Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID 19)
Medical offices that chose to remain open during the pandemic have been asked to instate written procedures for protecting patients and employees. We want to show that we care about the concerns of our patients during the pandemic, and do not want to appear to have a cavalier or lax attitude. These procedures will protect employees as well.
1. Confirmation. When confirming appointments, inform patients that we would like to see them and are taking necessary precautions to insure their safety in the office. Only patients with confirmed or suspected disease should cancel, and they should be offered e visits.
2. Cancellations. If a patient wants to cancel or sounds reluctant, inform him that we can do an e-visit. It can be done on any smart phone using an app called doxy.me. (Instructions to follow.) There is a charge for this, less than an office visit. We shall not be providing free treatment and refills by phone to those who miss their visits.
3. Arrival. Once you have checked the patient in, escort him immediately to the main exam room. If this room is occupied, use an alternate room. New patients may complete their intake forms in the exam room, if available. Only if all rooms are occupied should a patient wait in the reception area. The goal is to minimize contact among patients, and between patients and staff.
4. Exam rooms. As soon as the exam room has been vacated, it needs to be cleaned. Remove the table paper from the exam table (if used). Wipe the exam table, chairs, and any surface that appears to be soiled with a sanitary wipe. We have gloves if you feel you need them.
5. Reception area. Wipe off the chairs in the reception area, as well as any surfaces. Do this when patients are watching.
6. Shut down. The office is not planning to shut down. If, however, you fall ill (cough, fever, short of breath), call in sick. If a patient arrives with these symptoms, give him a mask unless he already has one.
7. Ideas. The practice welcomes your ideas to stay open and provide necessary services during the pandemic.
Last Updated: 17 March 2020 (Image above courtesy of the Center for Disease control and prevention- CDC.GOV)
1. Confirmation. When confirming appointments, inform patients that we would like to see them and are taking necessary precautions to insure their safety in the office. Only patients with confirmed or suspected disease should cancel, and they should be offered e visits.
2. Cancellations. If a patient wants to cancel or sounds reluctant, inform him that we can do an e-visit. It can be done on any smart phone using an app called doxy.me. (Instructions to follow.) There is a charge for this, less than an office visit. We shall not be providing free treatment and refills by phone to those who miss their visits.
3. Arrival. Once you have checked the patient in, escort him immediately to the main exam room. If this room is occupied, use an alternate room. New patients may complete their intake forms in the exam room, if available. Only if all rooms are occupied should a patient wait in the reception area. The goal is to minimize contact among patients, and between patients and staff.
4. Exam rooms. As soon as the exam room has been vacated, it needs to be cleaned. Remove the table paper from the exam table (if used). Wipe the exam table, chairs, and any surface that appears to be soiled with a sanitary wipe. We have gloves if you feel you need them.
5. Reception area. Wipe off the chairs in the reception area, as well as any surfaces. Do this when patients are watching.
6. Shut down. The office is not planning to shut down. If, however, you fall ill (cough, fever, short of breath), call in sick. If a patient arrives with these symptoms, give him a mask unless he already has one.
7. Ideas. The practice welcomes your ideas to stay open and provide necessary services during the pandemic.
Last Updated: 17 March 2020 (Image above courtesy of the Center for Disease control and prevention- CDC.GOV)
