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In an effort to keep our community safe while providing continuous medical care, Coryell Health has launched telehealth. Changing the way patients experience healthcare, telehealth provides access to our medical providers from the comfort of home.

At Coryell Health Medical Clinic, telemedicine is used to:

• Provide convenient access to medical services at home or assisted living facilities
• Help patients see a physician sooner and save valuable time
• Have medications electronically prescribed and sent directly to a pharmacy for pickup
• Provide access to medical providers who can virtually diagnose and provide support to patients

The innovative platform enables physicians to provide patients with a continuum of care and clinical services virtually anywhere. Patients benefit by having convenient access to medical providers through a real-time video connection over secure Internet-connected devices (computer, iPhone, iPad, Android). The virtual program allows our clinicians to safely, confidentially and securely conduct consultations and discuss exam results, recovery plans, treatment options and even electronically prescribe medications — all from a remote location.

Don’t miss your doctor’s appointments, not get your prescription refills or get sicker. Call us today at (254) 865-2166 to schedule a telehealth visit with one of our medical providers.

THANK YOU to the medical providers who risk their lives to protect others. #TeamCoryellHealth

Coryell Health infection control and safety training protocols for our healthcare workers incorporates processes for donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE). “Protecting our healthcare workers and preventing the spread of infection to other patients requires that proper training for the procedure and safe work practices be carried out regularly,” said Heather Rambeau, Coryell Health Chief Nursing Officer.

The Coryell Health Advanced Wound Center is open and committed to ensuring the continuity of care for patients with wounds. We understand that some patients may be reluctant to leave home, but rest assured, we have stringent policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of your patients and our staff.

We are following CDC infection control guidelines and are taking every precaution to mitigate transmission of the virus. Steps to protect patients and staff, include:

• Following CDC recommendations for COVID-19 screening
• Practicing social distancing in the common areas, such as waiting rooms
• Staggering patient appointments and arrival times
• Scheduling patients by acuity

Advanced wound care is essential – not elective – to protect the health of patients and prevent an escalation of their disease. Advanced wound care, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is essential – not elective – to protect the health of patients and prevent an escalation of their disease. Podiatry has rescheduled all non-essential appointments, i.e. nail trimmings, elective procedures.

If you have questions about your appointment, please call Coryell Health Advanced Wound Center at 254-248-6204. if you have think you are showing respiratory symptoms including cough and/or shortness of breath with fever, please call our Respiratory Hot Line at (254) 248-6263, or you can take our COVID-19 online screening tool on our website.

As COVID-19 arrives in our region, I want to remind you that Coryell Health is here for you today, as we have been for 80 years.

Telehealth

Coryell launched telehealth capabilities to aid in social distancing and keeping our community safe, while providing quality medical care.  We are advising that any patient with respiratory symptoms including cough and/or shortness of breath with fever or who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, should call our hotline (254) 248-6263, and if needed, you can now have a telehealth visit with one of our doctors from your computer, iPad or phone. We will soon have a COVID-19 screening tool on our website. If you are having trouble breathing, or are having some other type of medical emergency, please call 911.

Infection Prevention Activities

Our hospital, clinics and long-term care facilities are safe. We have activated infection prevention protocols including restriction of visitors, only allowing medically necessary vendors inside, screening of everyone entering our facilities, as well restricting movement and groups within our facility.

Surpassing the required standards of care, we are meeting any patient suspected of having COVID-19 at their vehicle and screening them there, to keep them separated from other patients and staff.

Coryell Health is committed to being a resource for information and care, keeping you updated as we learn more. Your health is our priority. Our primary and specialty care clinics are open, taking appointments and caring for the medical needs of our community.

Now, we are calling on all Central Texans to respond appropriately and do your part. Avoid large groups as much as you can, especially if you are 60 years or older or have a chronic medical condition.  Wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are sick to protect yourself and others. It is important to check on your neighbors and if you or someone you know does not have internet or access to care, but needs medical attention please call us, we can help. We have the ability to expand our service to those that are isolated/quarantined by utilizing our EMS System, if needed in the future.

Coryell Health will continue to work with the Greater Central Texas community and our fellow health systems to ensure that our community is prepared and ready to protect themselves and their families. In the past, our staff has responded to extraordinary events in extraordinary ways, these same efforts are leading us today. Because, at the end of the day, you are not just our patients. You are our family, friends and neighbors.

We are proud to serve our community.

Thank you, David Byrom, CEO, Coryell Health

Call Ahead Before Seeking Medical Care ǀ Coryell Health Respiratory/COVID-19 HOT LINE: 254-248-6263

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or think you may be ill, please call our hot line before coming in. Coryell Health now has medical staff triaging calls from our hot line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice.

If your symptoms worsen and you need to be seen by a provider, call ahead. Your advisor will give you special instructions and prepare for your arrival so they can provide you the care you need while protecting others.

Coryell Health welcomes Dr. Mukundan, board certified neurologist, with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. She will be seeing patients in Coryell Medical Clinic, Building 2, for a range of issues including chronic disease management, stroke, epilepsy, and headaches. To schedule an appointment, call (254) 865-2166.

Dr. Mukundan completed a fellowship in neurophysiology and epilepsy at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center. She has authored various articles on neurological topics and her greatest area of specialization is the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Dr. Mukundan also specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of headaches.

Dr. Mukundan attended medical school at Kilpauk Medical College in India. She completed her internship in internal medicine and residency in neurology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. Previously, she attended Tulane University for an internship and residency in psychiatry. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society.

