Here’s what you can expect from a visit to the doctor’s office during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you’re likely very aware of the growing rise for concern regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the U.S. (and all over the world, really).
And of course, one of our kiddos gets a runny nose that doesn’t let up and begins to have other symptoms along with it… right in the midst of one of the world’s largest pandemics. Of course that would happen! (note: sarcasm) Of course. 🙂
I thought I’d just share the experience we had in taking Gracelyn to the doctor’s office. And before I get too far, no, she does not have Coronavirus! And no, I didn’t go as a social experiment (although this is some good, topical content right now!). She is legitimately sick and my “Mom instinct” was on-par – ear infection!
Leading up to our Doctor’s office visit
I called and spoke with one of the nurses a few days ago to discuss this runny nose and to confirm that I shouldn’t be concerned about COVID-19. I learned on this call that if the patient has any symptoms of COVID-19, has been exposed to anyone with the virus, has traveled abroad or been exposed to anyone who’s traveled recently, they would not even see them at our pediatric office.
It is very clear that they are doing everything in their power to contain the virus in a very limited number of places, while also isolating those with symptoms away from the general public and those with other (less risky/normal) illnesses.
She also told me that they are not equipped to do any of the COVID-19 testing because there aren’t enough supplies to be used in all clinics. Therefore, there are a limited number of clinics that are taking on COVID-19 patients.
Whether there truly aren’t enough supplies to equip all clinics in our area for COVID-19 testing or not, I am pleasantly surprised at the level of precautions being taken, as well as how smart it really is to isolate the virus in fewer places – something I hadn’t considered or would have thought to do from the get-go. Good thing I’m not in the healthcare field, right?! haha!
She also advised me not to come in unless I absolutely thought it was necessary she be seen. At that point, I was not concerned and didn’t take her in.
Weighing the risks of Visiting the Doctor’s Office During the Coronavirus
Then I called yesterday because things were not getting any better and Gracelyn was clearly not feeling well – whiny, needy, irritable, tired, foul ear odor. This time, the nurse thought it would be best if she was seen, as long as I was comfortable with it. They had one more “acute patient” visit available. We were able to be seen just a couple of hours from when I called in.
But, before we got too far into the appointment-making process, I was asked a number of screening questions… Had Gracelyn been exposed to anyone with the virus? Had she/we traveled recently, especially abroad? Has she had a fever? And then the normal questions that are always asked – What’s the reason for your visit? What symptoms does she have? Etc.
Once I was cleared from those questions, the nurse walked me through the process of what I would experience upon arrival. I was to check-in on-line (our clinics – MercyOne – have a new digital check-in system that I’d imagine has come in very handy during this situation!) when we arrived, if possible.
I had the option to wait out in the atrium or sit in the waiting area, whichever I felt most comfortable with. She also informed me that they’ve adjusted the layout of the waiting area to accommodate the recommended six-foot distance between people.
At the Doctor’s Office
When we arrived there were multiple check-points instructing us where to go and what to do. They had a disinfecting station set up in the waiting area with hand sanitizer, tissues, and information on the protocols that were in place for the safety of patients and staff in regards to the Coronavirus.
When we arrived, we were the only ones in the waiting area. There were two other families that walked out while we were there. I barely spoke to the staff except to say who I was when we walked in. I’d already checked-in on my phone at that point. It was very quiet, except for the kid’s show they had on the TV, per usual.
The wait wasn’t terrible, and we again didn’t interact with anyone else on our way to our room. To be quite honest, it was actually a very pleasant doctor’s visit! I believe because they’re really watching which visits they take, plus people canceling to stay home, their workload is likely much lighter right now. Therefore, we were in and out in a timely manner (which is not usually the case for us) and we were not rushed in our visit.
We did not get to see our normal pediatrician, but that was no big deal for me. I like all of the doctors at our clinic. From what I could tell, all nurses and doctors were wearing respiratory masks at all times. That part made it all seem “real” to me. Gracelyn was also a bit scared of them with their masks on, which is understandable for a little tike. She’s also kind of skittish around new people anyway.
An Impressive experience
As I mentioned before, this ended up being a very pleasant experience for us. As you might imagine, I had my concerns going into it. I’m very impressed with every interaction I had throughout the entire process. I felt very well cared for, probably more so than normal. Our pediatric clinic was very thorough in their screenings and following all protocols to keep us safe. I was impressed.
If you find yourself in the position of needing care for yourself or a loved one, I’d first encourage you to call your clinic to see what their protocols are during this time period. And if an appointment is necessary, I’d wouldn’t have any hesitation in telling you to go.
Use your best judgment, but don’t avoid being seen if you are legitimately sick just because you think the clinic is a Coronavirus petri-dish. Call, find out how they are handling COVID-19 cases, and make your decision from there.
I’m glad we went in and got ahead of this ear infection. The last thing I need while social-distancing is a sick kid who won’t come unglued from my hip! 🙂
Have you had to visit a doctor during this outbreak, or any before? I’d love to hear your experience, and hopefully, it was just as good as ours. It’s kind of a strange feeling, going to the doctor, but not for the current illness that’s spreading like wildfire!
Please also visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic.
-MG
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