We want to ensure the safety of our patients and our team members by minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19. For most medical conditions and check-ups, we offer and strongly encourage the use of Video Visits. These are safe, easy, and effective for most cases. Some conditions, however, will require an in-person visit to a clinic.

For In-Person Visits:

  • When you arrive, you will be asked to wear a mask. Since mask supplies are limited, please bring one from home. If you do not have one, we will provide one.

  • If you are registered to use MyChart and have the MyChart App downloaded, you can check-in and fill all necessary paperwork before you arrive through the app’s “E-Check In” feature.

    If you are not registered with MyChart, call your clinic when you arrive to let them know you are there. Depending on the clinic, you will wait in your car until you are called on your cell phone, or you will be asked to wait in the clinic’s reception area. If you have paperwork that is required to be filled, you will fill it out before your visit in the reception area or, if you were asked to wait in your car, someone will bring the paperwork to you to complete it there.

    For those waiting in reception areas, seating will either be physically distanced or certain seats will be marked reserved to allow for 6 feet social distance spacing. In addition, clinics will limit the number of people at any given time in office.

  • Before entering any of our facilities, you receive a brief screening to be sure that you are not exhibiting signs of COVID-19. If you are negative, you will proceed to the reception area until your visit time or you will be brought directly into an exam room to await your visit. If you are positive, you will be instructed to return to your car, or you will be taken to an exam room. In either case, a clinical team member will provide further instructions in person or by phone.

  • Adult patients are asked to visit the clinic alone. For adult patients who require assistance, one visitor is permitted. Visitors will also be screened at the entrance to the building, asked to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines.

  • During your in-person visit, your provider will begin by taking a brief history. You will be examined and have any procedures, treatments or injections needed. Your provider will offer a brief explanation of findings with follow-up instructions. If more extensive discussion is required, your provider will call you or initiate a video-visit with you shortly after you return home. This is to minimize duration of contact to prevent potential virus spread. The pre-screening, and follow-up call or video visit are part of your appointment. You will not be charged for separate appointments.

  • If you require a procedure of the nose, mouth, or throat, or a biopsy, you will be escorted to a procedure room where your doctor and staff may wear additional attire such as face-shields, gowns, gloves, and possibly, respiratory masks.

Additional Information Regarding Preventing the Spread of Infection

  • Our team is following all recommendations from federal and local authorities, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Everyone, including our doctors and team members, undergo a daily health assessment when entering our buildings including a check for fever. You will see all our staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves.
  • All our doctors and team members perform frequent handwashing.
  • We perform diligent room disinfecting throughout the day including reception areas, nurses’ stations, and other common areas.
  • Exam rooms are disinfected between each patient including door handles and knobs, handrails, chairs, countertops, exam tables, faucets, light switches, keyboards, and computer mice.

About MyChart

MyChart is our patient portal. You can activate your MyChart Account and receive assistance using MyChart by calling 225-765-5727 or toll-free 1-888-888-6608 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. central time, seven days a week or online at stfran.com/mychart.

If your MyChart account is activated and you have downloaded the MyChart app, you can check-in and complete necessary paperwork through the app’s “E-Check In” feature. It is much faster than completing paper forms and allows you to review and update medications, allergies, and problem lists before arriving.

By enabling “location services always” within the MyChart app on your phone, staff will know when you arrive.

MyChart also makes scheduling and rescheduling appointments, if needed, faster and easier. Plus, it provides an appointment reminder before a visit.

You can send messages, paperwork, and photographs through the app as well as receive test results, paperwork, excuses, letters, and after-visit summaries.

Video Visits

Video visits include telephone, internet-based, and video visits.

Tips for a Successful Video Visit

  • Video Visits are best completed through the MyChart App. For more information about MyChart and the MyChart App, click here.
  • Video visits can be done on a computer, using Chrome or Internet Explorer, or through your smart phone.
  • If using a computer, audio and video must be available; if using a webcam, install and update Adobe Flash Player.
  • On a phone, use the MyChart app, not a browser such as Safari or Internet Explorer.
  • Update the mobile phone in Settings to the latest version.
  • In phone settings, set the MyChart app settings to microphone and camera “on.”
  • Hardware should be tested at least 30 minutes before the visit.
  • At appointment time, go to Visits; select Appointments and Visits; then click on the visit and select Details.
  • At E-CheckIn, complete and sign ALL forms; do not “save until later.”
  • If the video visit connection is not working:
    • Turn off other apps, especially Zoom.
    • Turn off Bluetooth and increase device volume.
    • Disconnect from the visit, then Re-connect.
  • Borrowing a compatible phone or computer to sign in to your MyChart account is allowed.
  • Video visits must be made from one’s home state, and finally,
  • Participating in a video visits should not be completed while driving.

TO SCHEDULE A VIDEO OR IN PERSON VISIT

To schedule a video visit or an in-person appointment, call your provider's clinic. You can also schedule an appointment on-line through MyChart. You must be registered to use MyChart.

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