COVID-19 Patient Policy

Updated January 10, 2022

We have updated important information in light of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis and Omicron variant. Our decision is based in primarily on recommendations by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), but other factors may be considered. 

Some of these include, but are not limited to, whether we and our families have been vaccinated, our health and the health of those we are in close contact with, and the risk of exposure outside of this setting. There may be other concerns that we can talk about during our sessions.

Face-to-Face & Tele-Health Options

We will continue to meet in person for some or all sessions for those clients who have been fully vaccinated and have received their booster vaccinations. If there is a resurgence of the pandemic or if other health concerns arise, however, we may require meeting via tele-health. 

Research has shown that tele-health is as effective as in-person mental healthcare. If you have concerns about meeting through tele-health, we will talk about it first and try to address any issues. Understand that, if we believe it is necessary, we may determine that we return to tele-health for everyone’s well-being. 

If you decide at any time that you would feel safer staying with, or returning to, tele-health services, we will respect that decision, as long as it is feasible and clinically appropriate. 

Reimbursement for tele-health services is also determined by the insurance companies and applicable law, so we’ll discuss any financial implications if needed. As of today, tele-health coverage is in place for all insurance carriers we work with. 

 
 

Risks of Opting for In-Person Services

Understand that by coming to the office, you are assuming the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (or other public health risks). This risk may increase if you travel by public transportation, cab, or ridesharing service.

Your Responsibility to Minimize Your Exposure

To obtain services in person, you agree to take certain precautions which will help keep everyone — you, me, our families, other staff, and other patients — safer from exposure, sickness, and possible death. If you do not adhere to these safeguards, it may result in our starting or returning to a tele-health arrangement.

Required safeguards are as follows:

  • You have provided proof of initial and booster vaccinations.

  • You will only keep your in-person appointment if you are symptom free.

  • You will only keep your in-person appointment if you have been fever free for a minimum of 10 days prior to our appointment.

  • If you are scheduled for an in-person session, you will inform your provider and switch to tele-health if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days.

  • You will wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you enter the building.

  • You will adhere to the safe distancing precautions we have set up in the waiting room and therapy rooms. For example, you won’t move chairs or sit where we have signs asking you not to sit.

  • You will wear a mask in all areas of the office common space; as will the Kimberly Keiser & Associates staff.

  • You will keep a distance of six feet and there will be no physical contact (e.g. no shaking hands) with the therapists or the staff.

  • You will try not to touch your face or eyes with your hands. If you do, you will immediately wash or sanitize your hands after you leave your therapist’s office and enter the main space.

  • Children over 5 years of age are allowed in the office if they have been fully immunized. Please find alternative childcare or utilize tele-health if you are caring for your minor children during your session time.

  • You will take steps between appointments to minimize your exposure to COVID-19.

  • If you have a job that exposes you to other people who are infected, you will immediately let us know.

  • If your commute or other responsibilities put you in close contact with others beyond your family who are infected, you will let our staff know.

  • If a resident of your home tests positive for the infection, you will immediately let us know, and we will then begin or resume treatment via tele-health.

The above precautions are subject to change if additional local, state, or federal orders or guidelines are published. If that happens, we will talk about any necessary changes. 

Office Safety Precautions in Effect During the Ongoing Pandemic

Our office is taking the following precautions to protect our patients and help slow the spread of the coronavirus:

  • Office seating in the waiting room and in therapy rooms has been arranged for appropriate physical distancing.

  • Our staff wear masks.

  • Our staff maintains safe distancing.

  • Restroom hands-free soap dispensers are maintained, and everyone is encouraged to wash their hands.

  • Hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol is available in the therapy and testing rooms, the waiting room, and at the reception counter.

  • Areas that are commonly touched are thoroughly sanitized multiple times per day.

  • Physical contact is not permitted.

  • Tissues and trash bins are easily accessed, and trash is disposed of on a frequent basis.

  • Common areas are thoroughly disinfected multiple times per day.

 

COVID-19 Employee Policy

Updated January 10, 2022

In general, asymptomatic health care providers (HCP) who have had a higher-risk exposure do not require work restriction if they have received all COVID-19 vaccine doses, including booster dose, as recommended by CDC and do not develop symptoms or test positive for SARS-CoV-2. 

The CDC recommended work restrictions for HCP based on vaccination status and type of exposure include (updated December 23, 2021):

  • KKA therapists meet the CDC criteria for a HCP

  • Higher-risk is defined as a HCP who had prolonged close contact with a patient, visitor, or HCP with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection 

  • Fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC is having the 2 initial doses + the booster. 

KKA will continue to require that all patients and staff wear their masks while in the common spaces, but fully vaccinated employees and patients may remove their masks while in their office conducting counseling sessions.  

Guidelines for HCP who have received all COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses as recommended by CDC and any employees who have not received the recommended vaccinations:

  • If an employee has been directly exposed to COVID-19, they must quarantine for 7-10 days and test negative test on day 2, and negative again on days 5-7 prior to returning to the office. 

  • Perform SARS-CoV-2 testing immediately (but generally not earlier than 24 hours after the exposure) and, if negative, again 5-7 days after the exposure.

  • Follow all recommended infection prevention and control practices, including wearing well-fitting source control, monitoring themselves for fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and not reporting to work when ill or if testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

  • Any HCP who develops fever or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and contact their established point of contact to arrange for medical evaluation and testing.

  • KKA has not required the COVID vaccine for employees, but it has been strongly recommended. At this time, we are strongly recommending the COVID booster per the CDC guidelines, but it is not mandated.

  • If an administrative employee does not have the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster they will be required to wear a mask at all times unless they are in their office with the door closed. 

  • If a clinical provider employee does not have the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster they will be required to wear a mask at all times, including during face-to-face patient sessions. 

 

2101 W 69th St, Suite 103
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 274-0095
(888) 201-2128