COVID-19 Update

Visiting our facility: A COVID-19 Update

At the SURGICAL AND ENDOSCOPY CENTER OF BERGEN COUNTY, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our patients and of our communities. We understand the fear and concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and are committed to doing all we can to protect you and your family. We are actively monitoring the changing situation, and have taken proactive steps to ensure your safety.  We appreciate the trust you have placed in us. 

We are working with local and state health departments, and follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  In our operating rooms and across all patient care areas, we provide the highest level of cleaning and disinfecting by following guidelines from the CDC and the Association of Operating Room Nurse (AORN). 

Please click here to watch a COVID-19 instructional video, including precautions and screening information being performed our facility. 

As we work together to keep patients, visitors, and our team’s safe, here is what you can expect from us:

Prior to surgery

One week (7 days) prior to the date of your procedure, you will need to begin to self-monitor at home by taking your temperature and monitoring for fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.  Please call the facility if you develop a fever or any flu-like symptoms. You should plan to self-quarantine, limit visitors, and wear a mask when outside your home at all times and continue to comply with social distancing. 

Five (5) days (120 hrs maximum) prior to your procedure you will need to have a pre-operative Covid-19 test. See Pre-Procedure COVID Testing Information.

Three (3) days prior to your procedure we will call you to ask you screening questions about your general health.  At this time, you will be instructed to continue to monitor yourself at home.  You should continue to self-quarantine and stay away from anyone who has had recent travel, had flu-like symptoms, or has tested positive for coronavirus.  Again, please notify the facility for any changes in your general health.

If at any time within the 7 days prior to your procedure you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms please call the facility at 201-336-1100, press “O” AND ASK TO SPEAK TO A NURSE to provide us with notification.

Visiting our Center on the Day of Surgery

For the safety of our patients and staff, we ask that you come to the facility wearing a mask. 

Please note that building access is being limited to specific entryways to improve social distancing. Please have your driver park in the parking lot, and once you arrive call the registration desk @ 201-336-1100 option #9 from YOUR CAR and let them know you have arrived. One of our team members will contact you on your cell phone and request that you come into the building for screening and registration. If you need assistance, please request that a team member meet you at your car.

Once you arrive in our facility, a team member will again ask you screening questions about your general health and take your temperature. This screening process is mandatory for every person entering the facility, including physicians and our employees. Upon completion of the screening process you will be registered and begin your pre-surgical care. We request that your ride stay in their vehicle in the parking lot until you are admitted to the Center and the ride has received a SMS TXT message that the patient has been ADMITTED.

For everyone’s safety, all drivers should remain in their cars or return home, as visitors are prohibited at this time.  We will contact them upon completion of your procedure by Phone or TXT. To learn more about coronavirus symptoms visit www.cdc.gov

Pre-Procedure COVID Testing Information

We are pleased to care for you at the Surgical and Endoscopy Center of Bergen County. Thank you for your understanding as we take precautions during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Our priority is patient, visitor, community, and team safety and wellbeing. We have implemented pre-operative COVID-19 testing for patients, to keep everyone safe, per the New Jersey Department of Health. 

COVID-19 Testing Instructions

• There are several options to have your Covid-19 testing performed. Please work with your physician to arrange the option that works best for you. Please choose an option that guarantees we will have testing results prior to the date of your procedure.

If you choose to use the Labcorp Nasal self-swab option:

• You will need to come the SECBC Surgical Center Parking lot to have your Covid-19 Test collected at: Surgical and Endoscopy Center of Bergen County 80 Eisenhower Dr Paramus, NJ 07652
• Covid-19 Test collection can only occur between 9:00am and 3:00pm Monday - Friday
• Your test collection must be completed 120 hours (5 days) prior to your scheduled procedure.
• During your test, a healthcare worker will instruct you on how self-collection of a nasal swab (in the lower part of your nose (nostrils) with a cotton swab. This swab is inserted into your nose with only the cotton tip.You will rotate the swab at least three (3) times in each nostril for approximately 5 seconds each and then place in the tube cotton tip down.
• The individual collecting your test will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including a mask, eye protection, and gloves – this is to protect our team as well as to protect patients from any person-to-person transmission risks.Gloves are removed and hand hygiene performed after every test, in order to protect patients.
• You will be called by the physician’s office once your test result is received on the day before the procedure in order for you to continue your prep if applicable. You will be informed of your result, and instructed of any next steps needed.
• Your test result will also be reported to the local health department as required by law, as well as to the Surgery Center.
• Labcorp will bill your insurance company for the cost of the test.

