As officials continue discussions on safely reopening the economy, many patients are now considering revisiting a medical office for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understandably, patients have many questions about this process:
- Is it okay to schedule my annual exam?
- What about more urgent medical issues?
- How have doctors’ offices changed to ensure the safety of patients?
- Are patients being screened for COVID-19?
These are all great questions, and we’re happy to provide answers, so you can have a better idea what to expect, as well as peace of mind about scheduling an appointment when you’re ready.
While nobody can predict the “end” of this coronavirus outbreak, we continue to accept patients at Maryland Urgent Care & Primary Care, while implementing rigorous protocols to ensure your health and safety.
If you’re considering revisiting a medical office after COVID-19, here are some things to know.
Scheduling exams and check-ups
Patients can continue to schedule their annual exams, physicals and other check-ups during COVID-19. Maintaining these checkups are still important, particularly if you have had previous medical concerns that require ongoing attention.
While many medical facilities have switched to telemedicine (providing care over the phone), this valuable tool is not meant to be a long-term replacement to patient-physician interaction.
As a primary care facility, we continue to conduct wellness exams on a case-by-case basis and can advise you on when to schedule your appointment.
Urgent care
If you are experiencing an urgent medical issue, you should always seek care immediately.
We typically advise patients to visit the hospital if they experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe allergic reaction
- Broken bone
- Coughing/Vomiting blood
For less critical medical concerns, you can continue to visit Maryland Urgent Care with or without an appointment:
- Fevers must call in first for a phone triage as this might be a symptom of coronavirus infection.
- Common cold and cough must call in first for a phone triage as these might be a symptom of coronavirus infection
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
- Sprained ankles / ligaments
- Sinus infections
- Pink Eye
- Minor cuts & burns
COVID-19 safety precautions
Like most medical facilities, Maryland Primary Care has implemented numerous processes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients.
WE ARE NOT A COVID 19 TESTING CENTER AND WE DO NOT PERFORM THOSE TESTS.
We are adhering to all applicable guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Medical Association, and adjusting our processes accordingly.
These precautions can include, but are not limited to:
- Continually monitoring the health of Urgent Care staff, screening for high temperatures and other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Screening patients over the phone and in person for symptoms and exposure to others diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to entering care settings.
- Increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves and other equipment, as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection throughout the facility.
- Limited non-patient/staff access to care facilities, such as deliveries, vendors, third-party representatives and so on.
- Ongoing staff training to ensure compliance with all policies.
What if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?
If you have reason to believe you may have COVID-19, we recommend calling us first. This allows us to conduct the screening process over the phone, ensuring safety for you and others.
If you need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest hospital ER.
If you have any other questions about revisiting a medical office, or you’re ready to book an appointment, call us at 301-277-3555 and we’ll be happy to assist you.
We provide our patient with a free app to analyze their cardiovascular risk and create a personalized plan of activities and diet for a healthier lifestyle.
