If you or any of your loved ones need urgent non-life-threatening medical care, you may feel unsettled visiting a healthcare facility during this Covid-19 pandemic.
It is not unusual to be concerned about getting infected by the virus.
However, rest assured that clinics like after hours clinic Arlington VA have policies to safeguard patients from the spread of infections.
During normal times, doctors and nurses wash their hands before they treat you.
Urgent care centers have now gone a step ahead.
Patients with symptoms for possible Covid-19 are isolated and instructed to wear a face mask when being evaluated medically.
Doctors and staff are strictly adhering to Standard and Transmission based precautions when treating patients.
If Covid-19 continues to remain a public health problem, things are going to be different when you visit a doctor’s facility.
So, there is no need to avoid clinics because you are worried about Covid-19.
Heart attacks and strokes do not give a warning and even minor health issues can worsen without prompt treatment.
“An untreated medical condition, even if seemingly minor, can become more dangerous than the virus”, says a physician at an after-hours clinic Arlington VA.
In case of an illness or injury, try to communicate with the urgent care facility.
If they are offering a telehealth visit, they may tell you if it is safe for an in-person visit. Or else they may provide you with special instructions if you do need to visit the clinic.
All urgent care facilities are aware of the threat of Covid-19. Each healthcare center may have different policies, but in general you can expect the following when you visit most of the clinics.
You will be screened for Covid-19. When you arrive, your temperature will be taken, and asked about any symptoms such as cough, fever, or breathing difficulty. You may even be asked if you visited any place that has had an outbreak.
You may be asked to fill some paperwork in your car before you come inside. The person giving a ride to the patient may be asked to wait outside, while the sick person is evaluated inside the urgent care premises.
The number of visitors is restricted. It is even possible no visitors are allowed unless the patient is a child, senior, disabled, or unable to move due to illness.
The staff at the clinics disinfects high touch surfaces and provides extra space for social distancing.
“Whenever I visit after hours clinic near me, I limit my exposure to people by waiting at the safest possible place”, says a 35-year-old shop assistant.
“I know this is a stressful time for the healthcare personnel, and they are doing their best to keep everyone safe. Yet, I am not shy to speak up if I have any safety concerns”.
It is good that we are having choices while making our healthcare decisions. It can be tough to decide where to go during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Access to telemedicine helps, but there are situations when in-person care is essential. In such a scenario, urgent care centers have provided enough reassurances that the facilities are safe.
