It has been a couple of months since we have touched on our COVID-19 Protocols at Medi Tresse and with the arrival of fall I thought this would be a good time to review them and make sure patients understand how they could be impacted.  Our number one priority is always the safety of our staff and patients and all of our decisions will continue to be based on this priority.

First off, let me just say thank you to all of our patients who continue to place their trust in us during this difficult time.  We really appreciate how flexible and understanding everyone has been during the past 6 months.  I can’t tell you how many patients have told us that their appointment with us was the first time they went somewhere other than the grocery store.  Please know that we do not take that trust for granted.  Everyday each of our staff members are screened not only for symptoms, but they must also attest that they have not travelled to any high-risk states and that they have not been in contact with anyone that has had COVID-19 symptoms.  Any staff member that is unable to answer no to all of our screening questions is not able to come into our office without providing proof of a negative test to themselves or the person they came in contact with.

As the cooler months arrive and bring cold and flu season with them, we anticipate an increase in people having symptoms similar to COVID-19, which means as small offices there is the potential for staffing issues at times.  While we hope to not have to use these contingency plans, over the past month we have been adding additional staff to prepare for this as best as possible.  Our goal is to ensure that we can safely provide continuation of care for all of our patients, and with our extra staff and tele-health options we are confident we will be able to do this, but we will continue to ask for flexibility from our patients as needed.

I would also like to share some of the updated protocols that we now have in place. Again, our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff and patients. We are closely following, and in many instances exceeding, the protocols recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments.

Updated Office Protocols

• We are limiting the number of staff that will be in our office at any one time
• We are limiting the number of patients we will be seeing each day
• Appointments are being spread out to eliminate patient-to-patient interactions and to allow for additional office sanitization
• Staff are required to wear masks at all times
• Anyone entering the office will be required to cover their mouth and nose with a surgical mask, cloth mask, bandana, etc. and patients will be provided a new mask at the start of their appointment
• Anyone entering the office must wash their hands immediately upon entering
• Increased sanitization of all patient touch points between appointments
• Temperature checks for patients and staff
• Air purifiers in all patient rooms

New Check-In/Check-Out Process

• In order to limit the number of people in our office we will no longer allow companions to accompany patients to their appointment (the only exceptions will be patients under 18 and those who need assistance due to mobility concerns)
• When you arrive for your appointment, please wait in your car and call us to let us know that you have arrived
• Once we are ready to see you we will call you to let you know you can enter the building
• One of our staff members will meet you at the door, take your temperature, provide you a mask, and bring you immediately into your treatment room
• If payment is due, we will handle payment over the phone from your car prior to your appointment
• Any follow-up appointments that need to be scheduled will be handled over the phone after your appointment

COVID-19 Symptom Screening

• You will receive an online screening form to be filled out prior to your appointment regarding travel, contacts and symptoms related to COVID-19
• As mentioned above, we will take your temperature on the day of your appointment and screen for any COVID-19 symptoms

If you have any questions or concerns about our protocols please call our office and I would be happy to speak with you.

Posted by Dr. Mary Wendel