When she was young, she always envisioned herself becoming a physician. After entering medical school, she was fascinated by different neurological conditions and determining the areas of the brain that are responsible to select the best treatments.
Dr. Mukundan is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of each patient. She states, “I like to place myself in their shoes and fully understand the concerns of my patients and their loved ones.”

Her favorite hobbies are spending time with family, listening to classical Indian music, painting and cooking.

Coryell Health has been closely monitoring recent events related to the spread of the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus. To reduce the spread of this disease and similar respiratory illnesses, beginning at 7am, Friday, March 13, 2020, Coryell Health will expand its existing patient concierge services by screening patients and family members for potential risk factors of COVID-19 at the front door of each of our facilities. Patients that are at risk will be offered further evaluation in a convenient drive-through setting that also maximizes protection of patients and Coryell staff. Patients with acute needs will be referred to the emergency department. Clinic hours have not changed and all patients are encouraged to continue receiving care and arriving for appointments as previously scheduled.

For further protection, patients will be allowed to have one family member accompany them for acute care visits, procedures or hospitalizations during the hours of 6am-6pm, but other family and friends of our hospital patients and long term care residents have been asked not to visit during this time in order to protect them from potentially dangerous illnesses. Visits to long term care residents that are medically necessary, or in the case of hospice patients, will be allowed after approval and screening by staff. As always, the goal of Coryell Health is to provide the best possible care in an environment that is safe for our patients, staff, and the entire community. Thank you for your understanding and support in reducing the spread of illness.

Coryell Health will be hosting Fort Hood soldiers over the next two days, as they do simulation training in preparation for deployment. As of this morning, Army North active duty army has started pre-deployment certification outside the Coryell Health EMS building. They will be simulating decontamination, specifically nuclear, radiological exposure. “We have always had a great relationship with our Fort Hood neighbors and provide any assistance they need when preparing soldiers for deployment. This specific training will have the active duty soldiers in hazmat suits and with the heighted concerns about Corona virus, we wanted to let our community know that what we have going on here is a training,” stated Jeff Mincy, Coryell Health EMS Director/Patient Experience.

Coryell Health is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our patients, residents, and community are the top priority for Coryell Health. Response plans are in place, including screenings of all patients seeking care. We ask that you do not visit patients or residents if you are ill.

Symptoms of COVID-19

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Tips to protect yourself and others

The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVD-19

• avoid close contact with people that are sick
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• stay at home and away from other people if you are sick
• cover your cough and sneezes with a tissues
• wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based hand gel for at least 20 seconds
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Orthopedic surgeons and the medical staff at Coryell Health are excited to offer an orthopedic robotic knee system, which brings together robotic technology with industry-leading knee implants to help surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients. Coryell is the first to use x-ray guided orthopedic robotic technology in the Central Texas area. The ROSA (Robotic Surgical Knee is a robotically-assisted surgical system designed to help perform total knee replacement surgery.  It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues in order to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. Data provided by orthopedic robots assist with complex decision-making and enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility during procedures.

“For everyone involved – surgeons, medical staff and, most importantly, patients – the orthopedic robot has the potential to offer a number of key benefits and advantages,” Jacob Battle, MD, Coryell Health Orthopedic Surgeon said. “We know the decision to have joint replacement is often a difficult one for patients to make, and we believe these robotically-assisted technologies have the potential to make it an easier one moving forward.”

“The orthopedic robot provides us with data throughout the surgery to help us know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy. It really personalizes the approach to total knee replacement,” adds Lance Ellis, DO, Coryell Health Orthopedic and Orthopedic Spine Surgeon.

For more information on how patients may benefit from a knee replacement at Coryell Health, contact our medical clinic at (254) 865-2166.

Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States. This condition is typically due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This blockage makes it harder for blood to flow and can cause high blood pressure. In severe cases, it can stop circulation, causing a heart attack or stroke. Given the risks and prevalence of this illness, every person must know how to protect against heart disease. In honor of National Heart Month this February, below are a few crucial points to know about this condition.

What Can You Do to Prevent Heart Disease?

Manage Conditions

Certain medical conditions increase your risk of developing heart disease—including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you have any of these issues, take steps with your doctors to minimize their adverse effects on the body.

Eat Healthily

A heart-healthy diet is one that contains a proportionate amount of vegetables, fruits, lean meat, fatty fish, legumes, and whole grains. When choosing food, avoid items that are high in sodium, refined sugars, and trans or saturated fats. These substances stress your cardiovascular system.

Stay Active

Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day will strengthen your heart so that it can better pump blood. Regular activity will also help prevent or manage conditions that contribute to heart diseases—such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Avoid Harmful Substances

Cigarette use and excessive drinking can increase your risk of heart problems. If you smoke, ask your primary care provider about ways you can quit. You should also eliminate or limit your alcohol intake.

How Do You Spot Heart Disease?

Heart disease typically develops without presenting any noticeable symptoms. That’s why you should get screened by a doctor on a schedule that fits your specific risk profile. Doctors use a variety of methods to diagnose heart disease—including blood tests, calcium scoring, physical exams, and blood pressure checks.

How Is Heart Disease Managed?

If you have heart disease, your doctor will prescribe several lifestyle adjustments to improve your cardiovascular health—including dietary changes and increased fitness. Often, they will also prescribe medications to help reduce the effects of the disease.

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Providing both preventative and urgent care services in Gatesville, TX, Coryell Health makes it easy to get all the services you need to protect your heart. Whether they screen you for high blood pressure, diabetes, or assist with weight loss, the caring professionals will develop plans that address your specific concerns. To learn more about our cardiopulmonary care, visit us online. If you’d like to make an appointment with a doctor, call (254) 865-2166.