HEALTH ADVISORY

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

We hope you and your family are safe and well during this unprecedented health emergency. Our staff of dedicated doctors and staff are committed to be here for you as we have done over the last 15 years. During this exceptionally trying time, to provide safe and effective access to medical care and vital testing, we have implemented nationally recommended methodologies to keep our communities safe.

First and foremost, prevention continues to be key. We all must adhere to Universal Precautions. It saddens me to say but presume that anyone you encounter socially could be a viral carrier. Try to maintain a minimum 6 feet distance between people and avoid closed spaces with others. Social distancing is critical to avoid infecting large members of our community. If you do not have to go out please do not. Use delivery services as and when possible. Even though the virus has adversely affected the elderly, many younger patients have also become very ill. Our local hospitals are seeing greater and greater numbers. Our ability to change our daily routines to severely limit our face to face interaction with others, as painful as it may be, is critical to minimize the disaster that is now upon us.

Frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your face is crucial. The virus can survive for days on certain surfaces so leave outside cardboard deliveries untouched for at least 24 hours; longer the better. The good news is that if artificial surfaces are cleaned with CDC recommended disinfectants, it is an effective methodology. Again, wash your hands for at least 20 second with soap and water anytime you do.

We continue to stand with you in this time of need. As you limit trips outside your home to only essential movements, we have instituted protocols as described below to make sure we are responsive to your needs and safety.

Currently, we encourage you to call the office for a telephone visit with our doctors or online video. In circumstances when your physical presence is necessary, the doctor will instruct you to utilize our in-car consultation service where under the guidance of our Physician, we will direct your care and obtain any testing that may be indicated. Additional tests may require you to enter the facility in a protective mask, through a special access point to a special isolated room. We continue to utilize the most accurate and efficient COVID test options available in the market. Caveat emptor, please be cautious of non-FDA approved testing kits on the market that promise results within minutes. Also Be assured, we have taken precautions such that patients seeking care for other non-respiratory issues are protected from any cross exposure. Our rooms have been equipped with HEPA and UV filters for your protection.

Public health measures continue to discourage seeking non emergent routine care in the hospital ER to avoid exposing you and your family to an already overwhelmed system unless necessary. Isolation at home under the guidance of a physician is an option that can be considered after an evaluation by a clinical professional.

We take the safety and well-being of all of you, our friends, family, and neighbors in this community at heart. We will get through this together. We are here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.