Outpatient Care Offers the Choices You Need During the Pandemic

For much of these past two years, the vast majority of the global population has harbored reservations about obtaining routine medical care. Millions of medical appointments and treatments have been put off, perhaps longer than they should be. While the development of vaccines has alleviated some of the concerns we’ve held about going out, you may still wonder if now is a good time to schedule those doctor’s visits. Here, we discuss how you can get the care you need while also maintaining your safety and that of those around you.

Do Some Homework

When scheduling appointments, check with your provider’s office regarding their COVID-19 protocols. The recommendations we adopted in the early days of the pandemic, the Vascular Institute of Virginia released this statement regarding our re-opening. We welcome our patients to contact their independent location directly if they have questions or concerns or would like to know about updated guidelines. Some of the information that patients can expect include:

• Mask requirements by visitors as well as staff.
• Cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all areas of the building, including clinical areas, restrooms, waiting areas, and so on.
• Social distancing practices in waiting areas, exam rooms, and at check-in.
• Screening questions and practices such as temperature checks at entrances.
• Use of PPE, personal protective equipment.
• Availability of telemedicine appointments.
• Limits on the number of people who are allowed in the clinic at once.

Protocols such as these are in place in all of our facilities, as well as most medical facilities around the country. The implementation and strict adherence to these measures, specifically the limiting of people in the office at one time, can give patients the peace of mind they deserve when considering which appointments they feel most comfortable making.

Precautions After Medical Visits

In addition to taking precautions beforehand and while attending medical office visits, you can enhance your safety measures when you return home. Some steps that experts suggest for preventing viral transmission include:

• Leave shoes outside for a few hours, if possible.
• Wash hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching objects at home.
• Sanitize any mobility devices used during the doctor’s visit, such as a cane or walker.

We continue to adapt as we navigate the changes that the COVID-19 virus brings. While it is necessary to take certain safety precautions as we re-engage in normal aspects of life, it remains important to attend to our health and wellness through routine clinical care. Keeping up with general and specialty doctor appointments helps each individual stay strong for themselves as well as their family and community.

The Vascular Institute of Virginia is pleased to offer personal specialty care in friendly, professional offices in which your safety is our priority. Contact our Fairfax, Woodbridge, or Fredericksburg office to schedule your visit today.