IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HILL PHYSICIANS MEMBERS: Under the requirements of the Department of Managed Health Care, Hill Physicians is waiving cost-sharing for medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 for our HMO and Medi-Cal members of health plans we contract with. If you have questions, please contact your health plan or our Customer Service Department toll free at (800) 445-4757.

Hill Physicians is committed to the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are monitoring the rapidly changing events related to coronavirus (COVID-19). For the latest updates, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website.

Where can I find the latest information about the COVID vaccine?

Visit our COVID Vaccine page to learn more about the current, approved vaccines.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing mild symptoms, you have options for getting tested.

Contact your doctor’s office for a referral to a specific testing location.
Find a testing location through Project Baseline. Free online COVID-19 Risk Screening and Testing is being offered by Project Baseline by Verily for anyone age 18 and older. To qualify for testing, you must first complete an online screening based on guidelines from public health officials. If you qualify, you will then be directed to a drive-through testing site location.

Why do I need to wear a mask?

Wearing a mask or face-covering outside your home is one of the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, there is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

Here is some information and tips from the CDC on wearing masks:

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others.
Masks should have two or more layers to be most effective.
Mask should be worn over your nose and mouth and secure under your chin.

Find more information on how masks help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Getting care now

Your health is important to us and we want to make sure you continue to manage your health and get the care you need. Here are some options to consider when you need to get care.

Office Visits – Our practices are open for appointments to address health concerns, manage chronic conditions and provide preventive care. Rest assured, Hill Physicians doctors are implementing new procedures and measures to keep patients safe and healthy during their appointment.

Video Visits and E-Visits (telehealth) – Some doctors may offer Video Visits and/or E-Visits, which allow you to get care for common, non-urgent conditions from the convenience of your home using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Contact your doctor’s office to see what type of telehealth services they offer, or find a Hill Physicians doctor who offers these services by using the “Offers Virtual Care” filter option in our physician directory.

Urgent Care Centers – Visit an urgent care center if your doctor’s office is closed or can’t give you a same-day appointment, and you are experiencing a non-life-threatening condition. Urgent care centers are staffed by licensed clinicians, have extended hours and can treat many common conditions. Find an Urgent Care Center near you

Getting care if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms, it’s important to stay home and avoid in-person contact with others. Call your healthcare provider right away to discuss your symptoms (common symptoms are listed below) and get instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

Understanding COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in late 2019.

What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

You can use this easy tool to see if you may have symptoms of COVID-19: CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker

How does it spread?

Between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your face.

What can I do to prevent getting it?

Wear a mask.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.).
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

The CDC provides more information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Resources

Mental health

Your mental health matters every day. But right now, you may need a little more support mentally and emotionally. To help we have put together information on Coping During Difficult Times…

Additional resources are also available at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline: 1(800) 950-NAMI.

Seniors

The state of California has set up a hotline for seniors to help them connect with state and local services.: 1-(833) 544-2374.

Caregivers

If you are providing care or assistance to a family member or friend, there are resources available to help. The California Department of Aging has put together some information to help as you navigate COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines.