Policies and What to Expect

Welcome back to Spaulding Outpatient Center-Salem

We are pleased to be welcoming back both old and new patients.  Please know that your health and that of our staff is our top priority. We ask that you take a moment to familiarize yourself with our new processes.  These were developed in accordance with the guidelines set by both the CDC and the state of Massachusetts.  We ask for your patience as we settle into this new “normal.”

All patients will be asked a series of health screening questions when first scheduling your appointment and again when you arrive at our center.  If you develop symptoms prior to your appointment, please contact our office.  Our staff will be happy to assist you in rescheduling your appointment.  Please note, for the safety of our patients and staff you must be symptom-free to receive treatment or complete an evaluation.  Please be thoughtful of the following:

• Have you traveled outside the US in the last 30 days?
• Have you had a fever or felt feverish in the last 24 hours?
• Have you had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected to be positive? If so, you must defer your appointment at the facility for 14 days.
• Have you tested positive, been hospitalized, or are recovering from COVID-19? If so, you must defer appointments at the facility and may return at a minimum of 10 days following the onset of symptoms and after being symptom-free for 3 days.
• Do you have a new rash?
• Do you have any of the following symptoms?
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Severe dizziness/fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • New cough
  • Chills/Repeated shaking with chills
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Runny / congested nose (not related to allergies)
  • GI Symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

If you have any of the above symptoms, you must defer your appointment at the facility and may return after at a minimum of 10 days following the onset of symptoms and after being symptom-free for 3 days. You may discuss the option of virtual visits with your clinician.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be admitted to the suite by one of our screening staff.  Our screener will review the above screening questions with you.  Once cleared, you will be given hand sanitizer and one of our hospital grade masks. Please do not bring any extra items into our center for your appointment. If you need to store your own mask/belongings, we will provide you with a special bag.

Our waiting room will be minimized; therefore, we are not allowing any visitors in the center at this time.  We ask anyone who has accompanied you to your appointment to wait outside of the suite or in the car. If you need assistance, one of our staff members will be happy to help.

Patients may check in and make co-payments ahead of time through their Patient Gateway accounts using the e-check in process.  If you don’t have an established Gateway account, our front desk staff will be happy to assist you in setting one up.

During your visit, we ask you to be mindful of other patients in our center and maintain a 6-foot distance from them. Please be comfortable knowing we are cleaning in between patients and also “high touch” areas throughout the center repeatedly during the day. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email your clinician or contact our Site Manager, Melissa Morse at 978-825-8700.