Keeping Our Patients Safe During COVID-19
As one of the nation’s safest medical centers, we go above and beyond state and national standards to protect your health and safety while you receive medical care. We have implemented a number of new policies to keep you safe and healthy.
Please read more about our continued commitment to providing the safest care possible.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Thanks to increased availability of COVID-19 vaccines, UChicago Medicine is able to vaccinate all patients 5 and older. Vaccines, including booster doses, are also widely available in all communities in our region. We encourage anyone who is able to get vaccinated as quickly as possible to protect against COVID-19. We also recommend getting an annual influenza vaccine. Call 773-834-8221 to make an appointment.
For adults:
For children:
How to Get Tested for COVID-19
COVID-19 testing is available for those with symptoms of influenza-like illness, however you must be screened before you can be tested. Our providers will determine if you qualify for a test. Complete a MyChart screening questionnaire. COVID-19 testing is not available without an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Patient Care
In addition to in-person visits, we are also offering video visits, which allow you to see and talk with your provider through the camera on your phone or your computer to assess your condition and discuss a course of treatment. If you have an upcoming appointment with your provider, you may be contacted to set up a video visit. In some cases, we still need to see you in person and, if so, we will do everything to ensure your safety.
In addition to video visits, you can also connect with your provider remotely through e-visits or online second opinions.
Virtual visits are not for emergencies. If you have an urgent medical need, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department or urgent care facility. All patients who are able should utilize their online patient portal (MyChart or Ingalls Care Connection) to communicate with their care teams.
First and foremost, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 — which include fever, muscle and body aches, cough and sore throat — stay at home, self-isolate and rest. You may also complete a MyChart screening questionnaire. Our providers will determine if you are eligible to be tested.
Monitor your temperature and drink plenty of fluids. Continue to wash your hands often, disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and stay away from other people as much as possible. If your condition worsens, reach out to your doctor. This is particularly important if you experience more severe symptoms, are over 60, or have additional health issues. People with hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, who have weak immune systems, who smoke, with underlying lung disease, or who take medicines to suppress their immune systems because they have cancer or an autoimmune condition are at higher risk for COVID-19.
You’ll need to stay home for 72 hours after you recover.
Testing is available for those with COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough, stuffy nose, sinus pain, difficulty breathing, inability to smell or taste and body aches. However, you must be screened before you can be tested. Complete a MyChart screening questionnaire. Our providers will determine if you are eligible to be tested.
COVID-19 testing is not available without an appointment. Swab collection visits typically take several minutes to complete. You will receive information on how to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms after your visit and will get follow-up phone calls with your test results in one to two days.
The hospital and emergency room should be used by people who are concerned about life-threatening symptoms, such as trouble breathing and chest pain. If you’re just a little bit sick, the best thing you can do is self-isolate and try to keep the virus from spreading to others. You should also get test for COVID-19.
If you are over 60 and have other chronic medical problems in addition to less-severe symptoms of the virus, you should consider contacting your doctor to see if they recommend you go to the emergency room.
Yes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor restrictions are in place at this time. Limited exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. We recommend calling ahead and checking with your patient's clinical team.
These visitation restrictions will continue until our infectious diseases experts, in consultation with state and city public health officials, determine it is safe to resume hospital visitation on a limited basis.
Yes. Our surgeons are offering virtual video and telephone visits to help you plan for upcoming operations, answer your questions and prepare you for in-person visits to the medical center. Use the below link to find more information on each surgical specialty area.
Yes. Visit our dining options page to learn more about on-campus eateries. Please note: some options may only be available for carry out.
Yes. For hours and location info, visit our pharmacy support and information page.
