COVID-19: Appointments and Scheduling
Updated March 27, 2020
Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, Penn Medicine is providing – and will continue to provide – exceptional care to all of our patients. In an effort to protect our patients and staff, and to prioritize the needs of those who may require immediate care, we have decided to make some patient scheduling changes over the next several weeks. We believe that taking this step is in the best interest of all and will allow us to focus on our most critically ill patients, take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and ensure we have sufficient equipment and supplies during this difficult time.
Changes to Appointments and Procedures
Some of the changes to new and upcoming patient appointments and procedures include:
- Rescheduling elective patient appointments and procedures over the coming weeks or changing these appointments to virtual visits or home care
- Scheduling patient appointments that do not require in-clinic visits via telephone, telemedicine, or home care
- Scheduling new non-essential appointments and elective procedures eight weeks out
We are still caring for patients with life-threatening conditions or whose care cannot be deferred. Urgent and emergency surgeries, procedures, and treatments will continue.
If we need to reschedule, postpone, or change your upcoming appointment, we will contact you directly.
To receive more information about your specific care or if you need to postpone your appointment due to fever or other concerns, please contact your doctor’s office or 800-789-7366.
We apologize for the inconvenience these changes pose to you and your family, and we appreciate your understanding.
Changes to Lab Services
The Laboratory Patient Service Centers are only seeing patients with urgent or STAT orders at this time. If you have routine or non-urgent orders from your provider, we ask that you postpone that laboratory testing for several weeks.
Patients with urgent or STAT orders must follow our updated guidelines for Outpatient Labs.