COVID-19 Updates and Telehealth Information For Patients & Families

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At Boys Town National Research Hospital, our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, youth and employees. Please review the latest information on visitors, screenings, universal masking and other ways we are working to help keep our patient families protecte​d.

Boys Town is continuing to actively monitor information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as updates from state and local health officials.

Universal Masking

The CDC and OSHA require continued universal masking in all healthcare facilities. The health and safety of our patients and their families is always our top priority, which is why we require patients, families and visitors (including contractors) entering our healthcare facilities to wear a surgical/procedure mask instead of a cloth mask, gaiter, bandana, etc. If you do not have a surgical/procedure mask, we will supply one. Visit the CDC’s page on types of masks and respirators for more information. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Patient and Visitor Screening

1. As a precaution, all patients will be screened at the time of scheduling an appointment or surgery. Patients will also be screened at registration and admission. Visitors to our inpatient areas will be screened upon arrival. Do you have any of the following symptoms? Yes or No
• Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortn​ess of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
2. Have you had any known contact with any individual with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19? Yes or No
3. Have you tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days? Yes or No

If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19, it’s impo​​rtant to remember to call ahead to your healthcare provider to be screened over the phone.

Visitor Policy

For the Hospital, we request to limit the number of visitors to no more than two healthy visitors in the patient’s room at one time.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Boys Town Pediatrics and Boys Town Internal Medicine is offering the COVID-19 vaccination for pati​ents ages 5 and older. Vaccines are given by appointment only. Contact your pediatrician or primary care clinic today to schedule your vaccination. For more information about vaccinations and kids, please read What Parents Need to Know About Kids and the COVID-19 Vaccine​.

Call 531-355-1234 or your child’s pediatric clinic​ today to schedule a vaccine appointment.

Vaccinations are also available through local ph​armacies and state-run clinics.

• Visit the Nebraska Vaccine page
• Visit the Iowa Vaccine page

COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets:

• Pfizer - Vaccine Information Sheet for ages 12+
• Pfizer - Vaccine Information Sheet for ages 5-11
• Moderna - EUA Fact Sheet
• Janssen - EUA Fact Sheet​

Virtual Visits

Virtual visits, also known as telehealth, may be scheduled for pediatric and internal medicine routine well checks, sick appointments, chronic care follow-up and medication checks. Specialty care virtual visits are also available. Click here for a list of all available clinics.

Patients and families should contact the clinic directly to request a visit. Depending on the patient’s medical need(s), our nurses will work with families to determine if a virtual visit or clinic visit is most appropriate. We have designated staff​ who will work with the families to help them set up the virtual visit on their end.

Resources

Boys Town is committed to helping children and families cope during this crisis. We offer a variety of behavioral and mental health resources for families.

• Boys Town National Hotline is available by phone, text or email
• Boys Town Behavioral Health
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) FAQ
• How to Talk to Kids about Coronavirus
• How to P​reven​t Viruses from Spreading in Your Home
• Boys Town Hospital Digital Health Library and Boys Town Parenting articles

More Health Resources

• Coronavirus Summary (CDC)
• CDC Fact Sheet: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• How to Wash Your Hands (CDC)
• CDC: 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home
• CDC: How to Make and Use a Cloth Face Cover

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Information Line
(402) 552-6645, 8:00 a.m. from 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week

Douglas County COVID-19 Information Line
(402) 444-3400, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7 days a week

State and Local Health Information

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Doug​las County (Nebraska) Health Department
• Lincoln-Lancaster County (Nebraska) Health Department
• Central District (Nebraska) Health Department

Diagnostic Testing for COVID–19

Boys Town National Research Hospital is conducting diagnostic testing for COVID-19. The cash price fo​r these tests ranges from $97 to $114. In some cases, testing may be covered by insurance. If you have any questi​ons about billing, please contact our Patient Financial Services department.

Fact Sheet for Patients
Hoja de Datos para Pacientes