• If you chose another laboratory, physician’s office, or urgent care center to perform your Covid-19 test then the results must be sent to the surgery center by 5:00 pm on the day prior to your surgery or procedure.
• The only acceptable test is a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. Covid-19 Antibody tests or Rapid Tests or Antigen tests will not be acceptable.

COVID-19 Testing Instructions 

• After your test, it is important that you self-isolate, which means that you strictly avoid contact with anyone who is not a member of your immediate household AND observe social distancing (6 feet distance from others) between the completion of your test and arrival at our facility for your procedure.
• The CDC recommends self-isolation whenever an individual is waiting for test results.
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after using the bathroom, contact with any other individual or contact with surfaces frequently touched by others
• Wear a facemask when unable to maintain a 6 foot distance from others.
• If at any time during the self-isolation period you feel ill, notify your physician
• Specific symptoms to monitor for are cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Frequently Asked Questions about Testing 

1.         Why are the people performing testing wearing masks?

Safety is our top priority and the Lab follows guidelines on masks usage from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health agencies. The CDC has suggested the use of masks by health care workers when working with patients to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

The lab staff will use different types of masks and other protective equipment like gowns, gloves, and goggles in different areas depending on the unique needs of the patients they are caring for.

2.         Why are you testing me for COVID-19 even if I don't have symptoms?

An individual can have COVID-19 even if they do not have any symptoms. Testing and/or screening before procedures to rule out COVID-19 allows us to avoid exposing our staff, patients, or their families to the virus or creating greater risk to the patient during a surgical procedure. 

Screening

●          Patients will be contacted by the facility to complete a pre-surgical screening before their procedure date, which will include questions related to symptoms of COVID-19, personal history of COVID-19, and possible recent exposure to COVID-19.  

●          Individuals will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they arrive for their procedure.

When should I get my Covid-19 PCR Test

●          Based on the date of your scheduled procedure, you are required by the NJ Department of Health to have a Covid-19 PCR test no more than 5 days prior to your procedure date.

●          Labs vary on the ability to provide results within the 24-72 hour time frame. Please work with your Physician’s office to determine the best testing option for you. Results are legally required to be received at the surgery center prior to your procedure. We recommend that you contact the Physician’s office on the afternoon prior to your procedure to receive your results. This will allow you to proceed with your preparation if required for your procedure

●          We recommend the following testing schedule:

 

Monday Procedure (Test on Wednesday) Tuesday Procedure (Test on Thursday) Wednesday Procedure (Test on Friday)

Thursday Procedure (Test on Friday) Friday Procedure (Test on Monday) Saturday Procedure (Test on Monday)

 

Other questions or concerns?

Please contact your physician’s office or Surgical and Endoscopy Center of Bergen County. Our staff can help answer any Questions or concerns you may have. Surgical and Endoscopy Center of Bergen County Phone Number: 201-336-1100

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is coronavirus?

   Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory (lung) illness with flu-like symptoms including:

   • Fever
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath
   • Difficulty breathing
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Muscle pain
   • Extreme fatigue
   • Chills
   • Headache

      

2. How does coronavirus spread?

   Coronavirus can be spread in several ways. Follow this link for more information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

    

3. How can I prevent contracting or spreading the virus?

1. Wear a mask when in public places
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.
4. Stay away from people who are sick or have had recent travel
5. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces.
7. Stay home when you are sick, except to receive medical care.

• What do I do if I think I have coronavirus?
  1. Call your doctor right away for advice and minimize contact with others.
  2. Stay home except to get medical care.
  3. If you have shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.
  4. Do not come to the surgical facility without clearance from your physician that you have a Negative Covid-19 PCR Test.

• Mask Options
  • You may purchase a mask from Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart or similar retail stores
  • You may wear a cloth mask which we will exchange for a surgical mask upon your arrival

Please know that we have an unwavering commitment to the safety of our patients, visitors and team.

Thank you for choosing our center to meet your healthcare needs.