Employee Health
Mount Sinai Employee Health Services (EHS) provides telephonic consults for MSHS employees who are ill, concerned about COVID-19 exposure, or who need clearance to return to work.
You can call 212-844-1100 for a telephone consultation between 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am - 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Please note the following in hours for the holidays:
Monday, January 18th MLK Day: 11am – 4pm
Monday, February 15th President’s Day: 11am – 4pm
COVID-19 testing is available for MSHS employees. To learn more about MSHS testing policy and criteria, please reference Employee Testing Policy below.
Employee Health COVID-19 Testing, Monitoring and Clearance Process
Employee Testing Policy (PDF) 1/8/21
Employee Testing Policy
Updated: 11/20/2020
Employees who meet the following criteria are eligible for Employee Health Services (EHS) to schedule Swab (SARS-CoV-2 PCR) and Covid Serum Antibody testing:
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An employee who screens positive for any COVID-19 symptom; has completed their daily employee attestation and reported their symptoms to EHS
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An employee has had a high-risk workplace exposure which has been reported to EHS
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The employee was not wearing a surgical mask and was within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes to a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient, co-worker, or visitor. OR
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The employee was not wearing both a surgical mask and appropriate eye protection, AND the laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient/co-worker/visitor was not wearing a face covering. OR
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The employee was not wearing the recommended Full PPE (N-95 respirator, eye protection, gown, and gloves) while involved in an aerosol generating procedure with a laboratory confirmed patient
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An employee is involved in a workplace contact tracing and Infection Prevention and/or EHS determines the employee exposure was high risk
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An employee has had a high-risk community exposure that has been reported to EHS
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A household member was diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days OR
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A close contact in the community with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID 19 (e.g., less than 6 feet for 10 minutes or more) in the last 14 days.
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EHS does not schedule testing for employees who have not developed COVID-19 symptoms nor had a high-risk exposure (as defined above). However, below are ways for an employee/student to get tested at MSHS:
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SARS-CoV-2 PCR Testing Only Sites: is available to employees and can be scheduled using this link: https://ehsappointments.as.me/AsymptomaticCOVIDPCRTest.
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SARS-CoV-2 PCR Testing and/or Serum Antibody Testing: is available to employees at any MSHS Ambulatory Testing Site; a list of sites can be found here.
More information about our testing programs can be found here.
Employee Testing Policy (PDF) 1/8/21
Employee Asymptomatic Testing Sites (PDF) 12/28/20
COVID Testing FAQs for Employees and Students
Updated 11/24/20
1. Where can I go to get tested if I am symptomatic?
If an employee screens positive for any COVID-19 symptom, they must contact Employee Health Services (EHS) via the online EHS tool. Symptomatic employees are expected to self-isolate; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a medical or graduate student has COVID-19 symptoms, they must contact Student Health. Symptomatic students should self-isolate until they are evaluated and tested for COVID-19.
2. Where can I go to get tested if I have had a high-risk work exposure to COVID-19?
If an employee has a high-risk exposure, they must immediately notify their supervisor and contact EHS via the online EHS tool. Symptomatic employees are expected to self-quarantine; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a student has an exposure, they must self-quarantine and contact Student Health. Student Health will provide further instructions on length of quarantine and follow-up COVID-19 testing.
3. Where can I go to get tested if I have had a high-risk community exposure to COVID-19?
Employees who have had a close contact/high-risk exposure in the community (e.g., less than 6 feet for 10 minutes) with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days must contact EHS via the online EHS tool.
Employees who had a high-risk community exposure are expected to self-quarantine; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a student has a community exposure (e.g., less than 6 feet for 10 minutes), they must quarantine and contact Student Health. Student Health will provide further instructions on length of quarantine and follow-up COVID-19 testing.
4. Where can I go to get tested if I am asymptomatic and have not been exposed to COVID-19?
Employees/students who neither have symptoms nor have had an exposure to COVID-19 are not eligible to be scheduled for COVID-19 testing through EHS. Instead, there are other options:
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MSHS Employee/Student Asymptomatic Testing Site: A limited number of testing-only appointments are available via this link at two sites (no provider appointment is required): 1190 Fifth Avenue (open now) and 2 West 86th Street (opening Monday, November 30).
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MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
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You can also find testing sites through the NYS testing site locator.
5. Where can I get tested for COVID-19 when I return from travel?
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MSHS Employee/Student Asymptomatic Testing Site: A limited number of testing-only appointments are available via this link at two sites (no provider appointment is required): 1190 Fifth Avenue (open now) and 2 West 86th Street (opening Monday, November 30).
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MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
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You can also find testing sites through the NYS testing site locator.
Medical and graduate students:
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Must complete the Travel Registry for any travel outside New York City
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Will be contacted regarding required COVID-19 testing, which will differ depending upon where you are returning from and whether you live in Aron Hall
6. Can I go to a MSHS emergency room for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing?
The MSHS emergency rooms should not be the primary source of testing for asymptomatic employees. Please see above for testing locations.
