News & Announcements

Dec 3

Mount Vernon Internal Medicine is now offering a limited number of daily visits for patients with viral symptoms.   

These ‘sick visits’ are limited through the day and will be seen in a limited area of the office.  We are taking these measures to ensure that we are not exposing our well patients to any viral illnesses.

All patients that have upper respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints will be tested for Flu, Covid 19, Strep A, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) prior to coming into the office. These tests require two nasal swabs and one throat swab.  We will have a staff member perform the test in an area designated in the office or in the convenience of your car.

If you or your family member tests positive for any of the above, your appointment will be converted to a virtual appointment. Those that test negative will be allowed to enter the office and will be seen in person by a Provider.

If needed, please call our main number at 703-780-2800 to schedule a sick appointment and get further instructions.

Thank you

Jul 28

We are happy to announce that there will be two new providers joining our practice. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gerst to the Lorton Office and Daniel Emery, NP to the Springfield Office!

Also announcing the retirement of Dr. Bethel, and Kate Endres who is leaving our practice on August 6th. We wish both of them the very best in their future endeavors.

 

 

 

Mar 3

As you know, if you have ever checked into a hotel or rented a car, the first thing you are asked for is a credit card,* which is scanned and later used to pay your bill. This is an advantage for both you and the hotel or rental company since it makes the checkout process easier, faster, and more efficient.

 We have implemented a similar policy at our practice. You will be asked for a credit card at the time you check-in, we will scan the card in our system, and the information will be held securely until your insurance has paid their portion and notified us any additional amount owed by you. At that time, you will receive a notification that the remaining balance owed will be charged to your credit card, and you will receive a receipt for the charge.

This will be an advantage to you since you will no longer have to receive statements, write out and mail us checks. It will be an advantage to us as well, since it will greatly decrease the number of statements that we have to generate and send out and reduce the difficulty in following up with patients, allowing us to focus on more important issues, like your care. The combination will benefit everybody in helping to keep the cost of health care administration down.

This new program will in no way compromise your ability to dispute a charge or question your insurance company’s determination of payment.

If you have any questions about this payment method, do not hesitate to ask to speak with an office manager who will be better able to assist you.

 

THANKS FOR HELPING US RUN A BETTER PRACTICE!

 

*This does NOT include HSA cards as those are considered debit cards. Please make payment with your HSA cards on the patient portal.*

Feb 6

Dear Patients:

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, China, and reported in December 2019. Infections with 2019-nCoV are being reported in a growing number of countries across the world, including the United States. Test results for a patient under investigation in the Northern Region of Virginia are expected to be received later this week. At this time, Virginia continues to have no confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

2019-nCoV is novel, or new, meaning that is has not previously been identified by public health officials. As a coronavirus, it comes from a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China, reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting the virus likely emerged from an animal source. Now there are indications the virus is spreading from infected persons to others.

AHD is following guidelines from VDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to rapidly identify persons who may be infected with 2019-nCoV. AHD has provided Alexandria’s healthcare providers guidance and resources for screening and testing persons suspected of being infected with 2019-nCoV, while also protecting their staff and the public.

How Can I Protect Myself, My Family and My Business?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection.

However, everyday preventive actions help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like 2019-nCoV as well as influenza and the common cold, including:

 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Stay home when you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

 

Please note: the CDC has specific guidelines for travelers.

Public health officials’ understanding of 2019-nCoV is continuously evolving. For the most up-to-date information, visit VDH’s Novel Coronavirus page or to the CDC’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page.

 

If you or your family need an appointment please make sure you call us at 703.780.2800 or visit the patient portal.

As always, we look forward to taking care of all your health needs.

Sincerely,

Mount Vernon Internal Medicine

Jun 24

As of June 24th, 2019, we are proud members of Privia Medical Group!