of respiratory infection, call the office where you have an appointment to ensure you get care in the appropriate location. We will help direct you to the appropriate site of care based on your symptoms.

Telehealth appointments also are available for current and new patients. To learn more about this option for virtual video or phone appointment with a provider, click here or discuss directly with your physician's office.

Can I come in and be tested for COVID-19?

You may be evaluated and tested for COVID-19 at any of our Summit locations. Some of our locations, including all 4 of our Summit Express Clinics, have the COVID19 rapid molecular test. However, supplies are limited so we may not have them every day. In addition, these tests are recommended for people with symptoms and are less accurate for asymptomatic (without symptoms) patients. Your physician may choose to send the COVID19 testing to a regional lab, with results generally available in 1-3 days.

Should I wear a mask to my Summit provider's appointment?

All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask when visiting any Summit Medical Group facility. Sick or symptomatic patients should remain in their vehicles when they arrive and call the office main number to let the staff know they have arrived. To help conserve medical masks, please bring a mask from home to wear.

Thank you for helping to protect the health and safety of our patients and employees.

Where can I get more information?

Don't rely on secondhand information or social media for updates. Refer to reliable health information sites such as those listed below.

Tennessee Department of Health: Public hotline: 1-877-857-2945
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

American Academy of Pediatrics:
Website: www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx


Click the links below for PDF files for COVID-19 information from the Centers for Disease Control:

  • - CDC COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions - PDF Document
  • - CDC What to do if you are infected with COVID-19 - PDF Document