4 TIPS FOR VISITING YOUR DOCTOR

Late last month, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 48% of adults had skipped or postponed medical care because of the coronavirus pandemic. Physicians are deeply concerned about the consequences, especially for people with serious illnesses or chronic medical conditions.

To feel comfortable, patients need to take stock of the precautions providers are taking. Here are suggestions that can help people think through concerns and decide whether to seek elective care:

1. Learn about your medical provider’s preparations.

Give yourself at least a week to do your homework.“You want to know in advance what’s expected of you and what you can expect from your providers,”said Lisa McGiffert, cofounder of the Patient Safety Action Network.

Project Patient Care has developed a guide with recommended questions. Among them: Will I be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival? Do I need to wear a mask and gloves? Are there any restrictions on what I can bring (a laptop, books, a change of clothing)?

Also ask whether patients known to have COVID-19 are treated in the same areas you’ll use.

Don’t hesitate to press for more details, said Dr. Allen Kachalia, senior vice president of patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

2. Pay attention to safety procedures.

Marjorie Helsel DeWert, 67, of Athens, Ohio, was impressed when she visited her dentist recently and noticed circular yellow signs on the floor of the office, spaced 6 feet apart, indicating where people should stand. Staffers had even put pens used to fill out paperwork in individual containers and arranged to disinfect them after use.

DeWert, a learning scientist, came up with a patient safety checklist and distributed it to family and friends. Among her questions: Can necessary forms be completed online before a medical visit? Can I wait in the car outside until called? What kind of personal protective equipment is the staff using?

3. Ask about bringing a caregiver.

Some medical centers are allowing caregivers to accompany patients; others are not. Be sure to ask what policies are in place.

If you feel your presence is necessary for a loved one, be firm but also respectful, said Ilene Corina, president of the Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy.

Be prepared to wear a gown, gloves and mask.“You’re not there for yourself; you’re there to support the health care team and the patient,”Corina said.

4. Stay vigilant after your procedure.

Patients leaving hospitals are fearful these days that they may have become infected with COVID-19, unwittingly. Ask your physician or a nurse what equipment you’ll need to monitor yourself.

If follow-up care is being provided via telehealth, make sure the setup works before your loved one comes home. Ask your physician’s office what kind of equipment you will need, which service it uses (Zoom? Skype?) and whether you can arrange a test in advance.

PEXELS