Safety procedures at medical offices

[queasy27]

What have your experiences been like in health care and doctors' offices?

Some have closed entirely or are only doing online consulting. Others seem to be operating as usual without masks for staff. And there's a middle ground.

The only person I've seen this year is my podiatrist. She requires that patients wait in their vehicles until the receptionist calls them to come in so that only one person is in the waiting room at a time. She asks that patients wear masks and she remains gloved and masked during the examination. I generally feel comfortable going there with the precautions she's put in place.

Have you postponed or delayed doctor visits, or are you not concerned about possible exposure there? Is there a different level of comfort for specialists who would not typically see active COVID patients vs GPs who might?

[coffeebean]

I changed my dental cleaning appointment from mid April to second week in August. I hope I will feel safe enough to keep that appointment.

[Stu from NYC]

new to the villages and our new family DR did her first appt with us as a virtual one last month.

[Gpsma]

Take your temperature at the door, ask if you have any virus symptoms...thats all ive seen

[thelegges]

Hospital for treatment. Temp taken before you leave parking, then 300’ before entrance the 20 questions, by many under tents. If you are unable to maneuver on your own, a masked gloved person takes you in wheelchair.

Your DD has to stay in either car, or open park, bringing a book, and a chair or blanket cause you are there for many hours.

[billethkid]

Went to Alliant Dermatology.
The check in is at the front porch. Nurses in masks register you in. You must have a mask on. They ask you to wait in your car. When it is your turn the nurse comes to your car to get you. Then takes you directly to the exam room. Nobody in the waiting room. The staff in the exam room make every effort to social distance except when hands on are required.
After treatment...check out and escorted to the door.

Very effective. I felt safe every minute in their care.

I would not mind seeing this routine continuing and eliminating the need to sit in a waiting room.

[Carla B]

All of a sudden my husband developed a couple health issues starting in March. They couldn't have happened at a worse time.

One concerned needing to see his gastroenterologist. Our primary physician even sent an urgent message on his behalf. There was no response from the gastro office, nor did they answer the phone. One week later they called and said their ARNP was now seeing patients. (Maybe the doctors are absent due their endoscopy center being closed.) After a new RX didn't work, the ARNP ordered a scan and, fortunately, Lake Imaging has continued to function. The radiologist found an abnormal area and my husband is finally being treated with medication that seems to be working.

On the other hand, his pain management doctor has continued doing injections but going to great lengths to protect the patients and staff. Our primary doc is conducting telehealth visits which seem to be working well. At my dermatologist's office all is normal, except check-in is outdoors and only patients enter the building when called.

[Mudder]

I also switched my teeth cleaning appt, not comfortable having it next week.
Had a telehealth visit with a specialist, was excellent.
Dermatologist office was extremely cautious, waited in car, only one patient in whole office at a time, everyone wore masks, etc...

[raynan]

My pulmonologist is seeing patients in full protective clothing, gloves and mask. During reminder call or when setting up appt. online they ask if you've been sick, or have traveled recently or been near anyone who has been sick or traveled. If so, they telemed otherwise they will see you. I had no mask on (still waiting for delivery) but I brought a bottle of sanitizer and used it coming and going and they sanitized exam table between patients. People waiting, some had masks, some didn't.

[Halibut]

I went to FHV urgent care a month ago for a sinus infection. When checking in, the receptionist asked if I had a fever, been out of the country, etc. They had the regular jar of pens out on the counter for patients to use to fill out the form, which was on a clipboard. I was the only person there but they had taped off half of the waiting room chairs.

Neither the receptionist nor nursing assistant were wearing masks.

In the exam room, I asked if I could forego the blood pressure cuff and the NA assured me that it's sanitized between uses. She said if I refused, I could not be seen.

The nurse practioner came in and was wearing an N95 mask but no gloves. She did not wash her hands upon entering the exam room. She used the otoscope to check my ears and throat but didn't directly touch me. She sat about 2' away at the computer as usual.

Again, this was in early April and perhaps they've upped their game since then.

[CFrance]

All of a sudden my husband developed a couple health issues starting in March. They couldn't have happened at a worse time.

One concerned needing to see his gastroenterologist. Our primary physician even sent an urgent message on his behalf. There was no response from the gastro office, nor did they answer the phone. One week later they called and said their ARNP was now seeing patients. (Maybe the doctors are absent due their endoscopy center being closed.) After a new RX didn't work, the ARNP ordered a scan and, fortunately, Lake Imaging has continued to function. The radiologist found an abnormal area and my husband is finally being treated with medication that seems to be working.

