COVID-19 TGH Helpline
Questions about COVID-19 or safety measures Tampa General Hospital has put in place to keep you healthy?
Call the TGH Helpline, available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where to Get Care
If you think you may be sick, here are your best options for care.
Call Your Healthcare Provider
Before going into your provider’s office, be sure to call them and follow their recommendation for care.
Use TGH Virtual Health
Connect with a medical care professional any time, any where from your smartphone, tablet or computer, 24/7/365. They will advise you on what to do next
Visit a Designated Evaluation and Testing Site
Tampa General Hospital is not a COVID-19 testing site.
To schedule an appointment at a Hillsborough County COVID-19 testing site, please call (888) 513-6321 or register online at www.HCFLGov.net/COVIDTesting.
TGH Virtual Health
Visit a medical care professional live, anytime, anywhere
Patients, using an app on their mobile devices or computers, can explain their symptoms and hear the medical opinions and advice of a medical care professional. A provider will consult with patients via voice and video in real time.
- Live, face-to-face care for adults and kids.
- Prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy.
- Wait time averages 6 minutes. A doctor can typically result a health care problem in 10 minutes.
Tampa General Hospital Updates
Hospital Bed Availability for COVID-19 Patients
Available
[] COVID-19 Admissions
[] ICU Beds in Use for COVID-19 Patients
Legend
Available Beds for COVID-19 PatientsGreater than 90% Beds Occupied for COVID-19 Patients
Limited Bed Availability for COVID-19 Patients
Note: TGH manages bed capacity and demand with a state-of-the-art command center called CareComm. Through the use of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, TGH is able to efficiently manage patient capacity and demand, including COVID-19 patients.
Visitation Policy
While we believe in family presence and respect the value of having your family with you during your care, we have had to make the difficult decision to make some modifications to our visitation policy for the safety of patients, their loved ones and our team members.
Please see below for our current visitation policy:
- HOURS:
- Monday - Friday: 11:00am-7:00pm Last visitor passes or entry at 6:30pm and doors close
- Sat/Sun/Holidays: 10:00am-6:00pm Last visitor passes or entry at 5:30pm and doors close
- VISITOR REGULATIONS
- Must be adults 18 years of age or older
- No visitation for COVID-19 patients in active isolation unless an end of life exception has been made
- No leaving, no same-day reentry, no swapping, no changing on same day
- For your safety, we recommend you limit you visitors to the same person for the duration of your stay
- No outside food deliveries. Take out (only) is available from Cafeteria, McDonalds, and Starbucks. Visitors are not permitted to dine in.
- 2-hour visitors are asked to refrain from eating in the building. If you remove your mask to take a sip of water, please take the sip of water and immediately replace your mask over your nose and mouth. (if you are an overnight visitor in the pediatric or women’s areas, please refrain from eating if caregivers are in the room)
- 1 adult visitor pass * once daily * for two hours*must be a close relation and know the date of birth of the patient
- 1 parent, guardian, or grandparent visitor pass * once daily * for two hours
- 2nd parent/guardian * remain bedside with patient * duration of the stay (parent/guardians may take turns being at the bedside overnight)
- 1 adult significant other/support person visitor pass * this individual stays bedside for labor and remains for the duration of the stay
- 2nd adult support person visitor pass * remain bedside for labor and then leaves the building (if a doula is engaged, they are the 2nd support person)
- 1 adult significant other/support person visitor * remain bedside duration of stay
- 2nd adult support person * once daily * for two hours
- If the support person choses to leave the building at night, a second pass will not be issued.
- Pre & Post-Operative areas * no adult patient visitation
- Inpatients in surgery * no visitation during procedure, standard visitation guidelines apply after the patient returns to their room
- Outpatient * 1 adult visitor pass * escort/settle patient * may remain in waiting room or leave and return for pick-up
- One adult visitor
- Adult: 1 adult visitor pass * remain bedside for ED visit
- Pediatric: 2 adult parent/guardian visitor passes * remain bedside for ED visit
- We reserve the right to ask visitors to remain in their cars until the patient is placed in their room during times when the volumes do not allow for physical distancing.
