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As more and more COVID-19 hot spots are popping up across the country, doctors and patients continue to take significant precautions when scheduling those medical appointments. Due to the nature of some appointments, these safety measures are imperative. Eye exams, for example, which require that the patient be in close proximity to the ophthalmologist, have been routinely postponed if they are not an emergency situation.
Dentists are also being urged to take greater precautions. According to the American Dental Association, dental professionals face a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Fotinos Panagakos, Ph.D., vice dean of administration and research at West Virginia University, explained how they could contract the coronavirus.
“In dentistry, many of the procedures that we do require using a handpiece to drill a tooth, or an ultrasonic scaler to clean the teeth,” Panagakos told Dentistry Today. “The water used can form an aerosol. If you aerosolize something, it’s going to end up in the air. You can just imagine what that means if a patient is carrying the virus.”
Dental offices need to consider these risks when scheduling medical appointments, as Cyn Gagen found out as she prepared to head in for a dental extraction. “I have to wait in the parking lot and call to let them know I’m there. They’ll let me know when they’re ready for me to come in. I have to wear a mask, they’ll provide one [sic] if needed, and use hand sanitizer upon entry. Payment will only be contactless, no cash,” she explained to Mom.com.
Virtual doctor's appointments
Shortly after the country went on lockdown in March, doctor’s offices began implementing virtual visits that allowed patients to express COVID-19 concerns. The fear was that people who believed they had symptoms, would be filing into emergency rooms and doctor’s offices. This could increase the spread of the coronavirus.
While some doctors are allowing patients in the office, others are asking patients to schedule virtual visits. Patients can meet with their doctors through an app and have a virtual appointment that covers most everything they would have gone over in-person. While it’s not the most ideal situation for all types of appointments, it can help to assuage any fears. Patients feel as though they’re making their health a priority while still taking safety measures, and doctor’s offices are able to stay afloat financially because they’re still able to take care of their patients.
Dr. Bob Murray, chief medical information officer for telehealth platform provider NextGen Healthcare, said in an interview with CNBC, “These virtual visits are literally a lifeline for the business of the practice, and then the real lifeline for the patients, because otherwise those people would not be able to be seen.”
Jeannette Kaplun and her family have taken advantage of virtual doctor visits. “We used a telehealth app and had a wonderful experience. It was easy, affordable, and gave us the answers we needed,” she told Mom.com.
How to prepare for a virtual medical appointment
A virtual doctor’s appointment may feel uncomfortable or awkward, so it helps to have everything in order and ready to go beforehand. Your doctor’s office will likely provide you with a link and secure login for the telecall. Before the appointment though, it may help to contact your insurance company to ensure the call is covered, so there are no surprises a few weeks down the road.
Write down any concerns you may have or questions you need to ask your doctor before logging on. Consider wearing earbuds for clear communication, and try to limit distractions as much as possible for an easy, streamlined virtual appointment
Should I go in for my doctor's appointment?
If you or a family member is experiencing a mild illness with minimal symptoms or a mild injury, you may want to know how to visit the doctor safely. You don’t want to risk your safety or put others at risk. At the same time, you also don’t want to ignore minor symptoms that could be part of a bigger issue.
In these cases, it’s always best to contact your doctor’s office to figure out your next steps. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications to help. Your physician may also offer advice on things you can do at home for yourself or your child to manage minor symptoms at home. They may also ask you to reschedule an appointment for a later date. If you do go in, it’s important to practice social distancing and wear a face mask.
Physicians are also working hard to screen patients who may present with COVID-19 symptoms. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is continually updating and revising best practices to help healthcare facilities serve patients in the safest way possible. There are guidelines in place to help physicians triage potential COVID-19 cases. Make sure to be upfront and forthcoming with your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Navigating prenatal appointments
Pregnancy should be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life. During a global pandemic, it can be fraught with additional concerns. To ensure both mom and baby stay healthy for the duration of the pregnancy, the CDC recommends that pregnant women keep their prenatal and post-partum appointments if possible. It is recommended that they consult their obstetrician with any COVID-19 concerns. Physicians may choose to stagger appointments or meet virtually depending on your situation.
Cyn — who we spoke to earlier about her upcoming dental visit — also shared the experiences of her daughter, who is expecting and will have a midwife-attended birth. “For her OB and midwife appointments, they’ve been spacing them out with making every other one a phone or video appointment. When she does go for in-person appointments, she has to go alone, wear a mask, and they have hand sanitizer at the entrance for everyone,” she told Mom.com. Her daughter’s husband will be able to attend the final prenatal appointment.
Can I visit someone in the hospital?
Hospitals across the country have had to make changes to their visitor and companion policies. While policies vary by hospital and medical facility, many are screening visitors. This includes ensuring visitors are wearing cloth face coverings, taking their temperature, and limiting or prohibiting visits to high-risk patients. Policies can change at any time so it’s always a good idea to call ahead.