On the other hand, his pain management doctor has continued doing injections but going to great lengths to protect the patients and staff. Our primary doc is conducting telehealth visits which seem to be working well. At my dermatologist's office all is normal, except check-in is outdoors and only patients enter the building when called.
Lake Imaging was not functioning for me when my doctor ordered a chest x-ray the middle of April. Their web site said they were not seeing any patients with a cough, and come back when you are better. Amazing. Why would I need a chest x-ray when I'm better.


Sand Lake Imaging on 466 did my chest x-ray. They only allowed one patient in the waiting room at a time, and disinfected the screen and clipboard. I do not think they disinfected the chair I used in the waiting room.


One thing they did not do was ask you to wait in your car. My dog's rehab vet does that. They have the system down pat.


I think a lot of these procedures are to protect the employees more than the customers, but those people must see many clients per day. Part of their procedures protect patients as well, so I'm okay with it.


Our primary doctor is doing telehealth calls.

[davem4616]

temp taken at door...masks must be worn...50 questions at the door...lines on the sidewalk to keep you 6 feet away while waiting to be allowed in....seems like they're doing all the right stuff.

no clue if they are sanitizing the chairs in the waiting room though

[Singerlady]

What have your experiences been like in health care and doctors' offices?

Some have closed entirely or are only doing online consulting. Others seem to be operating as usual without masks for staff. And there's a middle ground.

The only person I've seen this year is my podiatrist. She requires that patients wait in their vehicles until the receptionist calls them to come in so that only one person is in the waiting room at a time. She asks that patients wear masks and she remains gloved and masked during the examination. I generally feel comfortable going there with the precautions she's put in place.

Have you postponed or delayed doctor visits, or are you not concerned about possible exposure there? Is there a different level of comfort for specialists who would not typically see active COVID patients vs GPs who might?
Went for my labs. All medical personnel in masks. Not the receptionist She was behind visqueen. No problem.
Then went for the first Shingrix shot. Same protocol.
Then had a telemedicine appointment. Worked out well.
Don’t want this to have to continue this way forever, though.

[Carla B]

I changed my dental cleaning appointment from mid April to second week in August. I hope I will feel safe enough to keep that appointment.

I also had an appointment for cleaning later in April. The dental office called early in April and said "The Governor ordered all dental offices to be closed."

[Nucky]

I'm on the way out the door now for blood work. I sorta feel like I'm giving up all the Quarantine Time. I confirmed with my Primary Doctor who wants the Blood Work done. So it shall be. I trust him in full. It's not about the $$ Benjamins $$. Follow up visit in a week. I'm going to be prepared as usual. Wish me luck!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I had my dental cleaning at Dr Bonner yesterday. I wasn’t sure I would go but I’m glad I did .everyone was masked, they tale your temperature and there are a few things they change in procedure , I felt very comfortable, still not going to restaurants lol

[dewilson58]

I'm on the way out the door now for blood work. I sorta feel like I'm giving up all the Quarantine Time. I confirmed with my Primary Doctor who wants the Blood Work done. So it shall be. I trust him in full. It's not about the $$ Benjamins $$. Follow up visit in a week. I'm going to be prepared as usual. Wish me luck!


Good Luck and Happy Results!

[Sweatman]

Just had a dental appointment at Sumter Landing Dental. They charged a $10.00 PPEF (Personal Protection Fee) !!!!!

[YouNeverKnow]

Went to Alliant Dermatology.
The check in is at the front porch. Nurses in masks register you in. You must have a mask on. They ask you to wait in your car. When it is your turn the nurse comes to your car to get you. Then takes you directly to the exam room. Nobody in the waiting room. The staff in the exam room make every effort to social distance except when hands on are required.
After treatment...check out and escorted to the door.

Very effective. I felt safe every minute in their care.

I would not mind seeing this routine continuing and eliminating the need to sit in a waiting room.
I heard Heather the PA left as well as several doctors. Any word where they went?
Especially wonder where Heather went. She was wonderful.

[RDhot]

Just so you understand. Dental providers are at risk from you and the aerosol spray generated when they perform procedures. The protective gear that now must be worn includes a 95 mask, facial visors, and many other additional items. Do you unfortunate, because the dental providers need to go to such extremes to prevent themselves from getting sick from the patients, that the patient is being protected from the provider at the same time. The patient is not at risk in the dental office. They are the risk

[mollyb]

👏👏Very good pro-active medical group. (Rivers Medicine). They sent out guideline info quickly. Also followed with a call to check on us. Between us we’ve had three successful Tele- Health FaceTime sessions. Two were regular health visits that we made appointments with through the nurse The third was addressing a new injury. After reporting it I received almost immediate FaceTime appt. with my doc.

