Think of your doctor as a guide for your journey. That’s why it’s important to speak with your doctor directly, no matter why you are seeking care. Your doctor can listen to your concerns, provide answers, and explain your care options. You don’t have to make these decisions alone. To prepare for your journey, find out what to expect for three of the most common healthcare journeys.
When you arrive, you may be screened for COVID-19 or its symptoms with a temperature check and/or a lab test.1,2,4
The reception and waiting area may be rearranged to ensure physical distancing for patients and staff.2
You may be asked to wait in your car until the doctor is ready to see you.3
Reassignments, alternating schedules, and workload sharing may mean you see different staff than you normally would.2
Clinics may extend their daily schedule earlier or later so there is more time in between patient appointments.2
Clinics may request you not bring anyone with you to your visit. This does not apply, of course, if you are the parent of a sick child or a caregiver for a vulnerable adult.2
You may be asked to wear a cloth face covering. Staff will likely wear facemasks at all times. If you don’t have a face covering, your doctor may be able to provide one.2
Exam rooms will be likely be free of magazines, pamphlets and other items for easier cleaning.3
Your follow-up visit may be done from your home through a telehealth platform.3
You may be able to complete pre-surgery forms online prior to your visit. The pre-op nursing team may record your medical history before the visit by phone or online.3
Your doctor may ask you to self-quarantine as much as possible in the weeks leading up to your procedure.3
You may be asked to enter or exit through specific doors.4
Some surgery centers will use separate operating rooms to treat COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.3
Your follow-up visit may be conducted at home through a telehealth platform.3
Some hospitals may be dedicated to treating patients affected by COVID-19, so you may be asked to visit a location in a less affected area.
In order to keep COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients separate, the hospital you visit may have a designated Non-COVID Care (NCC) zone, such as a separate building or certain rooms or floors with a separate entrance. In an NCC, you may be screened with a temperature check or lab test. All staff in the NCC will be screened and tested regularly too.4
Some common procedures involving the respiratory system will be performed with even greater precautions than normal, including staff wearing N95 masks and face shields.4
Depending on the procedure, your doctor and other staff may wear special protective equipment to keep you and the staff safe.3
You may notice that your hospital room, hallways, and other common areas are cleaned and disinfected more often than previously. This helps maintain sanitation throughout the hospital.3,4
If you are admitted, expect the number of visitors and visiting hours to be restricted. It is very possible no visitors will be allowed for any reason.4
Your follow-up visit may be done in your home through a telehealth platform.3
You may be able to receive care without a face-to-face office visit. After asking about your specific situation, your doctor may recommend:
Non-COVID-19 Healthcare: Phase I. April 19, 2020.