7. Can I submit results from a COVID-19 rapid test in order to return to work/school?
No. You must obtain a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test to get clearance to return to work/school. We do not accept rapid antigen tests.
8. Can I work/attend classes while I am waiting for my test results?
No, you may not work or attend classes in person while waiting for your test results. It is important that you quarantine until you receive the test results. Some employees may be able to work remotely with permission from your supervisor.
Mount Sinai Now
The COVID-19 health emergency has made telemedicine a critical resource for patients to safely connect with physicians. To ensure that social distancing does not create a barrier to care, we have made Mount Sinai Now—our telehealth urgent care platform—available to all employees regardless of their insurance plan through 2020.
Through Mount Sinai Now, you can connect with a board certified physician via video conference, using a mobile app or a website. Our trusted physicians will provide accurate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up information regarding your condition.
Prior to the Mount Sinai Now virtual visit, employees and their families will need to complete a registration form; see below. Non-bargaining-unit staff on the UMR (a division of United Healthcare) health plan should select “I am provided Mount Sinai Now directly from my employer.” All other employees should select "I have a Mount Sinai access code" and enter COVID19. To ensure that your virtual visit is complimentary throughout this crisis, be sure to enter this code before each appointment.
In addition to Mount Sinai Now, employees with a Mount Sinai primary care physician may also schedule a MyChart Video Visit. For more information about the Health System’s virtual care options, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are some questions being asked within the institution amongst staff, faculty, and our leadership. Here is a list of the main topics that arise and the answers to them.
Guidelines to Protect Family Members of Healthcare Workers
We have received many questions about healthcare workers concerned about the health of their family members. Below are the most common questions we have received. Please email covidquestions@mountsinai.org with additional questions and we will post the answers as soon as possible.
Guidelines to Protect Family Members of Healthcare Workers (PDF) - Updated 3/29/20
Wellness Letters
Messages to our Mount Sinai staff about managing your health and wellness as we prepare for COVID-19.
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Common Misconceptions about getting mental health care - 5/1/20
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The Experience of Grief - 4/15/20
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Confronting Uncertainty - 4/10/20
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Coping with Anxiety - 3/20/20
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Managing General Heightened Emotions - 3/10/20
Mount Sinai Calm
As we tackle the threat of COVID-19, self-care, caring for each other, and fostering a calm approach is especially important. We encourage faculty, students, and staff to take advantage of these Mount Sinai Calm virtual offerings.
Mount Sinai Calm – Virtual Calm Live Zoom Classes
Saturday
11:00 am -- Open Level Vinyasa Yoga with Danielle Wheelwright (Virna Sanabria is away)
This yoga class combines movement and breathing to promote a sense of calmness and peace. It is open to all levels and no previous experience is required.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
Monday
12:30 pm -- Mindfulness Infused Chair Yoga with Archimedes Bibiano
A 30-minute chair yoga class that incorporates yoga, mindfulness, and movement.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:30 pm -- Take Time for Mindfulness Meditation with Mickie Brown
This one-hour workshop combines instruction, practice and group discussions. No experience is required. Faculty, students and employees are welcome to join.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
Tuesday
12:30 pm -- Mindfulness Pause with Mickie Brown
A 30-minute guided mindfulness practice to create community and connection.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:30 pm -- Slow Yoga with Danielle Wheelwright
This gentle yoga class combines movement and breathing to promote a sense of calmness and peace. It is open to all levels and no previous experience is required.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:30 pm -- Art for Self-Care with Max and Jacob Cohen
During this interactive workshop you will work with various art materials, or whatever you have on hand, you will stimulate your senses and discover your talent. Live music for inspiration by Jacob Cohen.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
Wednesday
12:30 pm -- Mindfulness Pause with Archimedes Bibiano
A 30 minute guided mindfulness practice to create community and connection.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:30 pm -- Open Level Vinyasa Yoga with Danielle Wheelwright
This yoga class combines movement and breathing to promote a sense of calmness and peace. It is open to all levels and no previous experience is required.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
Thursday
1:00 pm -- Mindfulness Pause with Mickie Brown
A 30 minute guided mindfulness practice to create community and connection.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:30 pm -- Mindfulness Infused Chair Yoga with Archimedes Bibiano
This one-hour chair yoga class highlights the connection between yoga and mindfulness meditation.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
Friday
12:30 pm -- Mindfulness Infused Chair Yoga with Archimedes Bibiano
A 30-minute chair yoga class that incorporates yoga, mindfulness, and movement.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org
5:00 pm -- Tai Chi with Steve Shulman
Tai Chi, originally a Chinese martial art, is an exercise practice that helps decrease stress and increase wellbeing through gentle, flowing movements.
For more information or to register for this class, please email 4Calm@mountsinai.org