COVID-19 Policy

A NOTE TO ALL OUR PATIENTS:

During this unprecedented time we want you to know that we are open to care for our patients. The health and safety of our patients and team members is our top priority.  We take infection control very seriously and are monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19.  It is our goal to minimize the possibility of exposure and offer the needed health care services we provide.  We have implemented several strategies and modifications to our office practices to ensure a healthy and safe environment to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19:

Individuals with cold or flu-like symptoms, including fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, chills, difficulty breathing or just not “feeling right” are asked to cancel any scheduled appointments until those symptoms have resolved.  Those who are found to have symptoms upon arrival to the office will be asked to leave to minimize potential exposure to others.  Individuals under the age of 18 will not be allowed in the office.  We understand with school closures & child-care may be an issue.  We will reschedule and accommodate any canceled appointment as promptly as possible. 

To promote social distancing, we are asking to minimize the number of extra people who accompany you to your visit.  The more individuals in our waiting room at any given time, the harder it will be to achieve the recommended distancing of 6 feet between people.  For all those who are unable to have their support network with them in the exam room, we will be happy to have you call them during the visit so they can listen in remotely.  For those that do not wish to wait for your appointment in our waiting room, you can notify us upon your arrival in the parking lot and wait in your car until we can bring you directly into an exam room.  There will be challenges with this, but with your cooperation we hope this will be a successful strategy.

We will continue to see patients by appointment only and have closed our office to anyone without a scheduled appointment.  Exam tables, counters, doorknobs and other hard surfaces will be wiped down frequently throughout the day with commercial grade anti-microbial wipes.  Alcohol based hand sanitizer will be located at the check in-desk for use upon arrival.

Additionally, our staff has been asked to adhere to the following preventative practices:

  • Staying home from work if not feeling well or exhibiting any of the symptoms described above

  • Requiring all staff to wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water 

  • Frequent use of 60-90% hand sanitizer regularly throughout the day

Below are some recommended things you can do to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60-90%) if unable to wash with soap and water

  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes

  • Social distancing: minimizing social contact even with “healthy” individuals as much as possible is critical to decrease exposure and transmission of the virus.  As well as take measures to avoid unnecessary contact with large crowds and confined gatherings of people.

  • STAY HOME if you are not feeling well, even if it just “a little cold” or allergies.

  • If you are not feeling well, call your primary health care provider for guidance.

  • If you are feeling critically ill, go to the nearest Emergency Room.

 

Everyone needs to be responsible and do their part.  

Please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for reliable up to date information.