There is a lot out there right now about COVID-19 and my suspicion is that if you are coming to this page its not to be told what it is. If you are, go to the CDC’s page on the novel coronavirus.
The purpose of this post is to update my patients about our office policies during this time. Currently I am treating this outbreak as a serious situation that has the potential to change the way medical care is delivered going forward, not to mention all the social and societal ramifications and the risks to population health. I hope and pray that things go better than we are anticipating, but in case they don’t:
Michigan last night (3/10/20) reports its first 2 cases of confirmed COVID-19. Our current protocols will mean a switch to phone call appointments for patients with mild Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) symptoms (fever and cough). More severe symptoms (shortness of breath) will be advised differently, potentially to go to the emergency room, depending on the situation. If you are advised to go the ER, it is recommended that you call ahead for their specific guidance. At this time other appointments will be seen in office, as long as the patient has no obvious symptoms of an upper respiratory infection at the time.
As the situation develops our protocols will change. As I said above, I sincerely hope that things stay mild and manageable, but if infection rates increase, there will be a need for further restriction of public gatherings, which will be hard for us all. Other offices will have different protocols, but in general, don’t bring others to any appointments that you have unless they are needed to help you get around, or to translate or communicate. Call ahead before entering any healthcare facility, it may be your appointment can be delayed or handled without being seen in person.
Wash your hands! A lot. Soap and water is best, hand sanitizer is good too as long as your hands aren’t visibly soiled.
Try not to touch your face. You’re doing it right now aren’t you? Me too, its hard. Now is a great time to break that nail biting habit.
We will not charge a “no show” fee for appointments canceled due to illness.
In case you were wondering, the Genesee County Health Department keeps us local docs updated about certain things, as does the State of Michigan health department, as does the American Academy of Family Practice and I get multiple emails daily from other organizations doing the same. I am doing my best to stay as educated as possible on latest developments as pertain to my role as a community physician.