Office Reopening

We, at Internal Medicine Associates of Texas, hope that you and your family are safe and in good health during these challenging times. We would like to thank you for the trust you place in us to safeguard your health and well-being. To begin the process of returning to “normal”, we are happy to announce that we will be re-opening for in-office visits June 1, 2020! You may start calling the office immediately to schedule an appointment.

We want to make everyone aware of some important changes we have implemented to protect the health and safety of both patients and staff. We continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Medical Association.

Please see below for measures we have implemented to minimize risk:

• We have changed our appointment schedule to allow for social distancing, minimizing time spent by patients in the waiting room and minimizing the number of patients present in the office at any given time.
• When making your appointment, you may be asked screening questions about your health to decrease the risk of transmission of any infectious diseases.
• If you are experiencing the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat, headache, chills/ shaking chills, muscle/body aches & pains or new loss of sense of taste and smell, you will NOT be seen. Please do NOT enter the waiting room. You may call our office to reschedule your appointment. Cancellation of appointments due to the above circumstances will not result in a cancellation fee, even if you cancel the day of the appointment.
• If you have had any contact within the previous 14 days with any person experiencing the above symptoms, please reschedule your appointment.
• If you have had any contact within the previous 14 days with any person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspected to have Covid-19, please reschedule your appointment.
• Patients not experiencing the above symptoms will be allowed into the waiting room/office. We ask that you do not bring family members, children, or friends.
• Please know that Dr. Salam and staff will be wearing protective equipment, specifically a mask or covering of their nose and mouth. This is a preventative measure and is not indicative of anyone having or carrying the virus.
• We ask that all patients wear masks/facial coverings BEFORE entering the office. For additional safety, Dr. Salam recommends that patients should put on their masks/face coverings even before entering the building.
• We will continue to thoroughly clean and sanitize exam rooms after each patient, following the guidelines established by the CDC and OSHA.
• Our waiting room will be cleaned and sanitized several times a day.
• Patients should make best efforts to keep 6 feet away from other patients in the lobby. Walk slowly and stay 6 feet behind the person in front.
• Dr. Salam also recommends limiting elevator capacity to 3 people. If 3 people are in the elevator already, please wait for the next one. Do not worry about being late. We will not cancel or reschedule your appointment. Please be aware that there may be a little bit of a wait as we try to accommodate you back into our schedule.
• Office appointments are scheduled Monday-Friday 8:15AM to 11:30AM and 12:30PM to 3:30PM.
• Office hours will continue to be 8:00AM to 5:00PM Monday-Friday.
• Payments will be collected by credit card only. Cash and check will not be accepted.
• We will continue to do Telemedicine Visits Monday-Friday.

Telemedicine will be reserved for:

• Patients who are ill with acute illnesses.
• Patients who have the following symptoms or have been in contact with anyone else with the following symptoms in the previous 14 days: fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat, headache, chills/ shaking chills, muscle/body aches & pains or new loss of sense of taste and smell.
• Patients above the age of 65.
• Patients with co-morbid diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, Diabetes, and history of stroke.
• Patients with autoimmune and connective tissue diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and psoriasis, especially if they are on immunosuppressive medicines.
• Cancer patients who are on chemotherapy or undergoing radiation treatment.

Please feel free to call our office with questions and concerns.

We are always here for you. Your health and safety are of the highest importance to us.

Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in our ability to help keep you healthy and well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ambareen Salam & the IMAT Team