COVID-19
In the current climate of the COVID-19 pandemic, Apex Radiology is continuing to provide radiology services at all of our clinics within our communities, to patients not affected by the Coronavirus or considered ‘high-risk’.
We are constantly monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic globally, implementing the latest State and Federal Government advice, and adding extra precautionary measures to maintain a safe environment for our patients and staff. We have implemented new policies and procedures to reduce the risk associated with COVID-19:
Electronic Referrals
Click here to access Apex radiology electronic online referrals.
Apex Radiology is encouraging referrers and patients to send their referral paperwork electronically. This helps to keep our staff from unnecessary handling of items.
In response to increasing Telehealth appointments and in line with Medicare’s recent advice, Apex is accepting unsigned image requests emailed directly from the Doctors email or main practice email address. No paper copy is necessary to reduce contact between staff and patients.
If you see a patient who does not meet any of the COVID-19 screening criteria and needs an x-ray they can still walk-in for an appointment.
Request Forms – MUST INCLUDE details of:
This enables us to ensure we undertake appropriate arrangements in regard to PPE and can inform patients what to expect when they arrive for their imaging.
Waiting Room and Attendance Protocol
We are taking extra precautions to minimise infection within our clinics and are ensuring our waiting areas are regularly disinfected. We have an ample supply of hand sanitiser for both staff and patient use. You can be assured that every hygiene measure is taken to ensure the safety of patients in our clinics. We are practicing social distancing in all of our waiting rooms under government guidelines.
Apex is also encouraging patients to attend appointments by themselves, where possible.
Exceptions will be:
Emphasis of strict hygiene protocols
All employees and patients are being asked to practice increased care with hygiene and infection control and are providing hand sanitiser throughout our clinics, displaying hand washing guides and other reminder notices in centres.
Referring of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Infection for Medical Imaging
With the high presentation of confirmed or suspect COVID-19 case it is important to know a couple of key facts when deciding on referral pathways:
Patient Screening
We are carefully assessing each patient’s individual risk to provide the best care and ask that you continue to refer your patients to our clinics. Providing they do not meet the criteria of a high-risk patient, as outlined by the Australian Health Department below:
What if my question hasn’t been answered?