For Patients and Visitors
FAQs | Resources | Safe in Our Care| Social Distancing | Vendor Restrictions
At Tidelands Health, we are continuing to provide the safe, quality, compassionate care our patients expect.
If you are planning to visit a patient, click here to learn about the coronavirus-related visitation restrictions that have been implemented.
As our region’s largest health care provider, Tidelands Health is accustomed to caring for patients with potentially infectious illnesses. We are drawing on that expertise to guide our response, in alignment with CDC guidelines, to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Do you think you have the COVID-19 coronavirus?
Here’s what you should do if you believe you have the COVID-19 coronavirus:
- If you are experiencing symptoms, use the no-cost MUSC Health virtual screening tool at muschealth.org, or call your primary care provider for instructions on what to do next. If you do not have a primary care provider, call 1-866-TIDELANDS, and we’ll help you find one.
- If you do not have symptoms but believe you may have come into contact with an infected person, call the South Carolina Department of Health at 888-847-0902.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, be sure to call ahead before coming to any Tidelands Health location. Tidelands Health is testing patients when a physician determines it is clinically appropriate to do so. We are not offering walk-in COVID-19 testing.
- In case of an emergency, always call 911.
What visitor restrictions are in place at Tidelands Health?
For the health and safety of our patients, Tidelands Health has suspended visitation at our hospitals to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
- Exceptions will be made for end-of-life, labor-and-delivery and pediatric patients. In those situations, potential visitors will be screened, including a temperature check, and those with a fever or other flu-like symptoms will not be permitted to visit.
- Tidelands Health encourages visitors to use phone calls or video calls to virtually visit patients in the hospital.
What kind of screening can patients expect at Tidelands Health hospitals?
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our community, patients arriving at Tidelands Health locations will be screened, including a temperature check. All patients and visitors will be required to wear a mask for the protection of other patients and staff. Those who do not wish to wear a mask will be required to reschedule for a later time. As always, no patient who needs emergency care is ever turned away.
I have a doctor's appointment scheduled, but I’m concerned about getting the virus. Should I keep my appointment?
We have rigorous infection prevention protocols in place to protect our patients, team members and the community.
However, if you are not feeling well or have concerns you may have the COVID-19 coronavirus, please call your physician’s office in advance to notify the staff. The office will provide further instructions.
Will my surgery or procedure be postponed?
Tidelands Health hospitals, physician offices and outpatient locations have largely resumed normal operations, including elective surgeries, imaging procedures, rehabilitation services and more. If you had an appointment postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will be contacted by a Tidelands Health team member to reschedule. If you need to schedule a new appointment, please call your provider’s office or 1-866-TIDELANDS for assistance. In an emergency, always call 911.
Do I need to wear a mask at Tidelands Health care locations?
All patients, visitors and team members are required to wear a face covering or mask in all Tidelands Health care locations. To help us conserve our supply, please bring your own face covering with you – a mask, bandanna, neck gaiter or scarf will work. If you don’t have a face covering, we will supply one before you enter the building, but you are strongly encouraged to bring your own.
How do I know which entrance to use at Tidelands Health hospitals?
Some public entrances at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital are temporarily closed. You can find a map showing which entrances are available by clicking here.
Is Tidelands Health testing coronavirus patients?
What are the tents I see outside Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and certain physician practices?
These tents are NOT public testing sites for COVID-19. The tents at physician practices support patients with scheduled appointments. The tent at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital has been erected to triage and treat low-acuity patients.
Are Tidelands Health hospital cafeterias open?
The hospital cafeterias are open to patients, approved visitors and hospital staff only. Community members are not permitted to use the hospital cafeterias for meals until further notice.
How do I get in touch with the Tidelands Health business office?
Patients who need assistance from the business office should reach out by phone. For the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital business office, call 843-652-1020. For the business office at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, call 843-652-8201.
How do I request medical records?
Medical records can be accessed through the Tidelands Health patient portal, or requests may be sent by mail. You may also request records by phone. For Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, call 843-520-8404. For Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, call 843-652-1098. To speak with a team member in the health information management department, call 843-527-7426.
