It has been noticed that fewer people are visiting doctors during COVID-19 or putting off their appointments at clinics due to the fear of contracting the virus or simply due to movement restrictions. While this may seem okay due to the lockdown measures but not seeking medical care simply due to concern of COVID-19 can lead to serious health problems. People tend to follow physical distances to prevent unwanted contact, including going to the grocery store. But providers are worried about medical treatment because ignoring severe signs and symptoms can be risky.
Whether you’re suffering from a disease that requires close monitoring and testing or have new symptoms, it’s important to continue seeing your doctor. For normal illnesses such as fever, cold, eye or nose pain, scratches, or bruises virtual visits are preferred since they require minimal medical attention. But it is important to seek care if you are noticing or suffering from serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, or respiratory problems.
First, call someone or visit the website of your clinic to get to know about the precautions being taken by the clinics or needed to be taken by you while visiting the clinic. Call your doctor’s office and tell him/her about your symptoms or health problems, if they suggest coming to the office, then ask about the weather to schedule a virtual visit conducted through video chat or phone, or a traditional in-person visit to the clinic.
Virtual Visits:
If a virtual visit is the right option for you, request any special instructions from your doctor’s office. Which technology does it need? A smartphone or laptop will fit best? Want to download a software or app? Can the doctor call or give an email or text link to a website? What kind of payment method to use? Be sure that the battery for your phone or computer is fully charged and that you sit in front of a window or place a lamp in front of you when the appointment takes place during the day so that the doctor can see you clearly on his or her screen.
In-person Visits:
When an in-person appointment is the best choice for you, ask for some additional directions from your doctor’s office before you go to the clinic. Once you arrive, some will ask you to call them from the door to make sure you don’t have to wait in the waiting area. Remember to inform your doctor’s office or doctor all of the symptoms so that proper precautions can be taken to care for you. Always wear a mask, carry a sanitizer, and follow all the social distancing rules. Be six feet away from others, and be in an area with less than 10 people. Wash your hands before and after your tour, and when you return home. Then put your clothes in the wash, once again at home.
Although things have changed drastically as a result of the virus, seeking medical care and visiting doctors during COVID-19 if you are ill is never too dangerous or wrong. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, it’s important to find someone who can support you on your journey to health. Ask for suggestions from relatives, family members, or the insurance firm. The best time to visit a new practitioner is when you become sick. This gives your doctor the opportunity to understand who you are, and how he can help you achieve your goal: to be the healthiest version of yourself.
