Warrensburg, MO (March 19, 2020) — We know that you may have questions about Western Missouri Medical Center’s (WMMC) efforts to manage Coronavirus (COVID-19). Every day, we closely monitor and analyze developments and statements from local, national and international health agencies, and we are taking actions to comply with their directives which are based on facts and medical science.

Our actions in response to this pandemic are changing rapidly as is everything else around us. WMMC is prepared to take all necessary steps to help safeguard the health of our community as we continue to focus on our mission. We have a very committed team of leaders and medical staff working tirelessly to make decisions on how we can further improve our processes and actions to help protect our patients and employees. We have spent the last few weeks breaking down barriers to do things in the most effective and efficient way.

Amidst this crisis we are still responsible for providing care while preparing for this pandemic. Additionally, we are developing innovative care processes to respond to this crisis, which will positively change the way we provide care in the future.

WMMC is providing the following processes to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and care for our community:

• We were the first in our region to offer a drive-thru evaluation and testing site for COVID-19. This site is located in the East parking lot in a tent. Please visit com/COVID19 for more information as processes can change. We are proud to be offering this to patients in our effort to practice social distancing for the safety of our staff, providers and community.
• Additionally, we will launch virtual visits on Monday, March 23 to reduce the spread of illness. Patients will receive information on this process when they contact any WMMC clinic to schedule an appointment or will receive information on virtual visits if they have scheduled a visit prior to Monday.
• We recognize patients may be concerned about the cost of medical care. If you have insurance, we will bill your insurance for these tests. If you do not have insurance or are underinsured, please know we have financial assistance to reduce the burden. We do not want you to avoid care due to the fear of a financial impact. Please seek care. For more information on our financial assistance policy, please visit: com/patient-billing.

We believe that the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and practice social distancing. This is so important to the overall goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19. I know that this is easier said than done, and some businesses simply can’t shut down, such as WMMC. However, if at all possible, please be sure that you are practicing your civil duty to “flatten the curve.”

We can attack this together. Now more than ever, we need love, compassion, grace, and community as we navigate this situation. We can choose negativity or community. With that said, please keep in mind that there are many small businesses in Johnson County that will suffer greatly throughout this process. They are all being forced to operate differently in the world that we are in now; however, they are all adapting in their own way. If you are able, please continue to support them.

In this time of emergency, we are being called upon to be leaders for our communities and I firmly believe we are doing just that here at WMMC. To the staff, providers and leaders, thank you for your flexibility, truly. We are working well together to respond to this and will continue with such great staff. We recognize there are many unknowns at this time, but I ask that you remember we are all in this together. I can assure you, medical workers all over the world are running into the face of fear to care for you and your loved ones, including our team. Our patients are our top priority.

We appreciate your continued support of Western Missouri Medical Center. The health and safety of our patients, visitors and employees will always be our most important consideration, especially in these challenging circumstances.

Kindest Regards,

Darinda J. Dick
President/CEO

About Western Missouri Medical Center

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com