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
Limited
[] 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:
- No visitors under the age of 18.
- No visitation is allowed at this time in COVID-19 units.
- No visitors who are ill or showing COVID-19 symptoms. All visitors must pass a screening prior to entering the hospital.
- No extended family members allowed at this time.
- All visitors will be provided with the TGH visitation rules and guidelines to ensure their personal safety outside of the hospital, which includes:
- Masks must be worn at all times.
- Retail areas, including McDonald’s, Starbucks, and the cafeteria are limited to take-out only. Visitors are not permitted to dine-in.
- All visitors will be required to produce a government-issued photo ID. An individualized pass will be issued at the point of entry which must be worn at all times.
- One designated visitor/support person is allowed per adult patient:
- Visitors will remain the same from one day to the next.
- Visitors can stay for no more than two hours each day.
- Visitors can visit between 11 am to 7 pm on Monday through Friday. The last visitor pass will be issued at 6:30pm during the week.
- Visitors can visit on Saturday and Sunday, between 11 am to 6 pm. The last visitor pass will be issued at 5:30pm on weekends.
- Emergency department adult patients may have one support person accompany them and pediatric patients may have two parents/legal guardians present.
- For pediatric emergency, pediatric unit and NICU patients, two parents/legal guardians may visit.
- One parent/legal guardian is encouraged to stay with the patient at the bedside in Pediatrics, the PICU and the NICU. Parents may trade places once per day and have the second parent stay the night.
- The second parent/guardian is allowed to visit as follows with visits limited to two hours. This is to allow for social distancing on the units.
- Between 11 am to 7 pm on Monday through Friday. The last visitor pass will be issued at 6:30pm during the week.
- Between 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The last visitor pass will be issued at 5:30pm on weekends.
- Parents/legal guardians may trade places once per day, allowing the other to stay the night, but must remain directly at the bedside or in the procedure area.
- Surgical patients are allowed one support person if they require assistance, but for the health and safety of all patients, visitors and team members, we encourage the support person to wait at home.
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Our team will ensure we communicate with you frequently and notify you when you may pick up your loved one.
- Support person must remain in a designated waiting area and may only leave to use the restroom.
- There is limited seating and no access to entertainment, including no televisions or outlets.
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Our team will ensure we communicate with you frequently and notify you when you may pick up your loved one.
- Certified doulas may attend the delivery of our OB patients but must follow the same guidelines as visitors.
- Areas that will remain closed to visitors include:
- TGH Cancer Center
- TGMG Primary Care
- TGMG Specialty Clinics
- TGH Outpatient Rehab Center
- TGH Transplant and Specialty Services (409 Bayshore and HMT)
- The ASC at Brandon Healthplex
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:
