SMSC Internal Medicine

03/21/2022

We are excited to introduce our new Mammography Suite at SMSC. We have moved to the Women's Center next door at 160 River North Blvd.

All other radiology services will remain at 150 River North Blvd in the same space.

If you are scheduled for a mammogram, you can now check in at the Women's Center located at 160 River North Blvd.

12/31/2020

COVID VACCINE UPDATE:
- We do not yet have Covid vaccine
- We do not have a 'waitlist' to put your name on
- We hope to obtain Covid vaccine in the next few months
- When we have vaccine we will share details on Facebook & other local media outlets
- Very limited doses are currently available in the area for essential workers
- Vaccine distribution (which entities receive stock and how much stock they receive) is overseen by the CDC or other state/federal/select entities
- For clinics/hospitals/pharmacies who requested to be able to give vaccine (like we did), they may or may not be selected as a facility to give vaccine, and if are selected, do not know how many doses they will receive or frequency shipments may arrive, etc. It is a wait and see, take what is sent...in the timeline they send it, based on how it is best deemed to distribute limited doses nationwide.
- If and when we receive vaccine it will be given according to the then current guidelines, which could change as things progress. We expect this will be based on geographic region, how many doses go to that area in total, prioritize possibly by essential workers, elderly or other high risk, etc. before making available to everyone…until vaccine supply is widely available.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this together!

12/17/2020

Our docs are getting vaccinated! We are thrilled to be protected from this virus so we can safely care for our community!

05/03/2020

Effective May 1, Texas Medical Board requires all patients, doctors and doctor delegates wear face coverings during appointments (full notice linked in comments). CDC advises those over the age of 2 wear face coverings, which can be made from readily available items such as a: scarf, bandana, t-shirt, or towel. We look forward to seeing your creative coverings at your next appointment - and know we are happy to see you, even if you can't see our smile! Call to schedule your in-person, outdoor tent, or Telemed visit: 254-968-6051.

03/25/2020

We now offer VIRTUAL VISITS. See one of our doctors from the comfort of your home using your phone, tablet or other electronic device. After scheduling, you receive a text or email with a link to connect at your scheduled appointment. Yes, we remain open and can see you in person too. OUTSIDE: any/all upper respiratory symptoms. INSIDE: all other concerns. VIRTUAL: variety of health needs. Call to schedule any of the above: 254-968-6051.

03/23/2020

03/20/2020

We are taking all precautions necessary to ensure our patients are entering a safe and environmentally healthy atmosphere when they come to the clinic for routine appointments and lab work.

03/18/2020

We are OPEN! Call 254-968-6051 to schedule an appointment. All patients with upper respiratory symptoms (or other factors as determined by our triage team) are now seen in our newly created drive-up clinic (if you qualify, details are given when schedule). This helps ensure we can continue seeing other patients safely inside our building. THANK YOU for your patience as we make rapid changes and create and fine-tune new workflows amidst ever-evolving CDC/WHO guidelines, while striving to do everything possible to continue safely meeting the large variety of health needs in our community.

03/17/2020

Attention Patients & Caregivers:
As we make strides to keep our community safe from COVID-19, we ask that ONLY the patient and ONE caregiver attend appointments. We are taking every precaution we can to keep our patients, employees, and doctors safe and healthy while we fight to keep COVID-19 out of our community. Thank you for your understanding and help in this regard!

03/16/2020

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a new global problem. This is our overview of the early research and data on the outbreak. We update this page daily.

03/13/2020

Friendly faces like RUBI and JENNIFER will greet you outside our front doors! They are screening all who enter to ensure potential COVID 19 candidates DO NOT enter the building and risk exposure to other patients, providers and team members. Potential COVID 19 testing candidates are directed to return to their vehicle and call our office to start the screening process. ALL COVID 19 screening takes place by phone, and testing by drive through, NOT inside our building. We are taking every precaution to keep you SAFE from exposure when you are here to pick up meds at our pharmacy, or see the eye doctor or our other providers for all non-COVID 19 concerns. THANK YOU Rubi and Jennifer - we have THE BEST team members!!

03/13/2020

It has been a whirlwind of a day, and we are excited to share with the community we are now able to test for COVID 19. We believe it is imperative to remain wise in how testing is carried out so as not to overburden the system, or miss those who need it most, while limiting exposure to all involved, including other patients, our staff and providers. We therefore implore you to make smart choices, not panic and help us help you by safely following our carefully thought out testing protocol.

Testing is available for those who qualify - after phone consultation with one of our providers. Strict guidelines must be met, including: evidence of symptoms, ruling out other illnesses (allergies, flu, etc.), and contact with a confirmed case/travel to certain areas.

If you believe you may qualify for testing:
- PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE CLINIC
- CALL 254-968-6051 during regular business hours to start the screening process, which takes place by phone to limit exposure.
- If our clinicians recommend you be tested, we give you detail on how/where/when test will be completed.
- Test must be done in a carefully controlled manner, with our team having appropriate preparation, wearing appropriate protective equipment, while not exposing others.
- Test is a completed via nasal or throat swab.
- Test may be covered by your insurance company.
- Results expected in 3-4 days (may change based on volume/demand).
- You remain quarantined in your home until results are obtained.

There is no known vaccine or specific treatment available; care is supportive. Containment recommended:

Wash Hands
Do not touch your face
Avoid contact with the sick
Cough/sneeze into your elbow
Clean surfaces

Learn more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

We are honored to partner with you to help keep our community healthy. Let's work together towards that end!