Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions

For Healthcare Providers

COVID answers

Supporting Clinicians During COVID-19

Healthcare organizations are doing their best to deal with the evolving situation created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, you play a vital role in healthcare delivery, especially as demand for care escalates.

As always, we’re counting on you to use your personal and clinical judgment to keep yourself and those around you safe. Your VISTA representative and all of us here at VISTA are working hard to mitigate confusion and disruption so that we can continue to provide you and our client’s high levels of service under extraordinary circumstances.

We are monitoring the ever-changing travel environment and working with our clients to keep up to date on facility conditions so that we can provide you with facts to inform your decisions. Our relationship with you and your wellbeing is our top priority now and always.

Please refer to the FAQs below for more information (which includes a brief screening questionnaire). Communication is an important part of our service. We are here for you. Please keep us informed as you navigate these unprecedented circumstances.

Q: Does my recent travel history need to be reported? 

A: Yes.   And you should avoid risky locations as determined by the WHO and CDC.  Some healthcare facilities are delaying start dates for those that have traveled outside of the US or to domestic high-risk areas within the last 30 days – before the start date. 

Q: I have yet to start my assignment, and I have traveled internationally and/or to a Coronavirus hot spot in the past 30 days. Can I still go to work on my assignment? 

A: Please complete the COVID-19 screening questionnaire (see next question) before your assignment start.  We will review your answers with our clients and determine comfort levels based on facility infection protocols.  You may be asked to delay your start date.  

Q: What is the screening questionnaire that I have been requested to fill out? 

A: The screening questionnaire is required for all locums starting an assignment on or after 3/16/20 and should be completed via this Docusign link. It is due before your start date. This is designed to help you and our client determine if you can start your assignment as planned by sharing the most up-to-date information with our client.

Click here to download the questionnaire.

Q: Do I need to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) before starting my assignment? 

A: No, unless you are showing symptoms or our client requires testing.

Q: How do I protect myself while on assignment? 

A: Be sure to get an orientation to our client’s safety protocols.  There are also many resources on the CDC website about how to protect yourself.

Q: What if I become infected with COVID-19 while on assignment? 

A: You will likely be placed in quarantine.  We know being quarantined at home is preferred, but if that is not possible and you are quarantined based on being infected while on assignment, VISTA will cover your accommodations.

Q: What if I am uncomfortable flying right now? 

A: We understand and will not require you to fly. However, airlines are taking precautions to make it safe, as discussed on their respective websites.  If you prefer, we can discuss securing a rental car to get you to your assignment location or reimburse you for miles using a personal vehicle – up to a capped amount.

Q: Who do I call if I have additional questions about my assignment or my travel? 

A: Please get in touch with your VISTA representative. 

Q: What if my facility cannot supply me with customary and medically necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and/or I have to purchase my own PPE?

A: VISTA will reimburse you.

For Healthcare Organizations

COVID healthcare organization

Vital Communication Regarding COVID-19

As your trusted partner, we are committed to remaining a vital healthcare staffing resource to you and the communities you serve. We greatly appreciate your concerted efforts to balance the safety of clinicians with the vital care they help you provide. Your VISTA representative and all of us here at VISTA are working hard to mitigate disruptions to our services so that we can continue to meet your healthcare staffing requirements under these extraordinary circumstances.

We’ve asked the clinicians we recruit to use their personal and clinical judgment to keep themselves and those around them safe by adhering to your safety/infection protocols. Those clinicians starting their assignments with you after 3/16/20 have confirmed (using this questionnaire) that they have not traveled internationally to Coronavirus hot spots and are not exhibiting symptoms at this time. We’ve also asked clinicians to alert us if they are quarantined while providing care at your facility.

VISTA’s Telehealth solution can help you build a virtual health safety net for clinicians and patients, empowering clinical staff to physically distance themselves from patients while expediting triage and assessment processes. Learn more!

We are also monitoring the ever-changing travel environment and working with you to keep up to date on facility conditions so that we can provide facts to inform decisions.

Communication is an important part of our service and will help keep our relationship strong. Please keep us informed as you navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We are here to support you.

Federation of State Medical Boards
Stay up to date with the latest information on state medical boards and licensing during COVID-19.

Please refer to the below FAQs for more information.  

Q: What is your company doing to screen providers for coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A: We have created a questionnaire designed to help you and us understand if a provider has been to a high-risk international country and/or, to their knowledge, been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 30 days. We started this process with all providers scheduled to travel to assignments on or after 3/16/20. 

Click here to download the questionnaire.

Q: What if a provider is in a risk category based on their answers to the screening?

A: We will review the provider’s answers with you and determine a professional, safe outcome.    

Q: How will your company continue to monitor providers on assignment during the COVID-19 outbreak?

A: Ongoing communication will be key here.   We will stay in close contact with you and the providers.   We ask that our client partners and providers follow your safety/infection protocols. 

Q: What if a provider contracts COVID-19 while on assignment?

A: If a provider is removed from your staff and quarantined, we will work hard to find alternative clinical coverage solutions. 

Q: Who do I call if I have additional questions? 

A: Please get in touch with your VISTA representative.