Information About COVID-19

When you visit Dartmouth Health locations

Masking is optional for most people. There are some circumstances where masking is required:

• If you have signs of illness (with or without fever), such as generally not feeling well, congestion, cough, runny nose, or sore throat.
• If you have been diagnosed with respiratory illness (COVID, flu, etc.)
• If you have had a known exposure to COVID (within 7 - 10 days) or another respiratory illness.
• When masking mandates are in place in response to increased illness in the community, facility, or specific departments.

We are mask-friendly and continue to offer masks at no cost in our buildings. If you would like any member of the staff who are caring for you to wear a mask, please let us know. We are happy to wear one if you ask.

Visitor policy

Please see our Visitor Policy page for the latest information and ongoing updates.

COVID-19 information

Prevention

• Wearing a well-fitting medical mask is the most effective way of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
• Consider wearing a well-fitting medical mask if you or others around you are feeling ill, if there are higher levels of respiratory illness in your area if you are traveling, or if you or people you are around are immunocompromised.
• Maintain 3-6 feet of social distancing in public spaces.
• Don't touch your face. The coronavirus can enter through your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer. Watch this Centers for Disease Control video for handwashing tips.

If you have symptoms

Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, can cause death. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of developing more serious complications.

Symptoms may appear 48 hours to 14 days days after infection. You are contagious up to 2 days before symptoms appear.

Common symptoms can include:

• Aches and pains
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat

If you develop any of these emergency warning signs, seek help right away.

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to be aroused

What you should do

• If you are having a medical emergency, please dial 911.
• If you are ill but not experiencing a medical emergency and feel you may have COVID-19, we recommend you stay home as you would with any other illness and call your provider. We have testing available.
• If you do not have a healthcare provider and feel you need to be seen for respiratory symptoms, we have a walk-in clinic where you can be seen and evaluated during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Testing and insurance

Mt. Ascutney Hospital charges $248 for testing for the COVID-19 virus. Insurance companies should not be charging patients a co-pay for testing. If you get a bill for a co-pay for this service, we will assist you in getting this corrected with your insurance company.

If you do not have insurance, and you receive a statement directly from us for a test, please call our Customer Service Office at (802) 674-7471, and we will assist you.

Telehealth

This service will offer a safer, more convenient way to receive ongoing medical consultations from a medical professional while you stay home if your provider recommends it as appropriate.

If you do not have a myMAHHC Patient Portal account with us, you will need to set one up, as this is the only way you can access telehealth video services. We welcome you to enroll at your convenience.

To enroll in myMAHHC, please have your email address handy, and go to the MAHHC Self-Enrollment for My Patient Portal website, or call 802-674-7300, and choose option #3 for the Primary Care Clinic and speak with a representative who can help you get enrolled.