During this difficult and unprecedented time for our community, we are making the necessary changes to accommodate the needs of all of our patients. We have devised and implemented new practices to keep the healthy well, while also tending to the sick. Currently, we will be utilizing each hallway and office entrance for separate purposes. The main entrance and waiting area will be for patients who are here for well visit appointments. The sick patients are being asked to use the side entrance, this door will remain open during the hours of operation and have a sign reminding visitors of the separate check in. Sick patients are being asked to sign in at this entrance and wait in their cars to minimize the spread of infections. Sick kids therefore are entering and exiting through a separate entrance, and using separate a bathroom, intake room and exam rooms so as to prevent cross contamination. The two primary hallways will be for well visits only. In addition, every room is being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each visit. Along with the physical barriers, we have also began to keep the healthy and sick patients apart by designating separate appointment time slots. We will be seeing our well visits in the morning and our sick visits will be in the afternoon. For those who are unable to come to the office or have concerns that do not require an in person examination, we are working on enabling telemedicine. We plan for this option to be available this week.
Even though staying home is important to decrease the spread of Covid-19, well visit appointments and staying up to date on shots are also essential. As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, we would like to continue to do our part to stop the spread of preventable diseases that could reemerge if vaccines are not administered. Yearly checkups are vital to continue monitoring and maintaining your child’s overall health and wellness. If your child is due for a well visit, please call and make an appointment. It will likely be in the mornings, when no sick patients are in any part of the office.
Finally, we as medical providers are staying up to date on all the current data and research. We will be routinely updating our Facebook page and website to share any changes. We appreciate your trust and patience and are committed to the well being of your children. We are here for you; your children’s health and wellness are our top priority. As a community, we will get through this together.