- Area Specific:
- Adult Inpatient
- Pediatric Inpatient
- Labor & Delivery
- Postpartum
- Surgical/Procedural Areas
- Testing Areas (radiology, lab, pre-admission testing)
- Emergency Room
We recognize that this is difficult news to hear and we apologize that the situation has required that we take these steps. However, as we stated, your safety is our number one priority at all times. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we are all working together to maintain the safe, compassionate and world-class organization Tampa General Hospital is committed to being. Please know that we stand beside you in your healthcare journey and are here to support you.
Contact Numbers
In anticipation of questions regarding COVID-19 or specific procedures, Tampa General Hospital has opened a TGH Helpline. People can call to ask questions about COVID-19 and safety measures in place at the hospital or inquire about their upcoming surgeries and procedures. That number is (813) 844-8084.
Surgery Information
For the last several weeks, Tampa General Hospital has provided essential life-saving care to COVID-19 positive and non-COVID infected patients. Now, TGH is ready to offer the same level of medical expertise to patients seeking elective surgeries and procedures; all with the highest level of patient and physician safety in place.
As of May 4, we are resuming all elective surgeries and procedures. For any questions, please call our TGH Helpline at (813) 844-8084.
Tampa General Hospital wants everyone to make their health a priority, but understands the financial challenges caused by this pandemic. For patients who have had their surgeries or procedures rescheduled, TGH is working to update authorizations or resubmit them entirely to prevent payment authorization issues. For any patient concerned about out of pocket expenses, please contact TGH Financial Assistance at 813-844-8084 for the latest information on specific cost sharing estimates and payment options.
As we enter this “new normal” together, Tampa General Hospital wants to assure the community that one thing has not changed: the health and safety of our patients, team members and physicians, has and always will be, our number one priority.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is open, they're selling small plants, fresh flower arrangements, balloons, greeting cards, plush animals, books, magazines, and much more. A selection of personal and toiletry items is also available. Purchases for delivery to patients can be made over the phone with a credit card. The gift shop can be reached at (813) 844-7370. Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Tampa General Hospital prepared?
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Yes. We regularly treat patients with infectious diseases and complex illnesses and have rigorous infection-prevention protocols. Our infectious disease specialists are highly trained, in continual contact with local, state and federal public health officials and closely monitoring developments.
- Should I keep my medical appointment?
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Yes. Please keep existing appointments unless directed otherwise.
- How dangerous is COVID-19?
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The CDC says the immediate health risk to the general public in the U.S. is low. For most people, the novel coronavirus produces a mild illness, and many of those infected don’t even know they have it. As with influenza, in some cases it can lead to serious illness such as pneumonia and death. It appears that the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are most susceptible.
- How does the disease spread?
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COVID-19 spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (approximately six feet). The virus can be transmitted in droplets that become airborne through a cough or sneeze. You can also be exposed after touching a surface that has the virus on it, and then touching your face, eyes or mouth.
- How can I keep myself healthy?
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While the CDC has determined that the current risk of infection of COVID-19 in the United States remains low, there are steps you can take to stay healthy, such as:
- Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough into your elbow or a tissue and not your hands. Dispose of the tissue.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home and do not travel or report to work.
- Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
- What are the symptoms?
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According to current information from the CDC, symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. This information is based on what has been seen in similar previous viruses, and it may change as more is known about COVID-19.
- What do I do if I’m sick?
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If you have recently traveled to an area identified as high risk by the CDC or have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, please contact your county health department for direction about testing and treatment. Please do not go directly to the emergency room without contacting your healthcare provider first. TGH Virtual Health is one option for speaking to a physician without leaving your home. Learn more about the TGH Virtual Health service here. The Florida Department of Public Health hotline is another resource and can be reached at 1 (866) 779-6121, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- How are you diagnosed and treated?
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Contact your primary care physician if you experience cold or flu like symptoms. TGH Virtual Health is also a great option for care. It enables patients to seek medical attention from their home while limiting the spread of germs. You can learn more about the TGH Virtual Health service here.
If you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms AND have traveled internationally or across states, OR have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please contact your county health department for direction about testing and treatment. The health department will advise you on how to access care if needed and will contact your local hospital.
- Are you accepting donations to the hospital?
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All donation requests should be directed to the TGH Foundation at foundation@tgh.org.
Trusted Sources
COVID-19 is a rapidly changing, global health issues. Access the latest information from the following organizations:
