[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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!