Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed our world and created a new reality. With restrictions and safety recommendations, community members may be concerned about going to their appointments, but it’s important to remember that wellness visits are vital to your health.
Like other medical facilities across the country, Lucas County Health Center (LCHC) and LCHC Medical Clinic have implemented new procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are taking extra precautions to keep patients and visitors safe, including:
- Frequent cleaning of common areas and high touch areas (door knobs, etc.)
- Screening of all patients, staff, and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms
- Potential COVID-19 patients and visitors are immediately taken to an exam room
- Staff experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to seek immediate medical care or go home
- All staff members providing patient care are wearing masks and gloves
- Visitors, including those who come with a patient, are limited
Should you keep your scheduled appointments?
In short, yes. Missing your scheduled wellness visits may limit your provider’s ability to catch conditions early on when there’s still an opportunity for intervention. Additionally, you may hinder the process of protecting yourself or your family members from serious illness by delaying vaccinations or other treatments.
Patients with serious ongoing health conditions should be especially aware of the importance of keeping regularly scheduled appointments, particularly for regular follow-ups or lab work.
“Despite concerns of COVID-19, it is vital that our patients continue to go to their scheduled visits,” says Dr. Kenneth Anderson. “COVID-19 is not the only disease that poses a risk to your health.”
Before You Schedule Your Appointment
As COVID-19 continues to spread, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Before making an appointment, contact your provider’s office to see if there are any new precautions you should be aware of or consider making a telehealth appointment and visiting with your provider via telephone or video conference.
Learn More
This is a challenging time, but the health and safety of patients continues to be a top priority. Protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping your regularly scheduled appointments and staying up to date on COVID-19.
For more information, visit lchcia.com.