[Stu from NYC]

Dr appt today to have ear wax removed and everyone there had a mask on

[Nucky]

Good Luck and Happy Results!

I see what people are talking about with the lines and the arrows on the ground and the rules. I got to the office and watched from afar others go in first so I knew exactly where to go and what to do. They have their act together at Santa Barbara Care Center. I think they took a little to much blood though, I'm feeling a little ragged tonight.

That beautiful ride in the Golf Cart that I had taken so many times and stopped appreciating the beauty around us. No more, not for me, I'm going to try and revitalize that feeling when we first moved here and I took NOTHING for granted. Man, I didn't wanna go to that office but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'm not even concerned about the bloodwork. I'm only concerned about the visit.

I've never seen the Hospital so quiet as I did today. Good or Bad I don't know but how many people are sitting home with this that or the other thing going on medically and being afraid to face it because of the Virus. I'm going to try and shake it off and Doctor as I need to and stop holding back as much as I have. I may be hurting myself. Time to wake up! :pray:

P.S. I believe a big reason for people making directional errors is the damn mask. It is disorienting and I'll bet it doesn't get easier as you get older. I'm wearing mine no matter what. I BELIEVE it is the best thing to do and did it from day one.

[Jerry101]

What have your experiences been like in health care and doctors' offices?

Some have closed entirely or are only doing online consulting. Others seem to be operating as usual without masks for staff. And there's a middle ground.

The only person I've seen this year is my podiatrist. She requires that patients wait in their vehicles until the receptionist calls them to come in so that only one person is in the waiting room at a time. She asks that patients wear masks and she remains gloved and masked during the examination. I generally feel comfortable going there with the precautions she's put in place.

Have you postponed or delayed doctor visits, or are you not concerned about possible exposure there? Is there a different level of comfort for specialists who would not typically see active COVID patients vs GPs who might?

I had a Dr.’s appointment on 5/7 for a shoulder problem and the need for a cortisone shot. Dr. Shah’s office in Lake Sumter. Totally professional. Easy to ‘social distance’. Staff wearing masks! Patients too (except for 1 man & wife. I felt totally comfortable!

[coffeebean]

Just had a dental appointment at Sumter Landing Dental. They charged a $10.00 PPEF (Personal Protection Fee) !!!!!
Thanks for the heads up. That is where I go for my dentist.

[Carla B]

Thanks for the heads up. That is where I go for my dentist.

That sounds like they're making you pay to protect themselves from you.

[billethkid]

That sounds like they're making you pay to protect themselves from you.

At Villages Dental they have been masked up and face shields for many years.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You should find another dentist

[coffeebean]

That sounds like they're making you pay to protect themselves from you.

I see it this way.....If the dental care providers are protected and remain healthy, then that keeps me safe. I'm happy to pay for the PPE.

[YouNeverKnow]

Just had Routine bloodwork at Quest Lab in Publix shopping plaza in Brownwood. Waiting room was packed! Chairs were not distanced 6 feet apart. Only half of the
people in the waiting room were wearing masks even though the safety protocol Quest sent out to patients said everyone coming in was required to wear masks. I checked in on Kiosk as quick as I could! Waited outside. I had an appointment but they were not on time and had to wait because of so many people.
Lab person drawing blood did not wear a mask while she was in the tiny draw room with me going over my paperwork etc. She was snorting and sniffling and coughed.
She put on a mask when she drew my blood. Too late!
:pray:

[coffeebean]

Just had Routine bloodwork at Quest Lab in Publix shopping plaza in Brownwood. Waiting room was packed! Chairs were not distanced 6 feet apart. Only half of the
people in the waiting room were wearing masks even though the safety protocol Quest sent out to patients said everyone coming in was required to wear masks. I checked in on Kiosk as quick as I could! Waited outside. I had an appointment but they were not on time and had to wait because of so many people.
Lab person drawing blood did not wear a mask while she was in the tiny draw room with me going over my paperwork etc. She was snorting and sniffling and coughed.
She put on a mask when she drew my blood. Too late!
:pray:

This Quest location should be reported to customer service or report this on the survey. I would not walk into that Brownwood office. Thank you for the heads up.

My husband went to the Quest lab at the brand new location, Bella Cruz. All patients were wearing masks, and all employees were wearing masks. My husband's phlebotomist was wearing mask, gloves and a shield.....as it should be.

[skip0358]

My visits went like this tested outside before entering once inside chairs were spaced or marked don’t sit here or ok to sit. Only the patient was allowed in unless you needed help then both of you were tested.