The Center expands access to care next week, with safety measures

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care said Wednesday it will move forward with expanding appointment availability at its clinics in Bend and Redmond, starting next Monday.

“The Center has remained open throughout this pandemic but has limited in-person care to the urgent needs of our patients,” said Christy McLeod, CEO of The Center.  “We have many patients who have delayed seeking care, and we can now accommodate additional patient appointments, with proper social distancing and enhanced safety protocols in place.”

The Center will allow the scheduling of routine visits while strictly monitoring the volume of people present in their clinics at one time. Patient appointments will be spread out, allowing adequate time for cleaning and sanitizing waiting rooms and clinic areas, which remains a top priority for The Center.

They will also continue to use telemedicine video appointments for anyone who needs the convenience, and for those patients in the high-risk category who prefer to stay home.

In addition, The Center will continue to offer their NOWcare walk-in clinic for urgent orthopedic, neurosurgical, and physical medicine and rehabilitation visits at their 2200 NE Neff Road clinic location.

“We are proceeding with caution and thoughtfulness,” states McLeod. “While it hasn’t been easy, I appreciate how our team has pulled together to make the best of an extremely difficult time. I am humbled on a daily basis when I see how hard providers and staff are working to provide quality care in a safe and appropriate way despite significant obstacles.”

The Center currently runs three satellite clinics in Bend and Redmond, which will continue to see patients by appointment only. Health and safety precautions are being strictly monitored and enforced and will continue to include the following guidelines until further notice:

• All patients and visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and have their temperature taken upon entry.
• All patients, visitors, staff, and providers are required to wear a mask or face covering and use hand sanitizer inside the clinic.
• Patients are allowed one person to accompany them if they are a minor, need an interpreter, or a medically necessary caregiver. Additional guests will need to wait outside or in their cars.
• Check in areas and waiting rooms have been modified to allow for safe social distancing, and the frequency of cleanings between patients and deep cleaning at night will continue.

The Center’s patient services team is working quickly to reschedule appointments, procedures, and surgeries that were previously postponed due to COVID-19 concerns and state mandates. With the health and safety of their patients, providers, staff, and community at the forefront, The Center looks forward to continuing to care for our community’s orthopedic, neurosurgical and physical medicine and rehabilitation needs. For up-to-date information, please visit The Center’s website, or call 541.322.2352.