Last update: 2023-02-07

Many in-person appointments have been changed to video or phone visits during this time. Please find answers to frequently asked questions about appointments, site consolidations and medications.

• Do I have to wear a mask at Sharp facilities?
• Can I make an appointment to see a doctor if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
• Is it safe to come to an appointment at Sharp?
• Is it safe to come to Sharp for emergency care?
• Can I visit a Sharp Rees-Stealy laboratory?
• Can I refill my current prescription medications?
• Can my doctor write a note for me to return to work?

We're ready to care for you.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek care right away. At Sharp hospitals and clinics, patients with COVID-19 symptoms are treated separately from patients with other medical concerns. Your health is important to us, and we will safely get you the care you need.

Do I have to wear a mask at Sharp facilities?

Face masks are still required at all Sharp facilities, by order of the California Department of Public Health.

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Can I make an appointment to see a doctor if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

Call your doctor's office or health care provider if you think you need to be evaluated. We will advise you on the best way to receive the care you need. If you don't have a primary care doctor, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) to find one today.

If it's determined that you need to come to a doctor's office or other medical facility, avoid any kind of public transportation, ridesharing or taxis.

All patients and visitors are encouraged to wear their own face covering upon arrival to a Sharp facility. Patients with influenza-like illness or those wearing gaiters, bandanas, single-layer cloth masks or masks with exhalation valves will be given a standard mask.

Please do not come to the emergency room or to one of our urgent care centers unless your doctor has instructed you to do so or you feel you are having a life-threatening emergency.

If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 and inform the dispatcher that you may have COVID-19.

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Is it safe to come to an appointment at Sharp?

If your doctor has recommended you schedule a medically necessary appointment not related to coronavirus at this time, know that we are taking every precaution to keep you safe.

For concerns such as a urinary tract infection, ear infection, etc., please contact your doctor's office or health care provider prior to visiting a health care facility. We will advise you on the best way to receive the care you need.

If you would like to learn about alternative ways to be seen by your doctor, please call your doctor's office. Video and phone appointments are convenient and safe.

Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group patients: Some health insurance plans charge a copay and share of cost for virtual visits, similar to in-person visits. Check with your health plan for more information.

SharpCare and Sharp Community medical group patients: Our doctors offer a variety of ways to meet with you virtually. Phone and video visits are available for the same cost as an in-person visit. Please contact your doctor's office to learn about options.

Contact your doctor's office to schedule the right appointment for your needs. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 immediately or go to a Sharp emergency room.

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Is it safe to come to Sharp for emergency care?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

At Sharp hospitals and clinics, patients with COVID-19 symptoms are treated separately from patients with other medical concerns. Your health is important to us, and we will safely get you the care you need.

• Visit the nearest emergency room for severe abdominal pain, a fracture with a bone coming through the skin, a significant head injury, sudden and severe headaches, difficulty breathing, or behavior that puts you or others at risk.
• Call 911 for life- or limb-threatening emergencies, including sudden and severe chest pain, trouble speaking or facial drooping, loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Visit an urgent care center for minor injuries, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections or other common medical issues.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, contact your primary care doctor before coming to an urgent care center. Video and phone visits are available.

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Can I visit a Sharp Rees-Stealy laboratory?

You may visit any Sharp Rees-Stealy laboratory without an appointment. We are accepting walk-in patients. If you prefer not to wait, please make an appointment in FollowMyHealth®.

All patients and support people must complete a self-screening questionnaire before arriving and are encouraged to wear their own face covering upon arrival. Patients with influenza-like illness or those wearing gaiters, bandanas, single-layer cloth masks or masks with exhalation valves will be given a standard mask.

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Can I refill my current prescription medications?

If you need a prescription refill, please contact your pharmacy. If you are out of refills, your pharmacy will contact your doctor for you. Ask your pharmacy if delivery is an option for you. Many pharmacies are waiving delivery fees at this time.

Continue to take all current medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You may want to consider having a two-week supply of your current medications on hand. Some health plans are allowing a 14-day supply of maintenance medications to be refilled early, which your pharmacist can assist with. Opioids, controlled substances and some other medications will continue to have refill restrictions.

Sharp Rees-Stealy pharmacies are offering free delivery on prescriptions and other essential medical supplies. Curbside pickup is also available at all 8 pharmacies. Please call the pharmacy prior to arriving.

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Can my doctor write a note for me to return to work?

Public Health Services have ordered that employers remove the requirement to have a doctor's note in order to return to work after recovering from a respiratory or other illness. Most doctors, including those with Sharp Rees-Stealy, SharpCare and Sharp Community medical groups, are following this protocol and will not be providing notes.

We advise you to wait until you are free from symptoms before returning to work.

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We're here to help.

Sharp is ready to answer your questions about COVID-19. Call us at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm.