As the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are confirmed in NJ, we want to update you on the actions the New Jersey Bariatric Center is taking to protect our patient’s health as well as answer some frequently asked questions that our team has received over the last few days. 
 
First, if you are concerned that you or someone you know has symptoms associated with the coronavirus, please contact your medical doctor who can address your concerns or the NJ Department of Health Coronavirus hotline at 1-800-222-1222.   If you do not have a medical doctor, please call us and we will help direct you to an internal medicine professional who can address your concerns.
 
At New Jersey Bariatric Center we are staying updated on all information about the coronavirus from the NJ Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and are following all appropriate infection control procedures. This includes frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, washing hands and avoiding touching, eyes, nose and mouth. We have trained our clinical and support staff on these preventative measures to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and communities we serve.
 
As a precaution, if you have traveled to any of the high-risk regions in the past 2 months, please call us prior to your appointment to determine if your appointment should proceed or if postponing your appointment for two weeks is best to ensure you’re symptom free.  High risk regions have been classified by the CDC as China, Italy, South Korea and Iran. 
 
If you are currently experiencing symptoms associated with the coronavirus, please do not come to the office - call first and our staff will direct you how to proceed.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q) What symptoms are associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A) According to the CDC, the symptoms associated with the coronavirus are fever greater than 100.4, cough and shortness of breath.

Q) What if I’m experiencing symptoms associated with the coronavirus prior to my appointment?
A) If you are experiencing symptoms associated with the coronavirus prior to your appointment, please do the following:
-Contact your medical doctor to address the symptoms you are experiencing
-Call us to discuss the various options to help you stay on your treatment plan and keep your appointments on track. We are here to help you in any way we can.

Q) What if I think I’ve been exposed to the coronavirus but I’m not experiencing any symptoms? 
A) If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please call your medical doctor who can advise you of the available options. If you do not have a medical doctor, please call us and we will direct you to an internal medicine professional who can address your concerns. If you think you may have visited a New Jersey Bariatric Center office after being exposed please call us so we can take the necessary precautions.

Q) Can I be tested at New Jersey Bariatric Center for the coronavirus? 
A) No, currently our offices are not equipped to perform testing for the coronavirus. If you have an appointment and are experiencing symptoms, please call our office first before coming in so we can advise you on how to proceed.

Q) Will the coronavirus cause my surgical procedure to be delayed or cancelled?
A) If you are healthy and cleared medically, your surgery can move forward.  If you are experiencing symptoms, been exposed to the virus or have tested positive for the coronavirus, your surgery will be postponed until you are medically cleared.

Q) What if I’m experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus and I have a weight loss surgery procedure scheduled?
A) Our goal is your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms associated with the coronavirus, contact your medical doctor to address your concerns.  If you have a scheduled weight loss surgical procedure, it will be postponed until you are medically cleared and healthy to proceed.

Please know that we are here if you have any additional questions and we will continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and community.

Call us at 908-481-1270 with any questions or concerns.

The New Jersey Bariatric Center Team