Coronavirus Resource Hub

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccine availability

Scheduled surgical procedures

An update for our patients

We are closely following guidance from both state and local health officials, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for resuming scheduled surgeries and procedures at our facility. Please know that when scheduled procedures resume, our commitment to safety protocols will allow us to reintroduce services with confidence. Additionally, we are diligently following health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to include: disinfecting all patient areas, screening all individuals before entering the facility, restricting visitor access and masking.

Read our frequently asked questions

Elective surgery update

On June 25, 2020 Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on elective surgeries in four counties as part of his update on the state's ongoing response to COVID-19.

After reviewing the order and the implications to our patients, it is important to know that Texas Orthopedic Hospital will continue on with elective surgeries through a careful vetting process meeting the requirements under Governor Abbott's executive order.

Learn more about elective surgeries

Find out your COVID-19 risk

Concerned about whether you have COVID-19? We can help you take the first step.

Use our free screening tool below to assess your risk and receive the most appropriate care recommendations based on your symptoms.

Start your COVID-19 screening now

Visitor policy

In response to several positive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the greater Houston area, HCA Houston Healthcare has initiated new visitor policies at Texas Orthopedic Hospital to safeguard staff and patients at each facility.

Learn more about our visitor policy

Learn more about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

About Coronavirus

Throughout the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the safety of HCA Healthcare patients and visitors remains our top priority. We regularly treat patients with infectious

diseases and our clinical teams are highly trained in infection prevention protocols. When our communities face a threat to their health and safety, like that of a global pandemic, we are committed to stepping up and stepping in where we are needed most. HCA Healthcare continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments in partnership with our local and state health departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We remain committed to continuing our relentless pursuit of serving our patients during this unprecedented time.

What are the symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

New loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Public health officials recommend the following steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Stay home when you are sick

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue

Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when in public

Remain six feet away from others

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Frequently asked questions

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a new respiratory disease thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, headache, fatigue, aches and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Who is at risk for COVID-19?

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact with a symptomatic, confirmed COVID-19 patient.

When and how is someone infectious?

The onset and period of infectiousness for COVID-19 are not yet known. Current study suggests that the incubation period may range from 2–14 days. The virus is now spreading from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

What precautions should I be taking?

Stay home when you feel sick and avoid close contact with others who are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth, because this is where viruses can enter.
Always cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw that tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth.
Remain six feet away from other.

Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?

No, the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms similar to a cold, including fever, runny nose and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at any higher risk or more susceptible to COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, infections in children are less common and adults make up most of the known cases to date.

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

Check with your local health department for testing locations and criteria.

What are your facilities doing to prepare and treat patients?

Our facilities deal with communicable diseases on a daily basis and we will continue to take precautionary measures as we always have. We have strong protocols in place and are following all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure a safe environment.

Screening processes in place for all patients, visitors and clinicians before entering facilities.
Separate care locations for COVID-19 positive patients and those under investigation, who are masked and escorted to designated locations. Non-COVID-19 patients, including those receiving outpatient care or undergoing scheduled procedures, are treated in separate areas and assigned caregivers who are not concurrently caring for COVID-19 positive patients.
Universal masking required throughout our facilities, which exceeds CDC guidelines.
Heightened infection prevention policies, including the removal of high-touch items such as magazines, toys and vending machines from our facilities.
Food and drinks prohibited in clinical units to prevent the spread of illness.
Updated visitor policies, including limitations, which have been in place for the duration of the pandemic, remain in place across our facilities.
Our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to coordinate daily communication and response across all of our hospitals.

Is it safe to go to the hospital?

Our facilities are safe places to seek care, no matter what your health need. Since well before the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, our facilities have taken measures to create a safe environment. Now, as ever, we have strong protocols in place and are following all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Along with many other precautions, we have been proactive and ready with all supplies related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks, gowns and any resources necessary for precautionary isolation of symptomatic patients. The safety of our patients is and always has been our first priority and we will continue to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

The CDC has a robust website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The CDC also houses responses to commonly asked questions on their website.

Plasma donation questionnaire

Determine your eligibility and locate a plasma donation site nearest you.

Donor Questionnaire

Coronavirus Resource Hub

We are here to assure your safety and well-being while in our facilities. To learn more about our safety measures or if you have questions about COVID-19, call (833) 582-1974.

Scheduled surgical procedures

An update for our patients

Elective surgery update

Find out your COVID-19 risk

Concerned about whether you have COVID-19? We can help you take the first step.

Visitor policy

Learn more about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Symptoms and diagnosis

Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 ASL videos

About Coronavirus

What are the symptoms?

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Frequently asked questions

What is COVID-19?

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Who is at risk for COVID-19?

When and how is someone infectious?

What precautions should I be taking?

Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

What are your facilities doing to prepare and treat patients?

Is it safe to go to the hospital?

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

Latest information regarding Coronavirus

Plasma donation questionnaire